Blue Grass Plant Begins VX Nerve Agent Campaign
On Jan. 10, the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant began destroying 155mm projectiles containing VX nerve agent.
2021
2020
Pueblo Plant Begins Second Destruction Campaign
As of Dec. 11, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant began its second destruction campaign with the 105mm projectiles stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot.
Blue Grass Technology Update
The Rocket Warhead Containerization System that was installed in a new off-site training center in September is now being used to train workers. This equipment will package drained rocket warheads for safe storage before their destruction in one of the site’s two Static Detonation Chamber units. Operators, maintenance personnel and engineers are currently being trained on the system as similar equipment is being installed in the plant.
Blue Grass Secondary System Update
As of Sept. 10, the Blue Grass supercritical water oxidation system (SCWO), originally intended for treatment of a specific plant secondary waste, will no longer be used. The decision was made to not use the SCWO system to process plant wastewater due to multiple issues discovered during testing that raised reliability concerns. Chemical weapons will continue to be destroyed at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant using neutralization or an explosive destruction technology.
Pueblo Plant Completes First Destruction Campaign
As of Sept. 5, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant team completed the destruction of 300,000 155mm projectiles stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, marking the end of the main plant’s first munitions campaign.
Blue Grass Plant Destruction Milestone
On Sept. 1, 50% of the mustard agent in the stockpile of chemical weapons stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky has been destroyed.
Pueblo Plant Static Detonation Chamber Assembly Complete
Workers completed the assembly of the three Static Detonation Chamber units at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in July.
Pueblo Plant Baseline Reconfiguration Complete
The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant completed baseline reconfiguration of 4.2-inch mortar rounds containing mustard agent June 23, 2020.
Blue Grass Plant Completes First Munitions Campaign
On May 11, 2020, the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant destroyed all 8-inch projectiles containing GB nerve agent. This marks completion of the first munitions campaign for the project.
Pueblo Plant Destruction Milestone
As of Feb. 26, 2020, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant destroyed more than half the mustard agent in obsolete chemical munitions stored for more than a half-century at the U.S. Army’s Pueblo Chemical Depot.
Blue Grass Main Plant Begins Operations
On Jan. 17, 2020, operations to destroy nerve-agent munitions began at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. The first 8-inch projectiles filled with GB nerve agent were destroyed in the main plant.
2019
Pueblo Plant Destruction Milestone
As of Oct. 2, 2019, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant has destroyed more than 1,000 U.S. tons of mustard agent in the chemical weapons stockpile stored in Colorado.
Pueblo Plant Destruction Milestone
As of July 31, 2019, the Pueblo plant has destroyed more than 50% of the 155mm munitions originally stored at the Pueblo Chemical Depot.
Pueblo Plant Starts Operations
As of July 17, 2019, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant is considered a fully operational facility after reaching milestones that mark the end of pilot testing.
Blue Grass Start of Agent Operations
On June 7, 2019, the start of operations occurred at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. This commenced the destruction of mustard agent-filled munitions by the Static Detonation Chamber in Kentucky.
Pueblo Plant Destruction Milestone
As of April 1, 2019, the Pueblo plant has destroyed 25% of the mustard agent stockpile stored at the Pueblo Chemical Depot.
2018
Explosive Destruction System Completed Final Campaign
On Dec. 5, 2018, the Pueblo plant Explosive Destruction System completed its second and final campaign.
Site Receives Voluntary Protection Programs Recognition
In December 2018, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant earns recertification of Star Status in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Volunteer Protection Programs.
ACWA Announces New Program Executive Officer
Mr. Michael S. Abaie assumes Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program leadership as Program Executive Officer on Sept. 10, 2018.
Pueblo Plant Baseline Reconfiguration Milestone
Pueblo plant ordnance technicians complete first round of baseline reconfiguration on Feb. 15, 2018.
2017
ACWA Announces New Program Executive Officer
Ms. Suzanne S. Milchling assumes Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program leadership as Program Executive Officer on June 25, 2017.
Systemization of Blue Grass-Specific Equipment Begins
Systemization activities begin on Blue Grass-Specific Equipment, including the Energetics Batch Hydrolyzers and Rocket Shear Machines.
2016
Static Detonation Chamber Assembled
The Static Detonation Chamber, the Explosive Destruction Technology chosen to destroy Kentucky’s mustard agent stockpile, was assembled and installed in early 2016. The SDC was placed in lay-up temporarily in December 2016 to focus resources on the completion of main plant systemization. Upon receiving supplemental funding in July 2017, pre-systemization activities of the SDC commenced.
