Toxic materials handlers employed by the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) play a vital role in operations at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP).

How?

They are the team who go into the storage igloos, palletize and remove munitions for transport to PCAPP.

“We have two protocols in place for the transport of munitions: one for the main plant and one for the PCAPP Explosive Destruction System (EDS),” said Hawk Conrad, chief of PCD chemical operations.

The PCAPP EDS is currently processing problematic munitions which have been deemed unsuitable for processing in the main plant. For munitions processed by the PCAPP EDS, depot toxic materials handlers use Modified Ammunition Vehicles (MAV) for the transport of munitions from the Chemical Limited Area (CLA) to the PCAPP EDS site. For the munitions to be processed by the main plant, PCD toxic materials handlers will place the munitions on overpacked pallets and load them onto a PCAPP MAV. It is within the CLA where the transfer of custody occurs. “The transfer and transport of munitions is a combined effort between PCD and PCAPP staff,” explained Conrad.

Other PCD departments also lend a hand in supporting PCAPP operations. The Ammunition Surveillance Department ensures compliance with operations occurring at the storage igloos, whereas the inventory department tracks the munitions, the Department of Public Works maintains the infrastructure and the fire department provides mutual aid.

“PCD and PCAPP staff plan and train together to ensure success,” Conrad said.