December 7, 2011
Craig Williams (2006), director of the Chemical Weapons Working Group (CWWG) has just returned from The Hague in the Netherlands. Williams was invited to speak at the Conference of State Parties of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).The conference provided a forum for discussion and updates from representatives of 188 countries that have signed an international treaty to eradicate chemical weapons.
Williams was awarded the Goldman Prize for the major role he played in ensuring that safe disposal methods were put in place at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky and at chemical weapon stockpile incineration sites all over the country. At the conference, he reported on the progress being made at the Blue Grass Army Depot, where construction is underway to a pilot plant that will utilize safe and efficient disposal techniques.
“Being part of the first global effort to dispose of an entire class of weapon of mass destruction is an exciting opportunity from a historical perspective. It’s also gratifying to have played a role in ensuring safe and environmentally protective disposal technologies are being used at the last two U.S. disposal facilities in Kentucky and Colorado,” Williams remarked upon his return from the Hague.
The U.S. Ambassador to OPCW, Dr. Robert Mikulak who was also at the conference, had glowing remarks after his visit to Kentucky to tour the facilities at the Blue Grass Army Depot and spoke at a recent dinner event co-hosted by Williams,Madison County Judge Executive Kent Clark and former state Rep. Harry Moberly.
“Having toured the site and met with elected officials and citizens groups, I can return to The Hague (in The Netherlands) with the utmost confidence regarding the U.S. effort to destroy all the nation’s chemical weapons,” Mikulak said.
