Discussions are underway regarding proposed changes in the process of disposing chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot.
The contractor is suggesting the elimination of a rinsing technique to reduce the chance of the processed nerve agent congealing.
Project Manager Jeff Brubaker says rusty pipes are another concern. "Water has been shown to react with GB agent and result in a very acidic material which could be corrosive to the internal piping systems," said Brubaker.
Brubaker says if the recommendation is adopted, it would not create widespread changes in safety measures. "With any design evolution, and as design matures and goes toward final design, there will be several checks in the process where those hazards analysis will be performed to ensure we don't have any significant safety hazards that aren't corrected," added Brubaker.
Brubaker expects about 700 staff will be hired during 2016. He says the workers will take part in hundreds of hours of training. "Require some 800 to perhaps in some cases over a thousand hours of training and working at controls and with particular types of equipment or systems. So, it's an extensive process of training and certification," explained Brubaker.
Brubaker says operation is slated to begin in 2018.
