On July 24, an inspector from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW, observed the last sample of hydrolysate collected and analyzed in the Blue Grass main plant, marking another step in the fulfillment of Chemical Weapons Convention treaty obligations.

“The final hydrolysate sample and analysis was performed under the keen observation of an analytical chemist from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons,” said John Bettenhausen, treaty escort manager, Defense Threat Reduction Agency. “This sample confirmed the last chemical agent from GB M55 rockets had been drained and successfully neutralized through the hydrolysis process. This technological process marks the final step in verifying chemical agent removal from a chemical weapon.” 

The sample was taken via a glovebox by lab monitoring personnel and transported to the laboratory, where it was analyzed. Analysis confirmed the hydrolysate was well within all safety and environmental limits and chemical agent was destroyed, Bettenhausen said.

Hydrolysate is produced when chemical agent is neutralized by mixing it with water and caustic. The sample was hydrolysate generated during the flushing of piping and equipment in the Explosive Containment Rooms, Agent Neutralization System rooms and other areas in the main plant after the last chemical weapon was destroyed July 7.

The OPCW is the international group charged with implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention. Hydrolysate contains what are referred to as “Schedule 2” chemicals under the convention, which are chemicals that can be used to manufacture chemical weapons. As such, OPCW inspectors oversee sampling and analysis to confirm the integrity of the destruction process.