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Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)
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      Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)


      Mission: Destroy Chemical Weapons Stockpile

      Vision: Chemical Weapons Free by 2023

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      Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP)

      BGCAPP is safely destroying the chemical weapons stockpile currently in storage at the Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond, Kentucky.

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      Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP)

      PCAPP is safely destroying the chemical weapons stockpile currently in storage at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado.

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Mustard Agent Destruction Facility Prepares for Operations

Published: May 16, 2019 | Category: BGCAPP News, Events
Munitions handlers lower a test projectile into a Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) loading box at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. The SDC is in lockdown mode, where everything is being done as it will be during operations, scheduled to begin in late May.

Munitions handlers lower a test projectile into a Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) loading box at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. The SDC is in lockdown mode, where everything is being done as it will be during operations, scheduled to begin in late May.

The Static Detonation Chamber facility went on lockdown April 5 in preparation for upcoming operations.

“Lockdown means we are treating everything exactly as it will be while we are processing the chemical weapons, from security measures to operating procedures to personal protective equipment,” said Chad Hieronimus, shift plant manager, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. “This is designed to familiarize the workforce with the proper procedures and facility function and work out any final issues before the munitions are introduced to the facility.”

Lockdown is one of the last steps before operations begin, Hieronimus said. Integrated Operations Demonstrations, where each of the plant operations such as munitions movement and detonation-chamber processing are performed from beginning to end, are the next major step. Government and oversight agency start-of-operations approvals are also in process.

“The demonstrations are scheduled to begin May 7 and run for nine days,” said Fred Barnes, mechanical engineer lead, Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. “They are designed to prove the equipment, procedures and people are fully functional for the goal of safely destroying the mustard munitions before we actually begin doing so.”

Start-up for the Static Detonation Chamber facility is currently scheduled for on or about May 30.

More BGCAPP Event Articles

  • March Public Meeting Continues on Online Platform

    March Public Meeting Continues on Online Platform

    Published: February 24, 2021
  • Two operators work together to place one of the last overpacked 8-inch projectiles containing nerve agent into a tray to begin the destruction process at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant May 9. The last GB 8-inch projectile was destroyed May 11, marking the complete destruction of an entire type of chemical weapon.

    Blue Grass Plant Completes First Munitions Destruction Campaign

    Published: May 21, 2020
  • Operators perform site work for the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant’s first Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) in 2015. With Temporary Authorization Request approval in early September, workers can now start site preparation for the project’s second SDC.

    Plant Receives Approval to Begin Site Preparation

    Published: October 2, 2019
  • Munitions handlers place the first 155mm mustard-agent filled projectile slated for destruction into a feed box June 7. The projectile was automatically fed into the Static Detonation Chamber at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant and destroyed the same day. (Image taken from closed-circuit television.)

    Destruction of Chemical Weapons Stockpile Begins at Blue Grass Army Depot

    Published: June 19, 2019
  • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks at an event May 29 to mark the start of chemical munitions destruction in Kentucky. The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant is scheduled to begin destruction of mustard-agent projectiles in the Static Detonation Chamber within the next several weeks.

    Stakeholders Recognize Start of Kentucky Chemical Weapons Destruction at Event

    Published: May 31, 2019
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Other Recent BGCAPP News

  • Public Involvement Opportunities for Permit Modification Requests

    Public Involvement Opportunities for Permit Modification Requests

    April 5, 2021
  • Decision Made on Hydrolysate Treatment

    Decision Made on Hydrolysate Treatment

    March 31, 2021
  • VX Destruction Requires Change in Air Monitoring

    VX Destruction Requires Change in Air Monitoring

    March 3, 2021
  • Equipment Placement Continues Despite Harsh Weather

    Equipment Placement Continues Despite Harsh Weather

    February 26, 2021
  • Drill Enhances Emergency Response

    Drill Enhances Emergency Response

    February 9, 2021
  • Comment Period Open for Plant Permit Modification Requests

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    January 28, 2021
  • Program Partner Plays Key Role in Destruction Activities

    Program Partner Plays Key Role in Destruction Activities

    January 28, 2021
  • First-Time Filter Change Activity

    First-Time Filter Change Activity

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Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA)