Representatives Lamborn, Boebert Tour U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot
Pueblo, CO- Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness, joined Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) for a tour of the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD). The PCD, located in Pueblo, Colorado, is responsible for the safe and secure storage and destruction of our nation's chemical weapons stockpile.
After the tour, Representatives Lamborn and Boebert issued the following statements:
"I had the honor of touring the Pueblo Chemical Depot with my colleague and friend, Representative Boebert," said Representative Lamborn. "As the Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, which oversees our nation's depots, I was grateful for the opportunity to witness how the outstanding team at the PCD successfully executes the handling, storing, and processing of our nation's chemical weapons stockpile. This Depot stands at the intersection of defense and public lands issues. I look forward to working closely with Congresswoman Boebert on these issues, which are crucial to the state of Colorado."
"The Pueblo Chemical Depot plays a critical role in fulfilling international treaty obligations," said Representative Boebert. "This state-of-the-art facility places a premium on safety. The Depot is also an important employer for Pueblo. I want to thank Colonel Cobb and his team for this incredible tour. I was also thrilled to be joined by my friend and the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness Doug Lamborn. His subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Depot and his attendance today demonstrates that it is a priority."
Background- Courtesy of the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity
The U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD), which reports to the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity (CMA), is one of two remaining Army installations in the United States that stores chemical weapons.
Today, the Depot ensures the safe, secure storage of the chemical weapons stockpile until it is destroyed.
The chemical stockpile is comprised of 2,600 tons of mustard agent in approximately 780,000 munitions.
In 2004, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant (PCAPP). Construction was completed in 2012, and testing of all systems began. On September 7, 2016, processing started at the PCAPP Main Plant.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently engaged in ongoing environmental remediation of known burial sites at PCD – to return the land to public use for the citizens of Colorado.
The Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant is one of the Pueblo County's largest employers with approximately 1,590 employees and a projected payroll to date of nearly $2 billion.
Contact:Cassandra Sebastian (719) 520-0055 (Rep. Lamborn)
Contact: Ben Stout (202) 225-4761 (Rep. Boebert)