Pueblo Plant Starts Pilot Testing
On Sept. 7, 2016, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant starts the Pilot Testing phase, which is the gradual destruction of agent-filled munitions into the system. This phase will continue until plant managers and the state health department are satisfied all systems are working properly and the plant and workforce is ready to bring the plant up to its designed operational capacity.
Explosive Destruction System Completes First Campaign
On Feb. 11, 2016, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Explosive Destructive System successfully completes its first campaign, eliminating 265 105mm projectiles, 196 155mm projectiles, 88 4.2-inch mortar rounds and 11 Department of Transportation bottles for a total of 560 items containing mustard agent.
Video: Colorado System Completes First Step in Munition Elimination
2015
Blue Grass Construction is Complete
On Oct. 28, 2015, the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant officially declares main facility construction complete.
Video: Blue Grass Plant Marks End of Construction
Static Detonation Chamber Arrives at Blue Grass
The Static Detonation Chamber, the explosive destruction technology chosen to destroy Kentucky’s mustard agent stockpile, arrives at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in August 2015.
Chemical Stockpile Destruction Begins in Colorado
Chemical stockpile destruction in Colorado was initiated on March 18, 2015 by the Explosive Destruction System, located on the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot near the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant. This event marks the first step towards eliminating the final 10 percent of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile.
Video: PCAPP Explosive Destruction System: The First Step in Eliminating Munitions
ACWA Sites Achieve Safety Recertification
Bechtel Pueblo and Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass teams earn recertification of Star Status in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program.
Video: PCAPP Safety: Written in the Stars
2014
Pueblo Plant Starts Construction of the Explosive Destruction System
Construction begins on the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Explosive Destruction System (EDS) site, located at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot. The first of two EDS units arrive on site, aligning with the completion of specially-designed environmental enclosures that will house the EDS units for added protection.
PEO ACWA Anniston Field Office Established
The PEO ACWA Anniston Field Office is established in June 2014 to ensure that the technical expertise and experience of the staff at the former Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility, as well as the facility’s Static Detonation Chamber, is preserved and available to be leveraged during chemical weapons destruction in Colorado and Kentucky.
Video: Anniston Experience Supports U.S. Chemical Weapons Destruction
Explosive Destruction Technology Facility Construction Begins at Blue Grass
The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant receives approval from the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection to begin initial construction activities of an Explosive Destruction Technology facility.
2013
Explosive Destruction Technology Approvals and Progress
Pueblo: Program Executive Officer Conrad F. Whyne announced his selection of the U.S. Army’s Explosive Destruction System to augment the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in order to safely destroy chemical munitions unsuited for processing by the main plant’s automated equipment.
Blue Grass: To meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 651, ACWA, in conjunction with the Blue Grass Army Depot, completes an environmental assessment regarding the possible use of explosive destruction technologies, or EDT in Blue Grass. Following a public comment period, and review of the comments, it is concluded that no significant environmental impacts will occur due to the proposed installation and operation of an EDT. Subsequently, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass receives approval from PEO ACWA to begin initial work on an EDT system at the Blue Grass plant. Following a competitive procurement process, Bechtel Parsons selects the Static Detonation Chamber.
Video: Explosive Destruction System: How it Works
Video: Proven Technology to Fulfill Mission at Blue Grass
2012
Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Completes Construction
The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant officially declares construction complete on Dec. 12, 2012.
Pueblo Environmental Assessment Results in Finding of No Significant Impact
To meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 651, ACWA, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot, completes an environmental assessment regarding the possible use of an explosive destruction technology, or EDT in Pueblo. Following a public comment period, and review of the comments, it is concluded that no significant environmental impacts will occur due to the proposed installation and operation of an EDT.
ACWA Redesignated Program Executive Office
ACWA is redesignated Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, or PEO ACWA, and administratively reassigned to the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center. This transition is directed to increase the program’s visibility and obtain necessary support and resources. As mandated by law, the program’s direct reporting connection to the Department of Defense remains unchanged. Conrad F. Whyne assumes ACWA leadership as Program Executive Officer.
2011
Blue Grass Completes First Building
The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant declares the Fire Water Pump House to be the first building at the facility to be complete and ready for operations.
Inert Training Munitions Arrive at PCAPP
The arrival of the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives Test Equipment, or ATE, at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant signifies a major milestone towards pilot plant operations as the ATE will be used for practice and training as part of systemizing the facility.
Department of Defense Certifies ACWA
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics certifies the ACWA program to Congress under the Nunn-McCurdy Act. This certification is the result of a nearly six-month program review to determine the factors that led to the “critical” Nunn-McCurdy cost breach reported to Congress in December 2010. The Under Secretary subsequently directs ACWA to proceed with the program without any significant changes to the destruction technology.
Sites Receive Voluntary Protection Program Recognition
Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass team receives Star Status and Bechtel Pueblo Team earns recertification of Star Status in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program.
2010
Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Design Complete
The Department of Defense accepts the final design for the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant.
Sites Start Systemization Phase
The systemization phase begins at Pueblo and Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plants. Construction teams turn over the first subsystems to the start-up groups for systemization testing and commissioning to begin to prepare the facilities for chemical weapons destruction operations.
Video: Systemization at the Pueblo and Blue Grass Chemical-Agent Destruction Pilot Plants
2009
Operation Swift Solution Completed
Operation Swift Solution, the Army initiative to eliminate three deteriorating steel containers storing a mixture of GB nerve agent and its decontamination breakdown products, concluded when two trucks holding the caustic wastewater, known as hydrolysate, generated during the neutralization process were received at Veolia Environmental Services, near Port Arthur, Texas. The United States received credit under the Chemical Weapons Convention treaty for chemical destruction when Operation Swift Solution was successfully completed.
Semi-Annual Report to Congress Clarifies On-site Treatment
Department of Defense’s May 2009 Semi-Annual Report to Congress clarified that on-site treatment and disposal of hydrolysate for both locations would continue unless unforeseen technical difficulties arise.
Bechtel Pueblo Team Receives Star Status
Bechtel Pueblo Team receives Star Status in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Voluntary Protection Program.
Video: PCAPP and the Community Share in National Safety Award
2008
Pueblo Pilot Plant Receives Permit
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment grants Stage 3 Permit Modification to the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit, authorizing the Pueblo team to construct facilities used to store and treat munitions, chemical agent and secondary wastes.
Operation Swift Solution Starts at Blue Grass
Operation Swift Solution, the effort to safely eliminate three deteriorating steel containers and wastes associated with the management of these containers that were stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot, starts in Kentucky. The first phase is successfully completed, with all the liquid nerve agent mixture previously stored in the three deteriorating steel containers drained and neutralized.
2007
Department of Defense Certifies ACWA
The Department of Defense formally certifies ACWA to Congress under the provisions of Nunn-McCurdy. The Acquisition Program Baseline for the ACWA program is approved by the Department of Defense with a total program life-cycle cost of approximately $8 billion.
Final PCAPP Design Accepted
The Department of Defense accepts the final design for the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant.
ACWA Activated as U.S. Army Element
ACWA is activated as U.S. Army Element, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, a separate reporting activity under U.S. Army Materiel Command. Under this arrangement, ACWA receives administrative and logistics support from Army Materiel Command, but the ACWA program manager continues to report directly to the Department of Defense. Kevin J. Flamm is named program manager.
2006
BGCAPP Commemorates Groundbreaking
The Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant conducts a groundbreaking ceremony in October 2006.
2005
ACWA Delivers Redesign Options for Pueblo and Blue Grass
The Department of Defense directs ACWA to redesign the Pueblo and Blue Grass projects to better balance cost and schedule objectives. ACWA presents design options to senior Department of Defense officials who authorize the resumption of design work.
2004
Pueblo Site Work Begins
Following the issuance of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as well as the Certificate of Designation by Pueblo County, Pueblo site civil work begins.
PCAPP Celebrates Groundbreaking
A Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Groundbreaking Open House is held in 2004 to celebrate Stage One construction and honor thousands of former and current employees of the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot.
2003
Neutralization Followed by Supercritical Water Oxidation Chosen to Destroy Kentucky Stockpile
The Department of Defense approves neutralization followed by supercritical water oxidation as the official destruction method for the Kentucky chemical weapons stockpile.
Video: What is Supercritical Fluid?
Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Team Awarded Blue Grass Contract
The Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Team is awarded a contract to design, construct, pilot test, operate and close the Blue Grass pilot plant.
ACWA Name Changed
ACWA’s name is changed to Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives to reflect the change from assessment program to implementation program.
2002
ACWA Assigned Responsibility for Destruction of Kentucky and Colorado Stockpiles
Public Law 107-248 assigns ACWA responsibility for destruction of the chemical weapons stored in Kentucky and Colorado if alternative technologies are chosen.
Bechtel Pueblo Team Awarded Pueblo Contract
The Bechtel Pueblo Team is awarded a contract to design, construct, pilot test, operate and close the Pueblo pilot plant.
Neutralization Followed by Biotreatment Chosen to Destroy Colorado Stockpile
The Department of Defense approves neutralization followed by biotreatment as the official destruction method for the Colorado stockpile.
Video: PCAPP Overview
1996-2000
ACWA Established
Public Law 104-208 establishes the Assembled Chemical Weapons Assessment, or ACWA, program and provides funding to identify and demonstrate alternatives to incineration for the destruction of assembled chemical weapons.
Video: ACWA Overview