Colorado Public Health Department Issues Construction Permit for Chemical Destruction Plant

Initial construction can begin on a chemical agent destruction pilot plant at the Pueblo Chemical Depot after a permit was issued by the Colorado Public Health and Environment Department, the Pueblo Chieftain reported today (see GSN, May 27).

The U.S. Army and its contractor, Bechtel National Inc., are still designing the plant, to be located 15 miles east of Pueblo.

The plant is being designed to robotically disassemble missiles filled with mustard agent and to process the poison with hot water and caustic solutions, such as sodium hydroxide. The liquid byproduct then would be neutralized using biological treatment processes, according to the Chieftain.

The Phase I permit authorizes preliminary work, including construction of underground utilities, road paving and building support facilities. No additional construction and no hazardous waste management activities are allowed under the permit.

Approximately 2,600 tons of mustard agent has been stored at the depot since the late 1950s, according to the Chieftain (Pueblo Chieftain, July 2).

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