Professor claims to discover of munitions disposal process

(McAlester-AP) -- A professor at Oklahoma State University says he can help the military dispose of obsolete munitions. <br><br>OSU physics professor James Harmon says he's discovered a new process

Wednesday, August 14th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(McAlester-AP) -- A professor at Oklahoma State University says he can help the military dispose of obsolete munitions.

OSU physics professor James Harmon says he's discovered a new process that uses sunlight and a photocatalyst to break down explosive compounds used in munitions.

Harmon says he has no doubt it will work. He says the new technology is cutting-edge. And the professor is getting a one-point-18 (m) million dollar grant for development and implementation.

About 460-thousand tons of obsolete munitions are being stored at eight facilities across the U-S, including the largest one in McAlester. Another 350-thousand tons will be added in the next ten years.

Harmon says his technique would work quickly and cheaply to reduce the stockpiles.