A report examining the effects of removing a step when processing munitions at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) was released May 25 by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The study, performed at the request of the Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, is a prudent examination of BGCAPP’s decision to remove the washout process as part of chemical weapons neutralization, said Jeff Brubaker, site project manager, BGCAPP.

“The study does not reflect a lessening of confidence in the elimination of munitions washout,” he said. “The objective is to mitigate risks and responsibly examine any other impacts this decision may have.”

The study was prepared prior to the passage of a Kentucky legislative action in April that changed regulatory requirements from “destruction deficiency” to “destruction and removal efficiency,” said John McArthur, environmental manager, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass.

“As a result, some findings and recommendations in the report have been overcome or answered through this change in requirements,” he said. “Promulgation of the new requirement allows BGCAPP to employ hydrolysate sampling and stack monitoring that is more appropriate for a high-hazard Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility.”

“The Blue Grass plant will continue to partner with state and federal regulators, as well as the local community as we progress toward plant operations,” said Brubaker. “The safety of the workforce, community and environment is always a top priority.”

To read the report, visit www.nap.edu/read/21884/chapter/1.