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MTP Action Alert
Help stop renewal of the special military
exemption from labeling of depleted uranium weapons shipments on U.S. roads.
The U.S. Department
of Defense (DOD) has applied for the renewal of a special U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) exemption, DOT-E 9649, which allows the shipment of
depleted uranium munitions without a DOT "Radioactive" placard displayed on the
shipment.
The exemption was first applied for in 1986 when the Department of Defense
became aware that the shipment and use of radioactive munitions would become a
controversial issue. The DOT exemption must be renewed every two years and was
scheduled to be renewed on June 30, 2004. At this time, in October 2004, the
exemption has not yet been renewed.
Contact the Department of Transportation Exemptions division and ask that the
DOT immediately terminate and not renew DOT-E 9649. Depleted uranium munitions
should have a "Radioactive" placard and an "Explosives" placard on shipments.
Depleted uranium is an extremely toxic material and much more dangerous when
shipped with an explosive propellant as in the case of DU munitions. In case of
a fire, first responders (local police and fire fighters) would have no idea the
shipment contained radioactive material. The public has a right to know about
hazardous shipments through their communities.
Send correspondence regarding DOT-E 9649 as soon as possible to:
Mr. Delmer Billings
DHM-31 Director
Office of Hazardous Materials Exemptions and Approvals
Department of Transportation
400 7th St. SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
Fax: (202) 366-3308
E-mail:
delmer.billings@rspa.dot.gov
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