An overview of the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant was presented Dec. 15 to Pueblo middle school students seeking a deeper understanding of chemical weapons destruction in their community.

“The students are very interested in the debate and diplomacy behind chemical weapons destruction in Pueblo,” said Kim Barickman, science teacher, Connect Charter School. “The students’ primary focus is the debate in Pueblo about how citizens want weapons to be destroyed safely.”

Michael Strong, director of compliance, PCAPP, spoke to Barickman’s seventh- and eighth-grade students about the history of chemical weapons destruction in the United States and the PCAPP commitment to destroying mustard agent munitions through neutralization followed by biotreatment.

“I explained that we have an environmentally-sound destruction process and that we’re committed to the main themes of safety, environmental responsibility and compliance with all laws and regulations,” Strong said.

Students in Barickman’s class produce a historic exhibition for the National History Day competition, which is a focal point of all students at the school. The topic of chemical weapons destruction provides students an opportunity to study the Pueblo community’s relationship with the plant.

“Sometimes students struggle finding resources, so having somebody from PCAPP provided a great opportunity for our students to gather accurate information,” Barickman said.