The Blue Grass plant submitted a permit modification request to the state environmental agency June 20 to sample 8-inch projectiles containing GB nerve agent.

“Laboratory personnel currently have hydrolysate that was manufactured from high-purity distilled GB agent to calibrate their instruments,” said John Barton, chief scientist, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. “Because this hydrolysate does not contain stabilizers, degradation byproducts and original production impurities that are known to exist in the current Blue Grass stockpile, their analytical methods may not work as well as we need them to during normal plant operations.”

As a result, the project decided to begin the process to obtain samples from projectiles currently in storage at the Blue Grass Army Depot, said Brian Ballard, environmental engineer, Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. The first step in this process involves submitting a request to conduct sampling operations to the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection.

“The permit modification request proposes regulatory approval for the plant to move and sample GB projectiles,” Ballard said. “The operation, scheduled for May 2018, will be conducted in partnership with the depot, Blue Grass Chemical Activity and Edgewood Chemical Biological Center.”

The public has an opportunity to provide comments regarding the operation now through Aug. 19. A public meeting will also take place July 19 at 6 p.m. at the Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office at 1000 Commercial Drive in Richmond.

For more information, or to read the request, visit the Environmental Activities page.