Public comments on two Blue Grass permit modifications are due by Aug. 24.

“We are submitting two separate Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, Class 3 permit modification requests to the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, also known as KDEP,” said John McArthur, environmental manager, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. These modifications will help enhance the plant’s ability to complete chemical weapons destruction by the deadline of Dec. 31, 2023.

The first modification request is in support of a Static Detonation Chamber 2000 unit that will augment the main plant to destroy overpacked munitions and drained rocket warheads, McArthur said. The second is seeking to replace the existing Static Detonation Chamber unit off-gas treatment system with a new system capable of processing chemical nerve agent.

The BGCAPP facility is currently operating under a RCRA Part B permit through KDEP, McArthur said. Part of the permitting process provides that all interested parties have an opportunity to review and comment upon the proposed actions, and a 60-day public comment period has been opened on these two requests.

“Public involvement is encouraged, and comments are welcome,” said Brandon May, environmental scientist, KDEP. “Interested people are invited to submit comments by letter or email.”

No public meeting will be held regarding these permit modification requests due to federal, state and local guidelines for social distancing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For access to the environmental documents and information on how to comment, please follow this link. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 24.