Overview
The U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD), which reports to the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA), is responsible for the safe and secure storage of the chemical weapons stockpile in Colorado. PCD is commanded by COL Jason A. Lacroix.
Located near Pueblo, Colorado, PCD is one of two remaining Army installations in the United States that stores chemical weapons. Encompassing approximately 23,000 acres, the depot’s mission has shifted and expanded since PCD was created in 1942. Today, the depot ensures the safe, secure storage of the chemical weapons stockpile until it is destroyed, and is preparing for depot closure.
The chemical stockpile is comprised of 2,600 tons of mustard agent in approximately 780,000 munitions. The Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives is the Department of Defense (DoD) program responsible for the destruction of chemical weapons in Colorado. Working in partnership with the community, the Army selected neutralization followed by biotreatment to destroy the chemical weapons stockpile at PCD.
Bechtel Pueblo is the systems contractor that designed and constructed the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP), and will systemize, pilot test, operate and close PCAPP.
Safety and Security
The safety of workers, the public and the environment are paramount to the success of the chemical weapons disposal mission. CMA oversees the secure storage of chemical munitions to ensure that they are safe. CMA and PCD are committed to the safe and secure storage of the chemical weapons until the stockpile can be eliminated.
Public Participation and Community Relations
PCD and PCAPP work closely with the Colorado Chemical Demilitarization Citizens’ Advisory Commission, which serves as a forum for exchanging information about the project, offers opportunities for the public to get involved and represents community and state interests to the Army and DoD.
The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program works closely with your community and state emergency professionals to develop emergency plans and provide chemical accident response equipment and warning systems.
To learn more about the Army’s chemical weapons disposal mission visit the Pueblo Chemical Stockpile Outreach Office.
