Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant staff initiated Integrated Facility Demonstrations Nov. 13, moving the plant one step closer to full operations.

“The plant is poised to demonstrate maximum throughput during five-hour runs,” said Kim Jackson, plant manager. “These challenging demonstrations over multiple weeks will prove to our stakeholders we are ready to exit pilot testing and proceed with full operations.”

Jackson said two things will occur during the demonstrations: the collection and verification of emissions and the establishment of maximum feed rates. Emissions testing will validate the plant is operating within regulatory limits for contaminants. Feed rates will be established based on all systems operating together.

Scheduled to run through Dec. 13, the demonstrations will show regulators the plant is operating as designed, which is the final step before the plant can receive its Part B operating permit. Upon receipt, the plant will move from pilot testing into its final stage, operations.

Overseeing the demonstrations are representatives of Program Executive Office Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives; the U.S. Army Materiel System Analysis Activity; the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Center for Disease Control.