Workers broke ground Jan. 22 for the site of the new Static Detonation Chamber 2000 designed to supplement the main plant’s nerve-agent destruction process.

“We’re performing the initial steps to prepare the site for the new destruction facility,” said Aaron Renfro, resident engineer, Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. “This includes surveying for the storm sewer system and locating existing underground duct banks so we don’t interfere with main plant utilities.”

The site will include the main structure housing the destruction chamber, a storage magazine and support buildings with office space and worker shower/change facilities, Renfro said. It will be a stand-alone facility next to the main plant.

“This area used to be a lay-down yard, where we used to stage parts and equipment for main plant construction,” Renfro said. “Now it will be a facility in its own right.”

As site work progresses, so does permitting work. The plant previously received permission from the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection to perform the site work and prepare the foundation, and is working through the remaining permitting activities with the department.

The next steps for the site will be to install the underground utilities and build up and grade the site in preparation for placement of the foundation for the new destruction chamber.