Development of the new Static Detonation Chamber 2000 site at the Blue Grass plant is rapidly progressing.

“This time a year ago, we had tents installed and we were grouting the sole plates that the Dynasafe equipment gets installed on,” said Joe Frank, construction coordinator, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. “We have made great strides this year from all parties involved.”

Since this time last year, workers have installed the detonation chamber and associated off-gas treatment equipment on the aforementioned plates, as well as constructing an enclosure building to protect the equipment from the elements. A monitoring house and stack have been placed for the main building, and a monitoring shack was placed for the Earth-Covered Magazine, where munitions will temporarily be stored before their destruction.

Work activities have been adjusted to adapt to Kentucky winter weather conditions as they occur to allow progress to continue, said Aaron Renfro, structural and civil engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“The construction team must remain flexible this time of year, particularly when juggling personnel, cranes, deliveries and the weather,” Renfro said. “The Stand-by Diesel Generator was delivered just ahead of a snowstorm. Our planning allowed work to continue around its installation, and it was lifted and placed early the next week when weather conditions improved.”

Other work ongoing at the Static Detonation Chamber site includes installation of piping, wiring and cable trays; setting monitoring equipment in the Monitoring House; and installation of the main filtration system.