The Department of Homeland Security has decided to suspend a proposed chemical test on the Oklahoma/Kansas border.
In November the Department of Homeland Security released a draft environmental assessment for a proposed chemical test at the former Chilocco Indian School near Newkirk, Oklahoma. The proposal surprised many people in nearby Arkansas City, who were upset that the tests would be happening so close to their homes and schools.
DHS spokesman John Verrico says many of these people wrote to the department to express their concerns during the public comment period that ended in early December.
“Based on those comments that we received from the tribes, from the state and local governments, as well as concerns expressed from residents in the proposed test area, DHS has decided to suspend the plans to perform the test at that proposed site,” he says.
The proposed tests would have gathered data on how much protection buildings provide in the event of a biological or chemical weapons attack. Verrico says the tests are important and that they are still looking at other areas.
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