The top priority for the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, and those systems designed to augment its destruction capabilities, is to safely destroy the chemical weapons stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot while providing meaningful opportunities for the public to be involved in the project. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the depot recognize that public participation in the chemical stockpile destruction effort is critical to its success.

Citizens’ Advisory Commissions, or CACs, were established by Congress in the 1990s for states in which chemical weapons stockpiles are stored. In accordance with Public Law 102-484, the Colorado Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission serves as a bridge between the community and the government by providing a forum for exchanging information about chemical weapons destruction. Its mission is to “provide a mechanism for the thorough and objective exchange of information among the citizens of Colorado, the Army and other organizations involved in the chemical weapons demilitarization program.”

The governor of Colorado appoints nine members to the CAC, including seven private citizens who represent the local community and two representatives of state agencies that work closely with the chemical weapons destruction program. Although the commission receives limited federal funding from the DOD, it operates independent of Army influence. Staff support for the Colorado CAC is provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The CAC conducts public meetings to facilitate consistent public participation in the chemical weapons destruction program.

The Colorado CAC meets on the last Wednesday of the month nine months out of the year, with additional meetings scheduled, when possible, in the communities of Avondale in the spring and Boone in the fall. The CAC’s Permitting Working Group and Biotreatment Utilization Group meetings are usually held prior to the CAC meeting, or as needed. Information on upcoming meetings can be found at: https://www.peoacwa.army.mil/pcapp/

Contact one of the commission members below to discuss the destruction project and how to become involved: