As you know from our special "Apache Update" which was hand-delivered to our nearby neighbors on Monday, November 8, 1999, Apache Nitrogen Products, Inc. (Apache) conducted a small-scale TNT test-burn on Wednesday, November 10th. During the test-burn, approximately five pounds of TNT-contaminated soil was soaked with kerosene and burned. The test-burn was conducted outdoors on Apache’s property by an Apache consultant, Denova Environmental, Inc., at a secure location just north of the plant operations area. Personnel from the U.S. EPA and Apache's environmental consultant, Hargis + Associates, provided oversight along with Apache personnel.

We are pleased to report that the test-burn was a success. The TNT did not react as strongly as was anticipated. In fact, it was described as a "flash-in-the-pan" and a "sizzle" rather than a large burn. This was good news. It indicates that the pre-treatment burns scheduled for December should go smoothly. Due to the reduced effect of the burn, more soil can be burned during each burn session, thus reducing the number of sessions.

The pre-treat burns are currently scheduled to occur between December 6, 1999, and December 17, 1999. The burns will be scheduled at times when weather conditions are favorable, and generally around midday. It is Apache's goal to complete all of the pre-treating of the TNT and have the waste off-site prior to 12/31/99. If you have any questions, please call 520-720-2190.

Thank you for supporting Apache.