The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, or KDEP, is reviewing a Class 2 permit modification request related to a GB nerve agent M55 rocket processing change at the Blue Grass plant.

The request asks that the plant be allowed to use an increased air-monitoring clearance level for the release of containerized, agent-drained rocket warhead skids from the Munitions Demilitarization Building to temporary storage on the Blue Grass Army Depot prior to further processing or directly to the Static Detonation Chamber for secondary waste processing.

“This change, if approved by KDEP, will allow for the safe and timely destruction of the GB rockets at the Blue Grass facility,” said Bill Buchanan, environmental permitting manager, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass.

According to the permit application, the requested change is protective of human health and the environment, based on prior health-based risk assessments and revised agent-destruction efficiency calculations.

Information about this permit modification request, including how to provide public input, can be found on the Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives website. The 60-day public comment period closes Oct. 17.

“This type of permit modification allows the public to comment on the modification and participate in the public participation process by attending a public meeting,” said April Webb, hazardous waste branch manager, KDEP. “In addition, the facility can submit a temporary authorization request that, upon approval, allows the facility to implement the change prior to the approval of the Class 2 modification.”

The Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office will host a public meeting for this permit modification request at 6 p.m. on Sept. 8 at 1000 Commercial Drive, Suite 2, in Richmond, Kentucky. For more information, please contact the office at bgoutreach@iem.com or (859) 626-8944.