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
- Workers completed the disassembly of Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) Unit 1 and transported it to another Department of Defense organization in Maryland.
- State regulators approved the Main Plant Demolition Plan permit modification May 30, which will allow for demolition of the Hazardous Waste Management Units and their associated buildings and structures at the main plant, after regulators review and accept associated Demolition Readiness Reports (DRR).
- The plant’s first DRR was submitted to the independent engineering consultant and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Safety
- As of May 31, 2025, the Bechtel Pueblo Team completed 801,361 hours without a lost-time accident.
Main Plant
- In the Agent Processing Building, workers completed coatings removal in the Toxic Cubicle and Munitions Washout System and sump and trench liner removal progressed in preparation for occluded space surveys and unventilated monitoring testing.
- The removal of equipment and piping in the off-gas treatment system and hydrolysate hold tank continued.
- A spent contaminated carbon shipment from the Air Filtration Area was made to a permitted hazardous waste disposal facility May 14.
- Pump removal in the Hydrolysate Tank Room was completed, as was the draining of the process cooling water system.
SDCs
- CDPHE approved the SDC Unit 1 and 2 Reuse Readiness Reports (RRR) May 9 and May 29, respectively, and the overall SDC closure plan May 27, setting the stage for disassembly and transport of all three units for reuse by other Department of Defense organizations.
- Disassembly of SDC 2 began the last week of May with the removal of rib enclosures.
- The RRR for SDC 3 was submitted to the independent engineering consultant and state regulators.
Workforce Transition
- 855 workers are employed on the project as of May 31, 2025; a total of 803 have been released. Another 50 employees are expected to depart in the June/July timeframe.
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#
