Munitions Destroyed at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Colorado
Destruction complete June 22, 2023
MUSTARD 155MM PROJECTILES DESTROYED
MUSTARD 105MM PROJECTILES DESTROYED
MUSTARD 4.2-INCH MORTAR ROUNDS DESTROYED
Munitions Destroyed at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Kentucky
Destruction complete July 7, 2023
MUSTARD 155MM PROJECTILES DESTROYED
GB NERVE AGENT 8-INCH PROJECTILES DESTROYED
VX NERVE AGENT 155MM PROJECTILES DESTROYED
VX NERVE AGENT M55 ROCKETS DESTROYED
GB NERVE AGENT M55 ROCKETS DESTROYED
In Colorado, the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, or PCAPP, destroyed the stockpile using neutralization followed by biotreatment. In Kentucky, the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant, or BGCAPP, destroyed the stockpile using neutralization. Both pilot plants were augmented by Static Detonation Chamber units to eliminate difficult-to-process rounds.
The U.S. was fully committed to achieving 100% destruction of its chemical weapons stockpile while protecting the workforce, public and environment.
The mission of the Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives, or PEO ACWA, was the safe destruction of the declared U.S. chemical weapons stockpile at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado and the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky.
The last munition in the Colorado stockpile was destroyed June 22, 2023, and the last munition in the Kentucky stockpile was destroyed July 7, 2023. PEO ACWA is now responsible for the safe and environmentally compliant closure of the Pueblo and Blue Grass plants.
In 2012, the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency, now known as the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity, completed destruction of nearly 90% of the original U.S. chemical weapons stockpile. PEO ACWA was responsible for the destruction of the remaining 10% of the stockpile, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.
“My dad worked in the demilitarization industry, so it’s incredibly touching that I was able to continue his legacy and see that final munition destroyed.”
“It feels good that we have rid our community of chemical weapons and that future generations won’t have to live with them any more.”
“I’m happy we completed the mission but I’m sad it’s all done. I’m going to miss my time here.”
“I’m happy I was part of something with such a huge impact.”
