Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Monthly Recap – June 2025

The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, or BGCAPP, is in the closure phase, planned to be complete in 2027. From 2019 to 2023, the BGCAPP team destroyed 101,764 projectiles and rockets containing 523.4 tons of GB and VX nerve agent and blister agent mustard, using neutralization and Explosive Destruction Technology. The last chemical weapon in the U.S. stockpile was destroyed July 7, 2023, in Kentucky.

Highlights

  • Workers completed 90% destruction of the containerized rocket warheads (CRW) containing residual amounts of GB nerve agent in the Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) 2000 June 16.
  • The BGCAPP team hosted an annual inspection by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff June 24 and 25.
  • Main plant closure activities continue ahead of schedule.
  • Cleaning activities continue in the empty storage igloos.

Safety

  • As of May 31, workers completed 16,929,745 hours and 2,087 days without a lost-time accident.

SDC 1200

  • As of June 29, 84% of more than 17,000 CRWs containing residual amounts of VX nerve agent has been destroyed.
  • Workers used outage time to replace seals and the detonation chamber pressure indicator, clean locking-ring teeth and inspection cameras and complete other maintenance activities.

SDC 2000

  • As of June 29, workers destroyed 90.5% of more than 51,000 CRWs containing residual amounts of GB nerve agent.
  • Workers used outage time to repair and replace conical heaters, replace seals, repair clamp fans, continue applying high-heat lubricant to upper and lower detonation chambers and conduct other maintenance activities.

Main Plant

  • Workers completed the draining and isolation of the hot water system in the Container Handling Building and Munitions Demilitarization Building (MDB).
  • Unventilated monitoring tests were completed in the MDB overhead ductwork and heating, ventilation and air conditioning filter-bank units.
  • Workers continued drying piping formerly used to transfer liquids from the Agent Neutralization System room to storage tanks in preparation for demolition.
  • Potable water lines to the Hydrolysate Storage Area were sealed off in preparation for demolition.
  • Three sets of trailers used as offices for up to 17 years were dispositioned and moved from the site.

Workforce

  • 927 workers are employed on the project, with approximately 50% hired locally.

Upcoming Meetings

  • The next semiannual Kentucky Chemical Demilitarization Citizens Advisory Commission and Chemical Destruction Community Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. ET at the following location:

    Carl D. Perkins Building, Rooms A and B
    Eastern Kentucky University
    Richmond, Kentucky

    A live video stream of the meeting will be available on the Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives (PEO ACWA) YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/usaeacwa. For information, contact the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant outreach staff at (800) 277-6819 or bgoutreach@iem.com.

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