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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: The safe elimination of chemical weapons at Pueblo and Blue Grass by Sept. 30, 2023

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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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Pueblo Plant Destroys More Than 1,000 U.S. Tons of Chemical Warfare Agent

Published: October 2, 2019 | Category: Events, PCAPP News, Program Milestones
A worker at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant places 105mm projectiles that have been unboxed and reconfigured for processing on a pallet using a motorized lift assist.

A worker at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant places 105mm projectiles that have been unboxed and reconfigured for processing on a pallet using a motorized lift assist.

The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant has destroyed more than 1,000 U.S. tons of mustard agent in the obsolete chemical weapons stockpile stored in Colorado.

“We’re getting closer and closer to the day when these weapons will be gone forever,” said Walton Levi, site project manager, PCAPP. “This milestone emphasizes the work we are doing to ensure the safety of our workforce, our neighbors in surrounding communities and in our nation.”

Starting in the 1950s, more than 2,600 U.S. tons of the blistering agent was stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, encapsulated in 155mm and 105mm projectiles and 4.2-inch mortar rounds. The weapons are now being destroyed by Congressional mandate under the international Chemical Weapons Convention treaty.

Since operations began in 2016, more than one-third of the agent in the Colorado stockpile has been eliminated and more than half of the 155mm projectiles have been destroyed.

When the 155mm shells are gone, the main plant will be reconfigured to process 105mm projectiles. The plant uses neutralization followed by biotreatment to eliminate the chemical agent, and recycles the munitions casings.

“We’re proud of our workforce and their ability to overcome challenges that arise from having a first-of-a-kind facility,” said Ken Harrawood, project manager, Bechtel Pueblo Team. “Our focus is on day-to-day operations and doing it in the safest manner possible.”

The 4.2-inch mortars will be disposed of using explosive destruction technology. Three Static Detonation Chamber units have been acquired to destroy overpacked and problematic munitions that have deteriorated and are unsuitable for the plant’s automated processes, such as the 4.2-inch rounds. Construction for the SDCs is underway as the main plant continues to operate.

PCAPP Event Articles

  • Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant workers celebrate the destruction of 50% of the mustard agent in the Colorado chemical weapons stockpile on Feb. 26. An April 4 public celebration to mark the milestone has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Pueblo Event Marking Mustard Agent Milestone Canceled

    Published: March 17, 2020
  • An ordnance technician at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant reconfigures a 4.2-inch mortar round from its ready-to-use state to one ready for processing and destruction.

    Destruction Campaign Progresses at Pueblo Plant

    Published: November 15, 2019
  • Static Detonation Chamber components are placed on their concrete pad at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Colorado. Three SDC units will be assembled to aid the main plant in its mission to destroy the chemical weapons stockpile at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot.

    Pueblo Plant Begins Static Detonation Chamber Assembly

    Published: November 12, 2019
  • The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant is pursuing a final Part B Hazardous Waste Operating Permit, which will govern the processing of the remaining chemical munitions stockpile.

    Pueblo Plant Pursues Final Operating Permit for Main Process

    Published: November 8, 2019
  • Pleasant View Middle School students, along with teacher Todd Seip, watch training specialist Kent Ladd point out the parts and contents of a chemical weapon during a Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Training Facility tour.

    Chemical Demilitarization in the Classroom

    Published: October 30, 2019
  • A worker at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant places 105mm projectiles that have been unboxed and reconfigured for processing on a pallet using a motorized lift assist.

    Pueblo Plant Destroys More Than 1,000 U.S. Tons of Chemical Warfare Agent

    Published: October 2, 2019
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