Environment

The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant environmental compliance department closely monitored the status of Static Detonation Chamber complex permit requirements prior to the start of agent operations.

Plant Closely Monitors Permit Requirements

The meticulous organization of hundreds of permit requirements contributed to the start of agent operations at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant Static Detonation Chamber complex.

Pictured are two of the three Static Detonation Chamber units located at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant.

Public Comment Sought for Static Detonation Chamber Permit

A draft permit that will allow operation of Static Detonation Chamber units at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant is open for public comment through Sept. 13.

“We’ve submitted a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit modification request to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that, upon approval, would allow for operation and the first phase of trial burns on the Static Detonation Chamber units,” said Mike Saupe, environmental manager, Bechtel Pueblo Team.

The three units, each consisting of two major components – the detonation chamber and the off-gas treatment system – will augment the main plant by destroying 4.2-inch mortar rounds containing mustard agent.

In addition to state permit approval, Pueblo County regulators must also provide approval, Saupe said. Upon approval of the permit modification request, trial burns can begin.

Trial burns comprise a testing period divided into two phases. Phase one consists of a surrogate trial burn using non-agent chemicals and conventional ammunitions.

“Upon the end of the public comment period, CDPHE regulators will address any comments they receive,” Saupe said. “Trial burns could begin within 30 days upon the issuance of the final permit, however public comments could delay that.”

The environmental documents and information on how to comment is available on the CDPHE website at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/HMWMD-public-notices. Comments will be accepted through Sept. 13.

The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant uses neutralization followed by biotreatment to eliminate the remaining U.S. chemical weapons stockpile in Colorado. The team has applied for a final permit that will govern the operation of the main plant.

Public Comments Open on Pueblo Plant Permit

The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant team has applied for a final permit that will govern the treatment of the remaining chemical munitions stockpile in the main plant.

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