Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
The U.S. Army has maintained stockpiles of chemical munitions since the 1950s. In 1985, Congress passed Public Law 99-145 directing the Army to destroy the aging chemical weapons while providing maximum protection to the public and the environment. As part of the dedication to providing this protection, an agreement was developed between the Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency establishing the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP).
The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) is a readiness program to enhance the emergency preparedness of the communities around the stockpile sites. The program's goal is to improve emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
Approximately 8.5 percent of the nation’s original stockpile is stored at the U.S. Army Pueblo Chemical Depot (PCD) located east of Pueblo. The depot is situated on 23,000 acres in Pueblo County. Its stockpile consists of mustard agent stored in projectiles and mortar rounds. These munitions are stored in earth-covered structures in the depot’s chemical storage area. The ammunition storage area is secured and the area is patrolled 24 hours a day.
Recovery Plan
The CSEPP Recovery Plan was updated in June 2016.
Colorado's Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
For more information about Colorado's CSEP Program visit the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Bureau. The areas surrounding the Pueblo Chemical Depot are divided into emergency planning zones.
Federal Emergency Management's CSEP Program
For more information on the United State's CSEP Program, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP).