Derek Romitti, project lead for the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (CMA RCMD) mission to destroy recovered chemical warfare materiel, briefs leadership at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), New Jersey, about the Explosive Destruction System (EDS). CMA RCMD uses the EDS to destroy munitions in a safe, environmentally compliant manner. In May 2022, CMA RCMD partnered with JB MDL for a second mission to destroy World War I-era chemical munitions after six 75mm projectiles were recovered at the base during an investigation of disposal pits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel Owings)
Derek Romitti, project lead for the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (CMA RCMD) mission to destroy recovered chemical warfare materiel, briefs leadership at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), New Jersey, about the Explosive Destruction System (EDS). CMA RCMD uses the EDS to destroy munitions in a safe, environmentally compliant manner. In May 2022, CMA RCMD partnered with JB MDL for a second mission to destroy World War I-era chemical munitions after six 75mm projectiles were recovered at the base during an investigation of disposal pits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel Owings)
Derek Romitti, project lead for the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (CMA RCMD) mission to destroy recovered chemical warfare materiel, briefs leadership at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), New Jersey, about the Explosive Destruction System (EDS). CMA RCMD uses the EDS to destroy munitions in a safe, environmentally compliant manner. In May 2022, CMA RCMD partnered with JB MDL for a second mission to destroy World War I-era chemical munitions after six 75mm projectiles were recovered at the base during an investigation of disposal pits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel Owings)
Derek Romitti, project lead for the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (CMA RCMD) mission to destroy recovered chemical warfare materiel, briefs leadership at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), New Jersey, about the Explosive Destruction System (EDS). CMA RCMD uses the EDS to destroy munitions in a safe, environmentally compliant manner. In May 2022, CMA RCMD partnered with JB MDL for a second mission to destroy World War I-era chemical munitions after six 75mm projectiles were recovered at the base during an investigation of disposal pits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel Owings)
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst leadership is briefed inside the Mobile Munitions Assessment System by Derek Romitti, project lead for the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (CMA RCMD), on the process of explosive destruction and assessments during a tour of the destruction site hosted by the Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate, May 2, 2022, on Joint Base MDL, New Jersey. RCMD partnered with Joint Base MDL for a second mission to destroy World War I-era chemical munitions after discovering a six 75mm projectiles at Joint Base MDL’s Parachute Jump Circle while investigating and removing chemical munitions, munitions of explosive concern and/or munitions constituents from two disposal pits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel Owings)
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst leadership is briefed inside the Mobile Munitions Assessment System by Derek Romitti, project lead for the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (CMA RCMD), on the process of explosive destruction and assessments during a tour of the destruction site hosted by the Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate, May 2, 2022, on Joint Base MDL, New Jersey. RCMD partnered with Joint Base MDL for a second mission to destroy World War I-era chemical munitions after discovering a six 75mm projectiles at Joint Base MDL’s Parachute Jump Circle while investigating and removing chemical munitions, munitions of explosive concern and/or munitions constituents from two disposal pits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ariel Owings)
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) has a well-documented history of safe and successful operation, destroying recovered chemical warfare materiel at various sites throughout the United States.
Initial training and certification of the workforce followed by regular retraining and recertification help ensure safety is maintained.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) has a well-documented history of safe and successful operation, destroying recovered chemical warfare materiel at various sites throughout the United States.
Initial training and certification of the workforce followed by regular retraining and recertification help ensure safety is maintained.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) provides on-site treatment of chemical warfare materiel in a safe, environmentally sound manner. As an innovative alternative to the open detonation of explosively configured munitions, the EDS supports both planned and quick-response munition recovery operations.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) provides on-site treatment of chemical warfare materiel in a safe, environmentally sound manner. As an innovative alternative to the open detonation of explosively configured munitions, the EDS supports both planned and quick-response munition recovery operations.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) provides on-site treatment of chemical warfare materiel in a safe, environmentally sound manner. As an innovative alternative to the open detonation of explosively configured munitions, the EDS supports both planned and quick-response munition recovery operations.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) provides on-site treatment of chemical warfare materiel in a safe, environmentally sound manner. As an innovative alternative to the open detonation of explosively configured munitions, the EDS supports both planned and quick-response munition recovery operations.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) provides on-site treatment of chemical warfare materiel in a safe, environmentally sound manner. As an innovative alternative to the open detonation of explosively configured munitions, the EDS supports both planned and quick-response munition recovery operations.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) provides on-site treatment of chemical warfare materiel in a safe, environmentally sound manner. As an innovative alternative to the open detonation of explosively configured munitions, the EDS supports both planned and quick-response munition recovery operations.
Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (RCMD) can quickly respond to unplanned Chemical Warfare Materiel (CWM) recoveries on site; such recoveries are most often in response to CWM unearthed during range clearing operations and from relic burial sites.
Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (RCMD) can quickly respond to unplanned Chemical Warfare Materiel (CWM) recoveries on site; such recoveries are most often in response to CWM unearthed during range clearing operations and from relic burial sites.
A 75mm projectile, seen here from the 2005 mission, measures approximately 11 inches in length, three inches in diameter and weighs up to 12.5 pounds, depending on the type of chemical agent it contains. It also includes an adapter and booster casing that screw into the nose of the shell. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
A 75mm projectile, seen here from the 2005 mission, measures approximately 11 inches in length, three inches in diameter and weighs up to 12.5 pounds, depending on the type of chemical agent it contains. It also includes an adapter and booster casing that screw into the nose of the shell. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) uses cutting charges to explosively access chemical munitions, eliminating their explosive capacity while chemical agent is neutralized. The system’s main component, seen here during the first Dover Air Force Base Mission in 2004, has a sealed stainless-steel vessel, which contains all blast, vapor and fragments. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) uses cutting charges to explosively access chemical munitions, eliminating their explosive capacity while chemical agent is neutralized. The system’s main component, seen here during the first Dover Air Force Base Mission in 2004, has a sealed stainless-steel vessel, which contains all blast, vapor and fragments. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
With more than 3,700 items destroyed at 15 locations in the United States since 2001, the Explosive Destruction System (EDS) is the Army’s premier technology to destroy Recovered Chemical Warfare Materiel.
With more than 3,700 items destroyed at 15 locations in the United States since 2001, the Explosive Destruction System (EDS) is the Army’s premier technology to destroy Recovered Chemical Warfare Materiel.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) uses cutting charges to explosively access chemical munitions, eliminating their explosive capacity.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) uses cutting charges to explosively access chemical munitions, eliminating their explosive capacity.
The command post provides the CMA Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate cost-effective management of command, control and communications during operations. RCMD Project Manager Mr. William Jackson provides a command post briefing prior to the start of operations to destroy chemical warfare materiel recovered during environmental remediation efforts at PBA.
The RCMD Explosive Destruction System uses linear explosive charges to cut open chemical munitions and eliminate their explosive capacity before neutralizing the chemical agent. RCMD Project Manager Mr. William Jackson briefs PBA Director of Business Operations and Planning Mr. Mark Lumpkin and PBA Director of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs Mr. Kevin Dorman on the current mission to destroy chemical warfare materiel recovered during environmental remediation at PBA.
Pine Bluff Arsenal leadership are briefed on the technology RCMD uses to destroy recovered chemical warfare materiel. From left, PBA Director of Business Operations and Planning Mr. Mark Lumpkin, PBA Director of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs Mr. Kevin Dorman, Director of Recovered Chemical Materiel Mr. Donald R. Benton, and RCMD Project Manager Mr. William Jackson.
The Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate provides centralized management and direction to the Department of Defense for the assessment and disposal of recovered chemical warfare materiel in a safe and environmentally sound manner. RCMD Project Manager Mr. William Jackson briefs PBA Director of Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs Mr. Kevin Dorman and PBA Director of Business Operations and Planning Mr. Mark Lumpkin on the current mission to destroy chemical warfare materiel recovered during environmental remediation efforts at PBA.
This portable chemical reactor system destroys small quantities of chemical agent found in Chemical Agent Identification Set (CAIS) items.
This portable chemical reactor system destroys small quantities of chemical agent found in Chemical Agent Identification Set (CAIS) items.
The Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate uses the Mobile Munitions Assessment System (MMAS) to provide analysis of recovered items with unknown fills. The MMAS has three main tools: PINS, DRCT and the Raman Spectrometer.
The Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate uses the Mobile Munitions Assessment System (MMAS) to provide analysis of recovered items with unknown fills. The MMAS has three main tools: PINS, DRCT and the Raman Spectrometer.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
All weapons are stored securely in earth-covered bunkers called igloos. Designed specifically to protect their contents from external factors such as storms, lightning and other weather-related events, the igloos are equipped with a rear vent and a dual lightning protection system.
