NEWPORT, Ind., July 1 (UPI) -- The destruction of some 250,000 gallons of the nerve agent VX at Newport, Ind., has been delayed indefinitely because tests show a byproduct is flammable.
The mixture of VX and other substances spilled at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal Facility, reported the Indianapolis Star Friday. U.S Army officials said the spill was caused by a deteriorated valve that failed.
However, following the spill, wastewater containing trace amounts of VX was tested and it was found that VX byproduct hydrolysate had a flash point -- could ignite -- at 68 to 88 degrees F, not 200 degrees F as, previously believed, the Star said.
Terry Arthur, a spokeswoman for the disposal facility near Terre Haute, Ind., said there still was little danger of the hydrolysate catching fire.
"It is already being held in containers designed to hold flammable liquid," Arthur said.
