The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant

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The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant is safely and efficiently destroying the stockpile of chemical weapons stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot. The pilot plant is using neutralization followed by biotreatment as the technology to destroy munitions containing more than 2,600 tons of mustard agent. Additionally, construction continues for three Static Detonation Chambers that will augment the main plant by destroying problematic chemical munitions that cannot be easily processed using the main plant’s automated equipment.

In September 2002, the Bechtel Pueblo Team was awarded the systems contract to design, construct, systemize, pilot test, operate and close the plant. The Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program, known as PEO ACWA, is the Department of Defense agency responsible for managing the destruction of the Pueblo chemical weapons stockpile and oversees the Bechtel Pueblo contract.
Stage 4: PILOT TESTING

Pilot testing in the main plant began on Sept. 7, 2016, with the gradual introduction of actual agent-filled munitions into the automated system.

Pilot testing in the main plant is complete and in compliance with all safety requirements. Environmental permits are pending. The remaining agent-filled projectiles are being destroyed.

Status: Complete

Stage 5: OPERATIONS
Operations at the Pueblo plant denotes that the plant is performing as it was designed, with munitions being destroyed via neutralization followed by biotreatment. The main plant functions as a fully operational facility as it awaits certification under a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Part B Permit.

Status: Underway

Stage 6: CLOSURE
Operations are complete, and the facility is closed. Equipment is dismantled, decontaminated and removed in accordance with agreements between the State of Colorado and the U.S. Army.

Anticipated end of destruction operations: 2023