January 12, 2000
Web posted at: 12:37 a.m. EST (0537 GMT)

In this story: Documents allegedly 'misleading and dishonest' Army calls incineration safe RELATED STORIES, SITES

From CNN Military Affairs Correspondent Jamie McIntyre

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Army is investigating allegations made by a former employee at a chemical weapons plant in Utah who claims he was forced by Army officials to manipulate data so the plant would pass environmental and health regulations.

The Pentagon said Tuesday it is confident the charges will be proven untrue.

Gary Harris, former chief permit coordinator for the U.S. Army's Tooele, Utah, chemical weapons incinerator plant, said he was asked by top Army officials to conceal significant facts to hide major design flaws and health risks.

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Appearing at the National Press Club, Harris said his job was threatened if he didn't comply. Harris said he became sick from exposure to the industrial chemicals used as part of the incineration process.

"Many documents were submitted to the Utah regulators by the Army and its contractors that were misleading and dishonest," he said.

"As the permitting coordinator, I was directed to submit modifications to the facilities permit that did not comply with federal law. I also reported health, safety and environmental issues to EG & G, the Army's contractor and to the Army's program manager ... which I was then directed not to bring to the attention of state regulators under the threat of losing my job."

A Pentagon spokesman said the Army plans a formal response, once its investigation is completed.

The Army released a statement saying:

"The citizens of Utah and of the United States can rest assured that the Army will continue its mission to effectively and safely eliminate this country's stockpile of obsolete chemical weapons. This mission will be completed and the Army will provide maximum protection to the human health and the environment."

The Pentagon said incineration is the only proven, tested, safe method for disposal of assembled chemical weapons, and that the Army's Tooele Chemical Weapons incinerator uses the most advanced technology, with thousands of backup systems to prevent the accidental release of chemicals.