RICHMOND, Ky. (AP) — Plans for the destruction of a stockpile of chemical weapons in Madison County have changed.
Media outlets report that the demolition of 15,000 projectiles containing mustard of blister agent was projected to start in mid- to late 2017. However, $55 million in construction costs will probably mean the blister agent won’t be destroyed until later.
Site project manager Jeff Brubaker says about $15 million of unexpected costs at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant was attributed to defective welds in an apparatus that helps in the dilution process.
Defense Department officials are expected to decide this month which phase of the project will be given priority.
Despite fiscal difficulties, Brubaker says he believes the goal of neutralizing all the weapons by 2023 will be attained.