Mercury storage possible at Tooele

WASHINGTON — A new draft environmental impact statement recommends that the military consolidate its entire emergency stockpile of mercury at one of six possible sites — including Tooele, Utah.

The Utah Industrial Depot, formerly part of the adjacent Tooele Army Depot, asked to be included among six finalists for the storage, while some other sites where there is opposition to storing the 4,890 tons of mercury were included because they are owned by the military.

But a few officials in Tooele, where the Army has stored chemical and biological weapons for decades, are not taking the proposal at face value.

"Mercury is dangerous stuff," said Harry Shinton, chairman of the Tooele County Local Emergency Planning Committee. "And I believe that some individuals who are attempting to convince the planning people that this is OK have not shared all of the possible dangerous conditions if something leaks."

Mercury raises red flags because exposure can affect a person's immune system, cause birth defects and damage the nervous system.

However, from what he has heard, Shinton said, all the proper precautions would be taken during transport and storage of the mercury stockpile.

The Tooele County Health Department is also interested in the draft statement. "I'm just not sure what the specifics are yet," said environmental health director Jeff Coombs. He'll also look at storage and transportation issues.

Generally Tooele officials see the mercury as a commodity that can be stored safely and generate money and jobs through leasing space at the private storage facility.

Tooele County Commissioner Gene White said doesn't have a problem with mercury coming to Tooele.

"What is a perceived risk and what's a real risk?" he asked. "There's all kinds of things that worry me a whole lot more than that kind of thing does.

"We've got the space, we've got the isolation . . . and it's away from right here," he said, referring to Tooele proper.

The Defense National Stockpile Center stores 68 different commodities, including mercury, in warehouses to minimize dependence on foreign suppliers during times of national emergency.