Somerville Supply Depot undergoes review of security

Congressman tells Town Hall meeting

site’s security is "entirely inadequate"
By:John Patten
   The General Services Administration (GSA) performed a review of security at the Somerville Supply Depot, which houses more than 2,600 tons of toxic mercury, Monday.
   The review is part of a planned review of security at GSA facilities in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and follows a town hall meeting by U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-16, Saturday morning in which the congressman labeled security at the site "entirely inadequate."
   "I urge the Defense Logistics Agency to immediately increase security at the facility and ensure that seamless communication and coordination exists with local law enforcement agencies," Mr. Ferguson said. The Defense Logistics Agency manages the government stockpile of materials at the depot, which is owned by the GSA.
   Although a report on the review isn’t expected until next week, some steps have already been taken to increase security at the site in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to Hillsborough Township Chief of Police Robert Gazaway.
   Chief Gazaway said he has made several visits to the site since Sept. 11 and has been working with site managers. The chief told Mr. Ferguson and the crowd of about 18 present at the meeting: "My first thought is that this stuff needs to be moved out of Hillsborough, but if they have to wait, let’s maximize security at that site."
   In the past, access to the site has been limited by a large rolling wire gate with one or two armed guards. Once inside the gate, access to the warehouses which store materials such as cobalt, rubber and the mercury is unchecked. The materials were stockpiled by the Defense Department over the years to prevent shortages during any critical times, and have now become obsolete and difficult to eliminate.
   According to DLA spokesman John Reinders, the GSA report should be forwarded to his agency within a week or two. After reviewing the recommendations in the report, the agency may announce what measures will be taken.
   "Obviously, when you’re doing a security review, there are things it would be best not to release to the public," he said.