Action Proposed to Add Equipment for Disposal of Chemical Weapons in Richmond

DEM Blogger

May 16, 2019

The Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives is considering a proposed action to augment the chemical weapons destruction capability of the Blue
Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (BGCAPP). The action is being considered to reduce safety risks associated with processing nerve agent M55 rockets and components and to meet the requirement to destroy the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile no later than the congressional deadline of Dec. 31, 2023.

This proposed change would be achieved by retrofitting the existing Static Detonation Chamber (SDC) following completion of mustard munitions processing and using an additional SDC to process M55 rocket components and possibly complete M55 rockets, including overpacks. In addition, an Explosive Destruction System Phase 3 could be used to process complete M55 rockets, including overpacks. BGCAPP still plans to process nerve agent projectiles, neutralize nerve agent, separate M55 rockets into components and possibly drain warheads in the main plant.

In May 2019, an environmental assessment was completed to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, and Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 651, to address any potential impacts of this action. In accordance with the NEPA process, a draft “Finding of No Significant Impact” was prepared and is provided with the environmental assessment for public comment during the 30-day period. The last day to submit comments is June 17. A decision will be made on this proposed action following a review of the public comments.

A public meeting to provide information on the “Finding of No Significant Impact” and the environmental assessment will be held May 21 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile
Outreach Office at 1000 Commercial Drive, Suite 2, in Richmond, Kentucky. The meeting will begin with an informal poster session, followed by a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to comment on the “Finding of No Significant Impact” during this meeting. Those not able to attend may also learn how to comment at  www.peoacwa.army.mil/bgcapp/environmentalactivities-at-bgcapp/.

The “Finding of No Significant Impact,” and the environmental assessment may be found at the above link and at the following local repositories:

• Madison County Public Library, Richmond Branch, 507 W. Main Street in Richmond
• Madison County Public Library, Berea Branch, 319 Chestnut Street in Berea
• Crabbe Library, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue in Richmond
• Hutchins Library, Berea College, 100 Campus Drive in Berea
• Estill County Public Library, 246 Main Street in Irvine
• Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office, 1000 Commercial Drive, Suite 2 in Richmond

Comments may also be mailed to:
Blue Grass Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office
1000 Commercial Drive, Suite 2
Richmond, KY 40475
For more information, visit www.peoacwa.army.mil.