The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, or KDEP, has tentatively approved and released for public notice four major permit modification requests related to rocket processing changes at the Blue Grass plant.

“KDEP worked with us every step of the way through the whole operation of changing how the plant will process VX and GB nerve agent rockets,” said John McArthur, environmental manager, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass . “Their assistance and guidance have been essential in working toward the completion of these permitting actions in a timely manner.”

The permit modification requests submitted by the systems contractor cover the new Rocket Warhead Containerization System, the treatment of VX nerve-agent rockets in the main plant, and the addition of Vertical Rocket Cutting Machines and Rocket Non-Destructive Examination equipment. The Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives also submitted a permit modification request that addresses the transport and storage of nerve-agent related wastes at the Blue Grass Army Depot, McArthur said. These permitting actions were combined into a single public notice and public comment period that started March 14.

“The public is invited to view and comment on these requests,” said Monica Alden, Blue Grass Army Depot Section, KDEP. “We have provided a 45-day public comment period, where interested stakeholders may provide comments on the requested plant modifications, and an online public meeting and hearing, where stakeholders may learn about the proposed modification requests and the permitting process and ask questions.”

No in-person 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 and attend the meeting, please follow this link. Comments will be accepted through April 28, and the online public meeting will be held April 21 at 6 p.m.