Indians’ concerns halt bioterror drills

NEWKIRK, Okla. — The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that it is suspending plans to conduct bioterrorism drills near the Kansas-Oklahoma border over concerns about their impact on grounds American Indian tribes consider sacred because more than 100 children are buried there.

Homeland Security spokesman John Verrico said in an email that the tests were suspended over objections to them taking place at the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School.

The Chilocco school, which operated from the late 1800s until 1980, was one of several federally run boarding schools where the U.S. once sought to assimilate American Indian children. The tribes say the federal agency is failing to protect a site with religious and cultural significance.

The agency’s environmental assessment for the test said several inert chemical and nonhazardous biological materials were to be released to evaluate the ability of buildings to protect occupants from outdoor biological hazards. The proposed testing was planned for the February and June and July.

“While the work remains very important for the security of our nation, further evaluation will be conducted to identify the best location for future testing,” Verrico said.

The Homeland Security Department said the chemicals are found in common household products such as cosmetics and laundry soap.