A Blue Grass Army Depot permit modification to allow off-site shipment of liquid waste resulting from chemical agent destruction is open for public comment through Dec. 14.

“We’re submitting a permit modification request to the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection that proposes off-site shipment for treatment and disposal of GB agent hydrolysate and VX agent hydrolysate resulting from agent neutralization in the Munitions Demilitarization Building,” said John McArthur, environmental manager, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass.

Hydrolysate, the product of chemical agent neutralization, is a caustic liquid waste that remains after the agent has been destroyed. Negotiations are underway with a permitted and licensed treatment, storage and disposal facility that specializes in the processes needed for final disposal of such material, McArthur said.

“The public comment period provides the opportunity for the community to provide input on this request,” McArthur said. “This is a standard part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Class 3 permit modification request process.”

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 Dec. 14.