• Recovered chemical weapons include items recovered during range-clearing operations, from chemical burial sites, and from research and development testing.⁴

• Former production facilities include government facilities that produced chemical weapons and agents prior to the signing of the Chemical Weapons Convention. These facilities produced chemical agent, precursors, and components for chemical weapons or were used for loading and filling munitions.

• Miscellaneous chemical warfare materiel includes unfilled munitions, support equipment, and devices designed to be used with chemical weapons. These include complete assembled rounds without chemical fill, with or without bursters and fuzes; simulant-filled munitions; inert munitions; dummy munitions; bursters and fuzes; empty rocket warheads and motors; projectile cases; and other components of metal and plastic parts.

The NSCMP is developing a number of technologies, systems, and facilities for identifying, storing, and treating the contents of recovered chemical warfare materiel. The portable isotopic neutron spectroscopy (PINS) device has the capability of identifying the contents of unopened munitions. The presence and relative concentration of a specific chemical element can be determined from characteristic emitted gamma-ray peaks. PINS uses a neutron source, a gamma ray detector, and a multichannel analyzer to identify the chemical elements. A neutron source located near the item being analyzed penetrates the munition's shell and interacts with its contents. The gamma ray detector and multichannel analyzer monitor the energies and intensities of the released gamma rays.

The Raman spectrophotometer analyzes the contents of chemical agent identification sets (CAIS), which consist of chemical agents in glass ampoules, vials, and bottles packed in metal shipping containers or wooden boxes. The Raman spectrophotometer uses a laser to penetrate the glass vials or bottles and identify the contents.

The Mobile Munitions Assessment System (MMAS) is a transportable commercial center that provides on-site information about the contents of unopened recovered munitions and distributes the information to the appropriate authorities and emergency personnel. The MMAS is capable of assessing recovered munitions on site without moving the materiel and also monitoring air at the site. It can determine the contents and stability of either conventional or chemical-filled unopened munitions. Munitions are then analyzed by the PINS. A portable x-ray device may also be used to determine the presence of internal explosive materiel. The MMAS also contains a weather monitoring system. If a leaking munition is present, the weather equipment helps determine the safe evacuation zones away from the site. Cameras are used to monitor all activity around the site. Because the MMAS is powered by a portable gas generator, it can remain on site for

Front Matter (R1-R14)

Executive Summary (1-10)

1 Introduction (11-30)

2 Disposal Alternatives (31-37)

3 Issues to Consider (38-52)

4 Review of the Commercial Incineration Option (53-74)

5 Alternatives to Commercial Incineration of CAIS (75-93)

6 Conclusions and Recommendations (94-104)

References (105-112)

Appendix A: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members (113-116)

Appendix B: Committee Meetings and Other Activities (117-121)

Appendix C: Methods of Treating Non-Stockpile Chemical Material (122-124)

Appendix D: Legal Context for CAIS Disposal (125-135)