Colonel Gary Harter
Commander
U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground
Attn: DP.CO
Dugway, UT 84022-5000

Dear Sir:

Media reports that the Dugway Proving Ground is assisting the FBI in the
investigation of the autumn 2001 anthrax attacks by “reverse engineering”
the production of finely milled spores raise a number of concerns that we
request you address.

We are not pursuing documents that could be considered classified
information nor do we wish to compromise an important on-going
investigation with this request. We currently have pending a FOIA request
concerning Dugway’s bio-holdings, which has been forwarded to legal
authorities at higher command, and we would like to trust that Dugway’s
avowed openness on this matter will be resolved satisfactorily. Our
primary concerns remain the public health and safety, and the
transparency necessary to assure it.

Regarding the reported anthrax investigation, we ask that you respond to
the following questions:

1 - Is DPG using anthrax-like simulants (e.g. BT), or killed, attenuated or
live anthrax spores in this investigation? Are simulants or spores being
aerosolized?

2 - If live anthrax spores are being used in this investigation, what will be
the disposition of those spores once the investigation is concluded? Since
DPG has acknowledged that it has created powdered, weaponized anthrax
spores for aerosolization since 1991, how much has DPG produced and
what has been done with the surplus spores? How much has been made
per year, how much as been retained, and how much has been destroyed?

3 - Have other pathogenic agents been weaponized as part of this
investigation, or in conjunction with other experiments at DPG? Are any
pathogens or simulants associated with this investigation being tested in
the open air?

4 - Why is Dugway performing this joint investigative work rather than other
facilities such as Fort Detrick, which has similar capabilities and higher-
rated containment laboratories (e.g. BSL 4), and is closer to both FBI HQ
and the locus of the criminal investigation?

5 - Have local regulatory and health authorities been briefed regarding this
activity, and are they adequately prepared to plan for and respond to any
accidental exposures of personnel?

We respectfully request your timely response to these inquiries.

Sincerely,

Steve Erickson
Citizens Education Project
c/o 444 E. Northmont Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84103
(801) 554-9029
erickson.steve1@attbi.com

cc: Paula Nicholson
Dr. Richard Melton
Media