Summary: The Army had destroyed about 17.7 percent of the chemical weapons stockpile as of January 2000 and could destroy about 90 percent of the stockpile by the 2007 deadline set by the Chemical Weapons Convention. However, the Army may not meet the deadline for the remaining 10 percent of the stockpile because the incineration method of destruction has been unacceptable to two of the states where the chemical stockpile is located. Also, the proposed method of destruction has not been proven safe and effective and accepted by state and local communities. The Army has experienced significant problems in recent years in effectively managing the use of funds set aside for the chemical demilitarization program. Effective management of the program has been hindered by its complex management structure and poor coordination among program offices and with state and local officials. Also, coordination and communication among officials responsible for aspects of the program have fallen short, causing confusion about what steps would be taken at certain sites.
