A House Concurrent Resolution is in the last stages of being drafted that would outlaw the open tray burn method of disposal of military munitions.
State Rep. Gene Reynolds says the resolution, if passed, tells the military they cannot dispose of munitions with the open tray burn method.
“We put the last language in it, and it’s a pretty strong resolution,” he said. “It puts a lot of teeth in not allowing this thing to happen again. I think it’s going to be good. It won’t officially be released until next week.”
The resolution does not yet have a House number, he says.
This resolution comes in the wake of the military’s decision to use the open tray burn method of disposal of nearly 16 million pounds of M6 propellant and other chemicals stored at Camp Minden. With a grassroots movement, community members and elected officials were able to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from going through with the decision previously set.
A dialogue committee was formed, and within a month, presented six alternative methods of disposal to the military and the EPA.
A review committee was formed to review the 10 bids submitted for contract. That review committee has made its recommendation and the EPA is currently looking over the recommendation before selecting a contractor for the project.
No decision has been released as of yet.