The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP) has postponed completion of systemization on the Explosive Destruction Technology (EDT) facility following a review of the project’s available and projected funding in 2017.

“We have postponed the facility’s systemization and operations in order to focus available funding and personnel toward completing systemization of the main plant,” said Jeff Brubaker, site project manager, BGCAPP. “Our priority is the destruction of the nerve agent stockpile, which is the highest-risk element to the public.”

What this means, said Steve Bragg, deputy plant manager for EDT, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass, is that construction has been substantially completed, the site has been cleared of construction-related materials and equipment has been left in a clean and safe state. The facility will be left with minimal equipment energized, heating and cooling systems operational and doors locked for security. Employees will walk through on set intervals to ensure the facility and equipment remain secure and safe.

“Our goal is to be able to bring the facility on line with as minimal effort as possible when funding for EDT becomes available,” said Bragg. “To that end, we will conduct occasional standard industry maintenance required for idle equipment, such as rotating motors by hand and changing filters. Once we have the approval to restart the work on EDT, we will have some remaining construction and start-up efforts required before completing systemization.””

Systems contractor and government leadership will meet in early 2017 to discuss future project planning.