CSEPP was created in 1985 when the US Congress passed a law directing the Army to dispose of its aging chemical weapons inventory with maximum protection of the public and environment as its primary consideration.
Since its inception, the primary goal of CSEPP has been to educate and enhance emergency preparedness in communities surrounding the chemical stockpile stored at the Bluegrass Army Depot.
The last chemical weapon stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) was destroyed July 7, 2023. This destruction not only marks the elimination of all chemical weapons at the Blue Grass Army Depot, but the destruction of all chemical weapons in the U.S. stockpile.
While the last chemical weapon at Blue Grass Army Depot has been destroyed, agent-contaminated secondary waste remains and so does the risk of chemical exposure. CSEPP will continue to support efforts to ensure a community's preparedness and safety in the unlikely event of a chemical agent accident. Public safety will continue to be paramount when making decisions on how to transition to the end of CSEPP.
There are 10 counties in Kentucky which are affected by the chemical stockpile. Madison County, where the Blue Grass Army Depot is located, and the northwest portion of Estill County, are considered the Immediate Response Zones (IRZ). Clark, Fayette, Estill, Garrard, Jackson, Powell and Rockcastle Counties make up the Protective Action Zones (PAZ). Jessamine and Laurel Counties are considered Host counties, in which citizens of the IRZ or PAZ may be deployed.