Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Katherine Hammack visited the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) Jan. 13 to learn more about progress toward chemical weapons destruction in Kentucky.

“What an amazing feat of engineering,” Hammack said. “It’s good to see and hear you’re incorporating lessons learned from previous plants.”

After receiving a presentation from Jeff Brubaker, Army site project manager, BGCAPP, Hammack and other representatives from her office, Army Materiel Command and Joint Munitions Command toured several facilities around the site.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the startup and operations here,” said Hammack. “Your success with stakeholder engagement and dialogue is critical to a project such as this one.”

Craig Williams, co-chair, Chemical Destruction Community Advisory Board, also attended the tour and spoke to Hammack about the interaction between BGCAPP and community.

“This project is committed to openness and transparency,” said Williams. “I can’t think of an instance where there’s been a slow down or stop with the schedule because of disagreements with the advisory groups or community members. If there’s an issue, they let us know.”

Brubaker provided Hammack with information on project safety initiatives, systemization progress and the timeline for beginning operations both at the Explosive Destruction Technology Facility and main plant.

“I’m glad to see you are taking care of the life, health and safety of the workers who are already here and those who will work here,” said Hammack.

During her visit, Hammack also met with the leadership of the Blue Grass Army Depot and Blue Grass Chemical Activity.