The chemical weapons used in last week’s attack in Syria are the same type stored and scheduled for destruction in Madison County, Kentucky.
The sarin that’s stored at the Bluegrass Army Depot near Richmond will be destroyed starting in 2020. The job will be completed in three years, barring any delays. Craig Williams, with The Kentucky Environmental Foundation Chemical Weapons Working Group, said while the chemical weapons used in Syria didn’t come from the Bluegrass Army Depot, they’re the same as those scheduled to be destroyed.
“Somewhat depressing to know that Syrian people have been affected by these materials. Particularly since Syria recently signed onto the treaty banning such use,” Williams said.
He said Syria signed that treaty a few years ago. The chemical weapons in Madison County are the last of nine stockpiles to be eliminated in the U.S.
“All of our sympathies go out to the people, particularly the children, who are affected by this,” he said. “Regardless of who was responsible and regardless of what particular type of agents were used; it’s still a very sad situation.”
Williams said it’s a challenging undertaking to rid the world of chemical weapons, but his organization and others are doing everything they can to make that happen.
