Managers are anticipating 2019 as the year the state of Colorado grants the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant an operating permit, moving the plant from the pilot testing phase to operations.

“This is significant, as it essentially means we will be a fully operating plant and not a pilot plant,” said Bret Griebenow, project manager, Bechtel Pueblo Team.

Plant staff worked through several challenging technical issues in 2018, during the Pilot Testing Demonstration phase, which is on track for completion in early 2019.

“At the conclusion of the Pilot Test, it is my expectation a final operating permit, called a Part B Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act permit will be issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment,” said Greg Mohrman, site project manager.

The plant is also anticipating the addition of a thermal destruction technology to help process munitions. The fabrication of three Static Detonation Chambers to destroy 4.2-inch mortar rounds is progressing and we are working on the permitting aspects for the chambers, said Mohrman. Because of the anticipation of a greater amount of solids inside the mortar rounds, processing them in the plant poses an increased safety concern for plant personnel.

“We are excited that the improvements and investments made to the main plant in 2018 are now paying dividends as we see increased and consistent productivity, reliability and sustainability that will enable us to safely and effectively destroy the remaining stockpile stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot,” said Mohrman.