U.S. Chemical Weapons Stockpile Destruction 2023

The United States is closing in on total destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile. As of spring 2023, the U.S. has less than 150 tons of agent remaining in its stockpile and is on target to complete destruction operations by the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty commitment date of Sept. 30, 2023.

The Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA) is overseeing the safe and environmentally sound destruction of the remaining chemical weapons stockpile stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky and the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado.

The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, or BGCAPP, has completed four of five munition destruction campaigns. The fifth and final campaign is currently underway. The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, or PCAPP, has completed two of three munition destruction campaigns. The third and final campaign is currently underway.

Both sites are using neutralization as the primary technology to destroy the chemical agent. In addition, Static Detonation Chamber units are being used to destroy munitions that are not well-suited for destruction in the highly automated main plants.

Portions of this video have been obscured in accordance with Defense Department guidelines.

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