The Blue Grass Chemical Activity unit based at the Blue Grass Army Depot recently passed the most comprehensive inspection given within the Army, according to Dick Sloan, public information officer for the BGCA.
The group is charged with the safe storage and monitoring of the chemical weapons stockpile at the depot.
The five-day inspection, conducted by 12 members of the Department of Army Inspector General’s office, is done every two years for all chemical weapon storage site.
“It was very tough, but it was supposed to be,” said Lt. Col. George Shuplinkov. “The team is detail-oriented and looks at everything we do, makes sure we’re following regulations along with safety and security guidelines. This inspection was the toughest challenge during my command and failure was not an option.”
The team spent 10-hour days looking at how weapons were stored and monitored, aspects of safety for workers and the community and how the weapons were handled.
The inspection also included an audit of the medical program that included the depot’s medical clinic to the written agreements with local hospitals and ambulance services.
Security also was evaluated including the physical security of the stockpile along with all other security aspects, Sloan said.
Little effort was needed to prepare for the inspection, Shuplinkov said.
“We don’t get ready for an inspection at the Blue Grass Chemical Activity because we’re ready every day of the year.”
The exhausting inspection did, however, uncover some areas that needed work, said Thom Bilyeu, director of Mission Operations.
“It’s good to have another set of eyes looking at what you do to help you keep from making mistakes,” he said. “Everything the inspector general team found that needed fixing was fixed on the spot. We’ll work better and safer with this kind of oversight.”
The inspection is only one of several the BGCA must pass on a yearly basis, said Sgt. First Class Michael Blow, the BGCA senior enlisted advisor.
“Although it’s the most comprehensive, there are areas that the inspector general doesn’t look at,” Blow said. “For those areas, we have other inspections, such as International Treaty inventory or the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program. We stay on our toes every day.”
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.
Local News
Depot chemical stockpile agency meets critical inspection
- Local News
-
-
Aiming high
The tiny Tic-Tac sized spots on 11-year-old Corie Young's right cheek are the marks of her archery accomplishments.
-
Richmond officers recognized at annual banquet
Several Richmond officers were recognized May 8 for outstanding service in 2011 at the annual police awards banquet. -
Suspect found hiding under church pew
BEREA — A burglary suspect was found hiding under a church pew Monday at Highway
Holiness Church on Haiti Road in Berea, according to a police report.
Berea Police arrested Timmy Brock, 26, and charged him with third-degree burglary. -
Berea family charged with making meth
BEREA — A call about a fight between a father and his son Friday night resulted in the arrest of the two men, plus another family member, on meth manufacturing charges.
-
Yes, those precincts do have some city voters
Some county residents who vote in Deacon Hills, Duncannon and Kingston precincts may have been surprised to see them listed as precincts where voting will take place for Richmond City Commission races.
-
Maker’s collectibles stolen from home
A resident in the 100 block of Crescent Hill Drive told police Monday his residence was broken into that morning and several items were stolen.
Illegal entry may have been made through an u -
Free oil changes for single moms Saturday
First Baptist Church, 425 Eastern Bypass, Richmond, is offering free oil changes from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for single mothers, wives of deployed soldiers and widows
-
Brandy Winkler hopes to bring a different view to circuit clerk office
(Editor's note: This is the last article in a three-part series about the candidates in the Democratic primary for Madison Circuit Clerk. There are no Republicans in the race, so the Democratic primary winner will get the office. Sunday’s Register included a profile on candidate Jennifer Webb, and a profile on Darlene Snyder was published Monday.)Having an outsider’s view along with 17 years of banking and management experience is something Brandy Winkler is counting on to win over voters May 22. -
Smarter spending, economic recruitment goals for 36th Rep. candidate Nathan Mick
(Editor’s Note: This is the first in a two-part series about the candidates in the May 22 Republican primary for 36th District state representative. A profile of the other candidate in the race, Jonathan Shell, will appear in Thursday’s Register.)Republican candidate for state representative Nathan Mick says he is ready to “hit the ground running” if elected.Long-time Republican incumbent Lonnie Napier, who is retiring from the seat, has endorsed Mick as his replacement. -
Troopers remembered
Members of the Madison County law enforcement community, led by state police troopers, honored Monday two of their number who died in the line of duty.On Feb. 11, 1979, Trooper Clinton Cunningham, 29, was shot in the back while investigating a false report of a break-in at a store in Franklin County. He had worked for the Kentucky State Police for three years. - More Local News Headlines
-
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Defense Rests Without Calling Edwards, Mistress
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Romney Calls Obama a 'Disappointment'
Students in Tornado-hit Community Await Lady A
On Zuckerberg's Mind: People, Not Shareholders
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
Blood Drive for Woman With Flesh-Eating Disease
AG Race Tops Oregon Primary Interest
Obama Welcomes Beckham, Galaxy to White House
Raw Video: Mladic's Genocide Trial Under Way
Court Records Detail Zimmerman Injuries
Local Community Prepares for G8 Summit
New Guidelines for US Nuclear Plants
The President's Hideaway Welcomes World Leaders
Fuzzy Resumes: A Look at Leaders Undone
