HERMISTON – Test data received Wednesday caused the latest in the preliminary series of mini burns at the Umatilla Chemical Agent Disposal Facility to be suspended.

No chemical agents were involved in these tests.

The short four-hour burns are part of a preliminary testing procedure using industrial chemicals as “surrogate agents,” part of the shakedown process that will enable depot officials to determine any problem areas before actual trial burns are initiated.

Tests on the Deactivation Furnace System began March 29 and were halted five days later when data indicated emission levels of rust and fiberglass particles were exceeded. Further test data received Thursday also found five of the 10 metals included in the tests exceeded the state permitted emission levels.

Each of the four furnaces on the depot has its own abatement system that feeds into a common stack. Emission levels for the common stack were within the levels permitted by state regulations.

“We did not exceed the levels for the common stack,” said UMCD Public Affairs Officer, Mary A. Binder. “Where we exceeded was for the individual air cleaning system.”

The metals exceeding the emission limits were lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury and nickel. The remaining five metals tested – antimony, arsenic, manganese, selenium and thallium – were within permitted levels.

All further system testing has been stopped and the furnace is being cooled. An investigation is under way and will continue throughout the weekend.

Army officials have already met with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality representatives in regard to the test results. A meeting to discuss findings is scheduled for Monday.