This is the April 24 Colorado Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission online meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss topics related to the destruction of the former chemical weapons stockpile at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD), completed June 22, 2023, as well as the closure of the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP). Highlights from the meeting are listed below.
• At approximately 0:00, the meeting is called to order by Irene Kornelly, chair, CAC. The agenda is approved as presented. Minutes from the Feb. 28, 2024, meeting are approved.
• At approximately 1:40, Jeannine Natterman, public engagement coordinator, CDPHE, announces her retirement in June and notes that Venissa Ledesma will replace her to coordinate CAC business.
• At approximately 3:12, Tamika Atkins, acting program executive officer, ACWA, congratulates and thanks Natterman. She provides an update on the recruitment of a new program executive officer and thanks CDPHE for approval of the main plant closure plan, Permit Modification Request (PMR) B071. She shares that she will visit PCAPP in June and is happy to meet with CAC members during that visit.
• At approximately 6:18, Col. Rodney McCutcheon, commander, PCD, shares details of recent visits by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Daryl Hood, U.S. Army Installation Management Command representatives and the Fort Carson Resiliency Team. He concludes his report with a listing of upcoming community activities and an update to progress on the reduction-in-force approval process.
• At approximately 14:05, Velma Campbell, citizen member, CAC, asks how many remaining employees will be involved in remediation and environmental activities at PCD.
• At approximately 16:30, Laura Stalford, program manager, PuebloPlex, discusses activities with PCAPP regarding reuse, and updates on Pueblo Area Defense Diversification Act grant, workforce transition and community outreach activities.
• At approximately 26:50, Julianna Mahr, Hazardous Waste Permitting Unit leader, CDPHE, reports on recent permit modifications, weekly site inspections and progress on the Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) closure plan. She shares that current CDPHE priorities include approval of the PCD closure plan and PCD draft permit renewal, followed by the SDC closure plan.
• At approximately 32:00, Todd Ailes, project manager, Bechtel Pueblo Team, provides a detailed explanation of PMR B071, highlighting the various sections, organization by Hazardous Waste Management Units and inclusion of documents regarding waste analysis, sampling and monitoring plans, performance standards and disposal.
• At approximately 47:53, Walton Levi, site project manager, PCAPP, reintroduces Ailes for an update on safety and progress on PMR B071 activities.
• At approximately 51:10, Troy Worthen, plant manager, PCAPP, shares before-and-after photos of work completed under a Temporary Authorization for equipment disassembly and containerization (PMR B073) as well as work in progress as part of PMR B071.
• At approximately 56:00, Levi discusses plant trends in waste generation and disposal under PMR B073 as well as the minimal operations occurring in the biotreatment area, which now is primarily supporting decontamination activities.
• At approximately 1:00:25, Worthen provides an update on SDC activities, Notice of Deficiency responses, plant housekeeping, an Unventilated Monitoring Test in igloo H1102 and the demobilization of additional trailers.
• At approximately 1:01:46, Ailes reports on staffing numbers and workforce transition activities, including a June 4-5 job fair.
• At approximately 1:04:00, Kornelly reminds the group that the next meeting is June 26 at 3 p.m. MT.
• At approximately 1:05:18, Levi expresses gratitude to Natterman for her years of service to the CAC.