All weapons are stored securely in earth-covered bunkers called igloos. Designed specifically to protect their contents from external factors such as storms, lightning and other weather-related events, the igloos are equipped with a rear vent and a dual lightning protection system.
The chemical weapons at Blue Grass were received as far back as 1944. The majority of the nerve agent weapons arrived in the mid-60s. All weapons are stored securely in earth-covered bunkers called igloos. Designed specifically to protect their contents from external factors such as storms, lightning and other weather-related events, the igloos are equipped with a rear vent and a dual lightning protection system. The chemical stockpile is comprised of 523 tons of nerve agents GB and VX, and mustard agent in projectiles, warheads and rockets.
The chemical weapons at Blue Grass were received as far back as 1944. The majority of the nerve agent weapons arrived in the mid-60s. All weapons are stored securely in earth-covered bunkers called igloos. Designed specifically to protect their contents from external factors such as storms, lightning and other weather-related events, the igloos are equipped with a rear vent and a dual lightning protection system. The chemical stockpile is comprised of 523 tons of nerve agents GB and VX, and mustard agent in projectiles, warheads and rockets.
With an impeccable safety and environmental stewardship record, the Explosive Destruction System operates within an environmental enclosure under negative pressure and carbon filters to ensure no agent or vapor is released into the atmosphere. Collectively, the destruction site at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas is known as the Pine Bluff Explosive Destruction System, or PBEDS for short.
Starting in December 2018, CMA’s Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (RCMD) returned for its second destruction mission at Pine Bluff Arkansas. Using its transportable Explosive Destruction System, or EDS, operators will neutralize chemical warfare materiel recovered during environmental remediation efforts at PBA. Collectively, the destruction site is known as the Pine Bluff Explosive Destruction System, or PBEDS for short.
Starting in December 2018, CMA’s Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate (RCMD) returned for its second destruction mission at Pine Bluff Arkansas. Using its transportable Explosive Destruction System, or EDS, operators will neutralize chemical warfare materiel recovered during environmental remediation efforts at PBA. Collectively, the destruction site is known as the Pine Bluff Explosive Destruction System, or PBEDS for short.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) site layout is set up in accordance with all applicable laws/permit requirements, ensures the overall safety of the workers and the environment. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) site layout is set up in accordance with all applicable laws/permit requirements, ensures the overall safety of the workers and the environment. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
The Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate completes often operates in remote locations. The Command Post provides total communications management control over site operations, and assists personnel to gather, document and archive pertinent data, seen here during the 2004 Dover Air Force Base treatment operations.
The Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate completes often operates in remote locations. The Command Post provides total communications management control over site operations, and assists personnel to gather, document and archive pertinent data, seen here during the 2004 Dover Air Force Base treatment operations.
The Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate uses PINS as a transportable non-intrusive assessment system to analyze and provide on-site information about the contents of unidentified munitions without opening them. This greatly reduces risk to the public, workers and emergency response personnel by rapidly obtaining detailed information and distributing it to the appropriate authorities and responders.
The Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate uses PINS as a transportable non-intrusive assessment system to analyze and provide on-site information about the contents of unidentified munitions without opening them. This greatly reduces risk to the public, workers and emergency response personnel by rapidly obtaining detailed information and distributing it to the appropriate authorities and responders.
The Digital Radiography and Computed Tomography System uses X-ray technology to vertically scan a suspect chemical munition on a rotating platform to produce a digital view of the interior, similar to a CAT scan.
Digital Radiography and Computed Tomography System (DRCT) technology is a transportable, non-intrusive assessment system that analyzes and provides on-site information about the contents of unidentified munitions without opening them. This greatly reduces risk to the public, workers and emergency response personnel by rapidly obtaining detailed information and distributing it to the appropriate authorities and responders.
Digital Radiography and Computed Tomography System (DRCT) technology is a transportable, non-intrusive assessment system that analyzes and provides on-site information about the contents of unidentified munitions without opening them. This greatly reduces risk to the public, workers and emergency response personnel by rapidly obtaining detailed information and distributing it to the appropriate authorities and responders.
The United States completed operations at all incinerator facilities in 2012, leaving about 10 percent of the original stockpile to be destroyed. The Program Executive Office, Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives is responsible for constructing and operating neutralization-based destruction facilities at Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado, and Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, to destroy the remaining 10 percent of the U.S. chemical weapons stockpile.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) site layout, set up in accordance with all applicable laws and permit requirements, ensures the overall safety of the workers and the environment.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) site layout, set up in accordance with all applicable laws and permit requirements, ensures the overall safety of the workers and the environment.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) site is not a fixed size or layout. In general, the EDS is placed within a structure which is under a slight vacuum with a pollution abatement system using carbon filtration units. This configuration ensures that any potential vapor contamination from the operation is removed by the pollution abatement system.
The Explosive Destruction System (EDS) site is not a fixed size or layout. In general, the EDS is placed within a structure which is under a slight vacuum with a pollution abatement system using carbon filtration units. This configuration ensures that any potential vapor contamination from the operation is removed by the pollution abatement system.
The Chemical Materials Activity’s Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate uses X-ray photography to produce high-quality images of an item’s interior to show if the munition contains a liquid fill and explosive content.
The Chemical Materials Activity’s Recovered Chemical Materiel Directorate uses X-ray photography to produce high-quality images of an item’s interior to show if the munition contains a liquid fill and explosive content.
Secondary waste produced by the destruction of chemical warfare munitions is drained into federally approved barrels and disposed of at permitted commercial treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
Secondary waste produced by the destruction of chemical warfare munitions is drained into federally approved barrels and disposed of at permitted commercial treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent. Here, operators package recovered CAIS for safe storage and ultimate destruction.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent. Here, operators package recovered CAIS for safe storage and ultimate destruction.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts environmental restoration activities at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Once recovered, RCMD responds to any suspect recovered chemical warfare materiel to assess for safe handling and storage until destruction operations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts environmental restoration activities at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Once recovered, RCMD responds to any suspect recovered chemical warfare materiel to assess for safe handling and storage until destruction operations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts environmental restoration activities at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Once recovered, RCMD responds to any suspect recovered chemical warfare materiel to assess for safe handling and storage until destruction operations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts environmental restoration activities at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Once recovered, RCMD responds to any suspect recovered chemical warfare materiel to assess for safe handling and storage until destruction operations.
Personnel work in a command post to gather, document and archive data during EDS operations. The command post provides cost-effective management of command, control and communications during Recovered Chemical Warfare Materiel (RCWM) operations.
Personnel work in a command post to gather, document and archive data during EDS operations. The command post provides cost-effective management of command, control and communications during Recovered Chemical Warfare Materiel (RCWM) operations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts environmental restoration activities at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Once recovered, RCMD responds to any suspect recovered chemical warfare materiel to assess for safe handling and storage until destruction operations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducts environmental restoration activities at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas. Once recovered, RCMD responds to any suspect recovered chemical warfare materiel to assess for safe handling and storage until destruction operations.
State and county partners, along with the U.S. Army and Federal Emergency Management Agency, practice keeping the public safe in the unlikely event of a chemical stockpile accident. Seen here, a mock news release distributed during an exercise.
State and county partners, along with the U.S. Army and Federal Emergency Management Agency, practice keeping the public safe in the unlikely event of a chemical stockpile accident. Seen here, a mock news release distributed during an exercise.
Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness exercises are held in communities surrounding the two remaining chemical weapons stockpiles at Blue Grass Chemical Depot, Kentucky, and Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado, each year. The communities and states join the Army and FEMA to practice keeping the public safe in the unlikely event of a chemical stockpile accident. CSEPP training gives emergency responders – such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical teams – skills and knowledge they can use every day.
Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness exercises are held in communities surrounding the two remaining chemical weapons stockpiles at Blue Grass Chemical Depot, Kentucky, and Pueblo Chemical Depot, Colorado, each year. The communities and states join the Army and FEMA to practice keeping the public safe in the unlikely event of a chemical stockpile accident. CSEPP training gives emergency responders – such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical teams – skills and knowledge they can use every day.
CSEPP training gives emergency responders – such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical teams – skills and knowledge they can use every day.
CSEPP training gives emergency responders – such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical teams – skills and knowledge they can use every day.
RTAPs use gas chromatographs called Miniature Continuous Air Monitoring Systems (MINICAMS:registered:) that can detect agent within three to five minutes.
RTAPs use gas chromatographs called Miniature Continuous Air Monitoring Systems (MINICAMS:registered:) that can detect agent within three to five minutes.
DAAMS, a manual monitoring system, has been used at stockpile and storage sites primarily to confirm the detection of agents and to conduct historical monitoring levels.
DAAMS, a manual monitoring system, has been used at stockpile and storage sites primarily to confirm the detection of agents and to conduct historical monitoring levels.
