PROMONTORY Utah (ABC4 News) – There was fallout following ATK’s latest rocket testing.
ATK Aerospace Systems performed their second ground test of the Arest solid rocket motor Tuesday and neighbors noticed.
“I looked out the window and saw my sidewalks covered in brown crud,” said Gretchen Roberts who lives in nearby Thatcher.
Homes and property around the community of Thatcher was covered in dust like particles.
Animals, barns, crops, homes and people felt the blanket of residue come over them.
Jana Burdick's husband was working outside when the fallout covered him.
“It did burn him a little bit on his skin,” she said. “There was ash covering everywhere.”
ATK officials said unexpected winds sent the fallout to nearby homes.
Mike Summers is worried about his crops and sheep which stood in the cloud of ash.
“Basically (I’m worried) if there's any toxins in the exhaust of the residue that might affect the sheep,” Summers said.
ATK officials sent out crews to wash down properties that were smothered in particles.
“It's not toxic,” said Trina Patterson, spokesperson for ATK. “And that's from the Utah Division of Air Quality and we do our own studies too.”
ATK claimed the fallout is mainly dirt stirred up during the launch.
“There's a little chloride and aluminum found in the native soil (when it lands)," she said.
But she said they are minerals that are within allowable levels.
ATK said the rocket's design has changed over the years but its propellant hasn’t.
That's why the state doesn't test the residue at every launch.
State officials said the last time was in 2002 and their findings show its just dirt.
"You really don't want to be playing in it but at the same time it's really not hazardous or toxic,” said DEQ spokesperson Donna Spangler.
Patterson said that prior to ever launch they hold an open house to explain the process and potential concerns to neighbors.
She said prior to Tuesday’s launch they sent out 800 invitations to the open house.
“No one showed up,” Patterson said.
