Multi-War Veteran Under Siege As Sewage Plant Din Roars On

Arlington officials say the work is vital as the aging structure, the primary water treatment plant that serves 203,000 residents, is spewing waste into the Chesapeake Bay. But because the site is on marshy land near a river, it is necessary to drive about 2,300 piles 100 feet into the ground. Workers have to pound the piles so deep because, unlike most buildings, these structures are especially heavy because they are essentially massive containers of water, sewage and chemicals. The project will take at least two more years.

Residents say they don't know whether they can tolerate the noise that long. Research has found that loud noise affects people's mental and physical health. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged or excessive exposure to noise can cause medical conditions such as hypertension and sleep problems and can increase aggression.

"For some people it's almost a public health emergency," said Louise Garris, who lives nearby. She said the pile-driving makes people irritable and anxious and recalled how a glass of water placed on a neighbor's table shook with the vibration of the pounding noise.

Kinnard's wife, Libby, said she believes that her husband's health is deteriorating as a result of the constant clamor. She said his doctor has recommended extra rest and avoiding stress, but the county's efforts to improve water safety for other Arlingtonians is coming at the expense of her husband's well-being.

Normally upbeat and outgoing, Libby, 83, said she is also experiencing extreme distress as a result of the noise, which is making it harder for her to provide care for her ailing husband.

"I don't think it is getting any better," she said. "I think it is getting worse."

Her husband tried to be more stoic. Looking frail during an interview in his home, Kinnard described his military experiences. When the Germans demanded the Allied forces surrender at Bastogne, Kinnard said he suggested to Division Commander Gen. Anthony McAuliffe that the only correct response would be "Nuts," which was the answer the general gave the Germans.

The division Kinnard led during the Vietnam War, the 1st Cavalry Division, known as the Air Cav, was depicted in the Mel Gibson movie "We Were Soldiers Once," focusing on the bloody battle of Ia Drang.

Now Kinnard is trying to take this latest ordeal like the soldier he is.

"It's one of those things that just happened," he said. "It's the nature of service in the Army that you take what has to be done and you do your best."