When munitions processing is complete, Pueblo plant staff will use high-tech equipment to safely demolish the buildings and equipment that demilitarized munitions and destroyed chemical agent.

“The project has acquired robotic equipment to assist with the demolition portion of closure activities,” said Walton Levi, site project manager, Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant.

Remote-controlled demolition machines will be used to demolish sections of buildings and cut through thick titanium and stainless steel. The equipment can be outfitted with accessories for various tasks, such as accessing high or hard-to-reach areas of the two main agent processing buildings – the Enhanced Reconfiguration and Agent Processing Buildings.

Levi said these machines will help physically cut up and break down the robust piping and similar material inside the plant while remotely operated, helping keep workers away from potential hazards during demolition.

“The safety of the workforce will continue to be our top priority through closure, and this technology will ensure staff are safe during this phase,” said Levi.

The Pueblo plant will have four remote-controlled machines to use during the demolition phase of closure. Operators are going through training to ensure they are ready to start using the technology once agent operations are complete.