Depot gets reserve security

Published Nov. 6, 2001

Karen Zacharias
Herald Oregon bureau

UMATILLA - Army soldiers who have been guarding one of the nation's largest stockpiles of chemical agents at the Umatilla Chemical Depot have been replaced by a National Guard unit to boost security.

Mary Binder, depot spokeswoman, confirmed Monday that a unit of about "100 to 200" reservists now are providing security at the depot. The reservists are reportedly from California, and they may be based at the site for the next year or two.

Lt. Col. Frederick Pellissier, depot commander, said security issues continue to be one of his biggest challenges. The reservists provide a more long-term option to security than the Army could. When the Army unit was deployed after the Sept. 11 terrorist bombings, depot officials said the contingent also numbered 100 to 200 troops.

"The Army had its own mission at Fort Lewis," Pellissier said. He declined to say specifically how long the reservists will remain at the depot.

"As long as necessary," he said.

Pellissier said the depot's security staff had been minimal.

"We did have a lean, although very capable and very well-trained security staff," Pellissier said.

Then, he added, "I'm happy the National Guard is here to augment security and to maintain the security of the stockpile."

In the past, the 3,717 tons of chemical agent stored at Umatilla have been guarded chiefly by civil servants. Reportedly, before Sept. 11, a staff of 10 to 12 people per shift at three shifts a day were providing security for the 20,000-acre depot and its stockpile of nerve agents, which includes 2,635 tons of mustard agent.

Pellissier said many of the reservists were anxious about being assigned to guard the stockpile of nerve agents.

"The National Guard (reservists) had concerns about the mission they've been given. I understand their concerns. I've worked around chemical agents. I respect the stuff. And I want to ensure their safety," Pellissier said.

He said the guard troops received specialized training before being transferred to Umatilla.

"They each carry protection masks, and we made sure those masks fit. And that they knew how to use them," he added.

The switch from Army soldiers to reservists was made last week. Pellissier said so far the transition has been seamless. He also said he believes the reservists are as well qualified as the Army unit.

Despite the dilapidated conditions of the depot barracks, Binder said for the time being the reservists are bunking down at the post.

In other security measures, Pellissier said a flight restriction around the depot remains in place. And, he said, new safety measures continue to be updated and implemented.

"I feel confident we have safety procedures in place in case of a biological threat," he said.

Umatilla Police Chief Travis Eynon said he's glad to see the depot step up its security force.

"I'm glad somebody is out there guarding these things in times like these," he said. "It makes sense to bring in reservists. The Guard's role is to augment ground troops anyway. I think they are just as well trained, just as adequate."

Lt. Darin Helman of the Oregon State Police also said he is glad to see a more permanent backup at the depot.

"If it makes the community feel safer and if it makes the depot a safer place, I'm all for it," Helman said.

 

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