Investigators find metallic materials under Camp Carroll

A joint Korean-U.S. investigation team confirmed Friday that it detected what was presumed to be metallic drums buried under a U.S. military base where containers of toxic defoliant were allegedly dumped more than three decades ago.

The findings have increased the possibility that barrels containing defoliants remain under Camp Carroll in North Gyeongsang Province despite the U.S. Force Korea’s claim that they were removed in 1980.

At a news conference Friday, the investigation team announced the results of its interim probe, saying unidentified metal objects were detected beneath a helipad located at Camp Carroll. “Unusual signals including radar responses and reactions from metallic materials presumed to be from barrels containing defoliants were detected at 22 locations," the team said.

A team member said, “If the areas where unusual signals were detected are combined, the area would be enough to hold 250-500 barrels.” The team launched an investigation into the land there by driving two-inch-wide pipes into the land as demanded by the U.S. military.

According to an official at the Korean Environment Ministry, the U.S. military has rejected Korea’s proposal to excavate the land.

zozo@donga.com