In the 1940s, the United States prepared a massive arsenal of mortar shells and artillery rounds filled with mustard gas. Throughout the Cold War, even deadlier chemical weapons, such as VX and GB (Sarin nerve agents), were developed and stockpiled. These chemical munitions comprised one of the world’s largest chemical weapons arsenals.
However, all of that has changed. On July 7th, at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Kentucky, the last M55 rocket, containing GB, was dismantled. With this event, the entire declared chemical munitions stockpile of the United States ceased to exist. The achievement came just before the September 30th deadline imposed by the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), a 1997 international treaty banning the production, use, and stockpiling of chemical weapons. Remarkably, the United States was the last country party to the treaty to eliminate its declared chemical weapons stockpile, which included agents and munitions originally intended for use on the battlefield.
Although chemical weapons still exist in countries that never signed the CWC, are scattered in old war zones, and may be present in nations that have broken their treaty promises, the certification of the United States is a significant accomplishment, both for America and the world.
At the time of CWC ratification, the United States possessed around 30,000 tons of chemical warfare agents. Eliminating these weapons was a daunting task, as these were weapons designed for use, not destruction, according to Sonia Ben Ouagrham-Gormley, an expert in weapons programs.
The journey to disarmament took more than 25 years, marked by challenges unique to the American experience. Local, state, and federal lawmakers, as well as environmental and community activists, became deeply involved in the process. Environmental and community activists questioned the U.S. Army’s plans to destroy toxic agents in their neighborhoods, creating a “not in my backyard” movement with existential stakes. Their protests led to new policies, influencing the technology and methods used to destroy these munitions.
The disarmament process exposed a significant challenge of disarmament: the decision to produce weapons of mass destruction is not easily undone. Chemical munitions, designed to kill, proved exceptionally difficult to destroy.
Craig Williams, co-chair of the Kentucky Citizens’ Advisory Commission, recalled a community meeting in 1984 when the Army announced its plan to incinerate chemical weapons stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot. The local community had numerous questions and concerns, leading to a prolonged and contentious effort to safely dispose of the weapons.
The United States initially used chemical weapons in World War I but did not sign the Geneva Protocol of 1925, which banned poisonous gases and biological agents in warfare. The U.S. continued to develop chemical weapons, with a renewed focus during World War II. However, by the early 1960s, these weapons began to fall out of favor in the U.S. due to a shift towards the nuclear arsenal and public concerns about safety, following incidents such as an alleged open-air VX test in Utah.
To dispose of aging and dangerous chemical munitions, the U.S. undertook Operation CHASE in the late 1960s, sinking them at sea. Environmental concerns in the 1970s led to stricter regulations, and sea dumps were outlawed. This left the U.S. with old, deteriorating chemical weapons that needed disposal.
In the 1980s, the U.S. faced the challenge of replacing its old chemical munitions with newer, safer “binary” chemical weapons. However, lawmakers required the destruction of old munitions for each new one produced, setting the stage for community opposition and debates over the disposal method.
The Army initially favored incineration for disposal, but communities and activists raised concerns about pollution and health effects. Activists formed the Chemical Weapons Working Group, pushing for safer disposal methods. Neutralization emerged as an alternative process, involving disassembling munitions, eliminating the chemical agent, and recycling the metal. While it took time to develop, neutralization ultimately became the chosen method for destruction.
This community-driven approach influenced the world’s perspective on chemical weapons disposal, making it safer and more environmentally friendly. It also highlighted the importance of involving affected communities in the process.
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), signed in 1997, played a crucial role in the disarmament process. The CWC required countries to declare their chemical weapon stockpiles and set a deadline for destruction. The U.S., along with Russia, had the largest stockpiles, leading to international pressure for disarmament.
Community activists expanded their efforts internationally, collaborating with other countries facing similar challenges. The Chemical Weapons Working Group played a pivotal role in advocating for safe disposal methods, pushing for alternatives to incineration.
Ultimately, the U.S. successfully eliminated its declared chemical weapons stockpile, but the global threat of chemical weapons persists. Some countries violate the CWC, and remnants of old chemical weapons still pose risks.
While the U.S. achievement is significant, it underscores the lasting consequences of weapons of mass destruction and the importance of disarmament efforts worldwide. Chemical weapons may now be less likely to be used in warfare, but their difficult destruction process serves as a warning about the lingering effects of war tools. The world must continue efforts to prevent the reemergence of chemical weapons and other dangerous arms.
In conclusion, the United States’ completion of chemical weapons disarmament is a testament to the dedication of communities, activists, and policymakers in prioritizing safety and environmental protection. It reflects a global commitment to disarmament but serves as a reminder that the world must remain vigilant in preventing the resurgence of chemical weapons and other threats to peace.