Blue Grass Chemical Activity and Pueblo Chemical Depot store munitions securely in earth-covered bunkers called igloos. Designed specifically to protect their contents from external factors such as storms, lightning and other weather-related events, the igloos are equipped with a rear vent and a dual lightning protection system. Aside from a 24/7 guard force, there are a number of other physical and electronic safeguards that protect this stockpile.
An Emergency Operations Center is manned continuously by highly trained technicians. The likelihood of an accident is remote, and the stockpile is surrounded by numerous meteorological towers reporting to the Emergency Operations Center. Work plans are produced each day before any work is done. Should meteorological hazard predictions indicate a potential for airborne chemical agent to migrate off-post in the case of an accident, the work plan is altered to exclude that specific task.
Blue Grass Chemical Activity and Pueblo Chemical Depot store munitions securely in earth-covered bunkers called igloos. Designed specifically to protect their contents from external factors such as storms, lightning and other weather-related events, the igloos are equipped with a rear vent and a dual lightning protection system. Aside from a 24/7 guard force, there are a number of other physical and electronic safeguards that protect this stockpile.
An Emergency Operations Center is manned continuously by highly trained technicians. The likelihood of an accident is remote, and the stockpile is surrounded by numerous meteorological towers reporting to the Emergency Operations Center. Work plans are produced each day before any work is done. Should meteorological hazard predictions indicate a potential for airborne chemical agent to migrate off-post in the case of an accident, the work plan is altered to exclude that specific task.
Operators bring the overpacked munition into the environmental enclosure, unpack the munition, and place it in the munition holder prior to destruction during the Dover Air Force Base Mission in 2004. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
Operators bring the overpacked munition into the environmental enclosure, unpack the munition, and place it in the munition holder prior to destruction during the Dover Air Force Base Mission in 2004. (Photo Courtesy - U.S. Army)
Exercise evaluators assess Toxic Material Handlers dressed in Level A personal protective equipment as they take part in a Chemical Accident or Incident Response and Assistance (CAIRA) exercise.
Exercise evaluators assess Toxic Material Handlers dressed in Level A personal protective equipment as they take part in a Chemical Accident or Incident Response and Assistance (CAIRA) exercise.
Safe treatment of Recovered Chemical Warfare Materiel relies on thorough assessment, packaging and storage before the destruction solution is deployed.
Safe treatment of Recovered Chemical Warfare Materiel relies on thorough assessment, packaging and storage before the destruction solution is deployed.
A Blue Grass Army Depot policeman checks on a volunteer posing as a recovering casualty during the June 2016 Chemical Accident or Incident Response and Assistance (CAIRA) exercise. A trained evaluator records his observations in the background.
A Blue Grass Army Depot policeman checks on a volunteer posing as a recovering casualty during the June 2016 Chemical Accident or Incident Response and Assistance (CAIRA) exercise. A trained evaluator records his observations in the background.
Safety is ensured by sampling the air around the vessel before, during and after operations.
Safety is ensured by sampling the air around the vessel before, during and after operations.
In addition to destroying approximately 90 percent of its chemical weapons stockpile since Chemical Weapons Convention entry-into-force, the United States met all Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) deadlines to destroy its unfilled munitions and binary projectile inventory, former chemical weapon production facilities, and all binary chemical weapon materiel. Seen here, a munitions handler guides the last M23 VX landmine in the Anniston Army Depot stockpile as it heads down the conveyor.
The U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA) has a close relationship with the implementation of a treaty that seeks to rid the world of the threat chemical weapons pose to international security. The CMA director acts as the Army Implementing Agent for executing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The CWC requires States Parties with chemical weapons or chemical weapons production facilities to destroy them in an environmentally safe manner. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) monitors participating nations to ensure activities comply with treaty requirements.
The U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA) director is the Army Implementing Agent for the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), responsible for treaty management and compliance. The U.S. Army supports the nation’s compliance with the CWC, a treaty overseen by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The Center for Treaty Implementation and Compliance (CTIC), located at CMA Headquarters at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is part of a U.S. host team for storage, Schedule 1 and destruction inspections that oversees CWC compliance.
Personnel pull the first treaty sample at the treaty office facility. The U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA) has a close relationship with the implementation of a treaty that seeks to rid the world of the threat chemical weapons pose to international security. The CMA director acts as the Army Implementing Agent for executing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
The Explosive Destruction System can treat up to six chemical warfare materiel items simultaneously. The system contains all the blast, vapor and metal fragments from the items, protecting the surrounding environment and its operators.
