The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, or PCAPP, is in the closure phase. From 2015 to 2023, the PCAPP team destroyed 780,078 projectiles and mortar rounds containing 2,613 tons of the blister agent mustard. The last chemical weapon in the stockpile in Colorado was destroyed June 22, 2023. The Pueblo plant will be in the closure phase for approximately two more years.
The last chemical munition in the declared U.S. stockpile was destroyed July 7, 2023, in Richmond, Kentucky.
Highlights
- The PCAPP project donated two laboratory freezers to science departments at Colorado State University Pueblo and Pueblo Community College as part of the dispositioning process.
- Operators began daily drone flights to assist the Environmental Compliance Team with managing migratory bird species during demolition activities and to document closure progress.
Safety
- As of April 30, 2025, the Bechtel Pueblo Team completed 648,996 hours without a lost-time accident.
- Workers have been testing new safety helmets resembling climbing headgear during the cutting and removal of piping in the off-gas treatment system, for improved safety and comfort.
Main Plant
- Workers completed removal of piping, pumps and other equipment in the Toxic Cubicle inside the Agent Processing Building and cut vent holes in tanks to prepare for upcoming Unventilated Monitoring Tests.
- The removal of piping in the off-gas treatment system continues.
- Equipment removal is complete in Munitions Treatment Units 1 and 2, with the exception of the bin enclosure.
- Workers drained and flushed the yard caustic tank and continued general clean-up in the Munitions Washout System.
Static Detonation Chambers
- State regulators continued reviewing the revised Unit 1 Reuse Readiness Report, while the disassembly contractor arrived at the site, received training and orientation and began disconnecting Unit 1 electrical and mechanical attachments.
Workforce Transition
- 942 workers are employed on the project as of April 30, 2025; 715 have been released. Another 80 are expected to be released in May.
Environmental Permitting
- Three main plant permit modification requests were approved this month by state regulators:
- B075, regarding revisions to the Constituents of Potential Concern listed in the PCAPP Closure Plan (April 4).
- B065, for revisions to Laboratory documents (April 9).
- Closure planning notification C007, to initiate closure of the Agent Filtration Area (April 23).
Upcoming Meetings
- The next Colorado Chemical Demilitarization Citizens Advisory Commission meeting will be held online June 25 at 3 p.m. MT. Join online by using the link and information below.
Online platform: Zoom
Phone: 1 (719) 359-4580 Meeting ID: ?84351934182#
