CSEPP Background Information

The United States Congress has directed that the U.S. Army destroy certain kinds of chemical weapons stockpiled at eight U.S. Army installations in the continental United States over the next several years. Experts believe the chance of an accident involving these obsolete chemical munitions is remote. However, local officials and responders have to be ready for such an emergency today and every day until the stockpile in their community no longer exists.

With the help of FEMA and the Army, these eight communities are expanding emergency plans and capabilities to meet the slight but real threat of an emergency involving chemical agents. These communities now have plans and procedures in place to deal with a stockpile accident. Moreover, they are constantly striving to enhance that preparedness. This effort is called the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program or CSEPP.

The Army, as custodian of the stockpiles, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which has long-standing knowledge and experience in preparing for and dealing with emergencies of all kinds, provide funds, guidance, resources, training, and other support. Other Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also lend their expertise in specific areas of the program.

CSEPP Stockpile Communities
The stockpiles are located in eight communities in the continental United States. A stockpile was also located on Johnston Atoll, an island in the Pacific; destruction of chemical weapons stored there concluded in December of 2000. Because two of the eight stockpile sites are near state borders, 40 counties in 10 states participate in the program. The Army stockpile sites and participating states are:

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Last Modified: Tuesday, 02-May-2006 13:01:23 EDT