A behind-the-scenes block system-readiness approach is playing an instrumental role as the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) prepares to begin processing mustard agent-filled munitions.

“In March, we made the decision to align plant readiness activities with requirements of the permit’s block approach,” said Bret Griebenow, deputy project manager. “The block approach assigns teams to each block to ensure the plant, people and paper are ready to go into the Pilot Test Demonstration Plan phase. When they’re ready, each team will provide project management with a certification of readiness.”

This phase is the first six to eight months of operations. The difference between pilot test demonstrations and full operations is during this time workers are gathering data regarding the time it takes for munitions to go through the destruction process to verify calculations are correct and the plant is running as designed. This is also the time to ensure emissions are within the thresholds of the permit, Griebenow said.

To get to the demonstration phase, the block system, which consists of teams from operations, maintenance, engineering, systemization, laboratory and their associated subject matter experts, will ensure the right people are working together to solve issues associated with any system.

In the Research, Development and Demonstration Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit, each block represents a process area for testing.

“With the block system in effect, we have been able to identify issues that may have not come up otherwise,” said Griebenow. “The teams have truly taken ownership of this new approach and are working as one team, one mission to ensure our success.”