Five members of the Colorado Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission traveled to Kentucky in August to get an up-close look at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant’s thermal destruction technology.

“The visit allowed members of the Colorado commission to learn more about the Static Detonation Chamber,” said Jeff Brubaker, site project manager, BGCAPP. “They were able to see firsthand how the SDC fits into BGCAPP’s plans to destroy our agent stockpile. I feel we provided the members answers to questions they had concerning the operations and safety of the SDC.”

The chair of the group, Irene Kornelly, said the trip was informative and provided information about improvements ordered for the Pueblo units.  She said she thought the biggest improvements related to the Off-Gas Treatment System, intended to improve throughput and efficiency.

In addition to the Colorado commission, members of the Kentucky CAC, as well as Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant leadership, the Bechtel Pueblo Team, U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment accompanied BGCAPP leadership on the tour.

“We share a common objective and a sincere interest in the protection of our workforce, community and environment, it is rewarding to share experiences and viewpoints regarding the chemical weapons disposal effort,” said Craig Williams, co-chair, Kentucky CAC. “By working together, we increase the odds of the successful and safe execution of both projects.”

“The time spent visiting the BGCAPP Static Detonation Chamber was a worthwhile investment,” said Greg Mohrman, SPM, PCAPP. “Colorado CAC members received technical, community and regulatory information and project personnel gained insight that will help guide our approach to communicating with our stakeholders.”

The proposed equipment uses thermal heat to detonate or deflagrate chemical weapons. Under a proposal by the Bechtel Pueblo Team, approved by the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program, one or more SDCs are under consideration for use at the Colorado facility to complete stockpile destruction by the year 2023. Environmental permitting for the units in Pueblo is underway.