The Real Time Analytical Platform (RTAP) is a self-contained mobile monitoring and detection system. Blue Grass Chemical Activity RTAPs use gas chromatographs called Miniature Continuous Air Monitoring Systems (MINICAMS®) that can detect agent within three to five minutes.
The RTAP can detect chemical agent vapors at levels lower than those that would cause effects to unprotected persons. These levels are equal to the Department of Health and Human Services requirements to which unmasked workers can be exposed to agent for a 40-hour work week with no harmful effects.
The Real Time Analytical Platform (RTAP) is a self-contained mobile monitoring and detection system. Blue Grass Chemical Activity RTAPs use gas chromatographs called Miniature Continuous Air Monitoring Systems (MINICAMS®) that can detect agent within three to five minutes.
The RTAP can detect chemical agent vapors at levels lower than those that would cause effects to unprotected persons. These levels are equal to the Department of Health and Human Services requirements to which unmasked workers can be exposed to agent for a 40-hour work week with no harmful effects.
In 1988, the U.S. Army and FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency establish the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) in response to Public Law 99-145, which requires added public protection for communities around the chemical stockpiles.
In 1988, the U.S. Army and FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency establish the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) in response to Public Law 99-145, which requires added public protection for communities around the chemical stockpiles.
CSEPP protects people who live and work near installations with chemical stockpiles in the unlikely event of a chemical accident or incident.
CSEPP protects people who live and work near installations with chemical stockpiles in the unlikely event of a chemical accident or incident.
Exercises are important for measuring CSEPP’s performance and testing emergency plans, and CSEPP training gives emergency responders skills and knowledge they can use every day.
Exercises are important for measuring CSEPP’s performance and testing emergency plans, and CSEPP training gives emergency responders skills and knowledge they can use every day.
Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness capabilities are tested each year during exercises.
Chemical stockpile emergency preparedness capabilities are tested each year during exercises.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
Recent environmental restoration efforts at Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas included more than 7,100 Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS) K-941 bottles, once used for training soldiers in the safe identification and handling of chemical agent.
RCMD disposes of chemical materiel in a safe, environmentally sound and cost-effective manner, ensuring compliance with the CWC. This may include chemicals and equipment used to produce some types of weapons, items recovered from military ranges and test kits once used to train Soldiers about chemical weapons.
RCMD disposes of chemical materiel in a safe, environmentally sound and cost-effective manner, ensuring compliance with the CWC. This may include chemicals and equipment used to produce some types of weapons, items recovered from military ranges and test kits once used to train Soldiers about chemical weapons.
Using a fiber optic probe and laser, Raman identifies the contents of Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS), glass bottles containing agents and industrial chemicals once used to train Soldiers.
Using a fiber optic probe and laser, Raman identifies the contents of Chemical Agent Identification Sets (CAIS), glass bottles containing agents and industrial chemicals once used to train Soldiers.
Operators confirm treatment success by sampling residual liquid and air from the vessel prior to reopening the Explosive Destruction System.
Operators confirm treatment success by sampling residual liquid and air from the vessel prior to reopening the Explosive Destruction System.
RCMD disposes of chemical materiel in a safe, environmentally sound and cost-effective manner, ensuring compliance with the CWC. This may include chemicals and equipment used to produce some types of weapons, items recovered from military ranges and test kits once used to train Soldiers about chemical weapons.
RCMD disposes of chemical materiel in a safe, environmentally sound and cost-effective manner, ensuring compliance with the CWC. This may include chemicals and equipment used to produce some types of weapons, items recovered from military ranges and test kits once used to train Soldiers about chemical weapons.
The Explosive Destruction System destroys recovered chemical warfare materiel, while protecting workers and the environment.
EDS-Overview
Former Chemical Warfare Production Facilities – Completed December 2006 (four months ahead of the deadline): These included government facilities and equipment that produced chemical agent, precursors and components for chemical weapons. NSCMP completed destruction of the facilities, located at Newport Chemical Depot, Indiana; Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas; Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; and Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
Former Chemical Warfare Production Facilities – Completed December 2006 (four months ahead of the deadline): These included government facilities and equipment that produced chemical agent, precursors and components for chemical weapons. NSCMP completed destruction of the facilities, located at Newport Chemical Depot, Indiana; Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas; Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; and Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
