New Chemical Weapon Disposal Plant to Open in Russia

28.05.2009 — News

THE KURGAN OBLAST.

On 29 May 2009, the plant for warfare toxic agent destruction launches its operation. It should eliminate 14% of the Russian chemical weapon by the end of 2012.

The munition depot near Shchuchye (170 km west of Kurgan) stores 5,500 tons of rounds and shells with V-gases (sarin, soman, and VX). According to the Chemical Weapons Convention they should be disposed of within 42 months.

Due to investment problems the Shchuchye plant has remained under construction for 8 years. It was originally scheduled for launch in 2005. The USA should have allocated 40% of the funds for the construction, but the Congress has been blocking the funding for a long time.

The plant's first phase is designed for the utilization of nearly 500 tons of toxins yearly. The second phase launch will permit to increase the processed volume to up to 1,200 tons. It is entirely possible that the lethal weapon elimination deadline will be extended, as the USA will not make it to liquidate their toxic arsenals by 2012.

As the Kurgan Oblast government informed RusBusinessNews, Viktor Khristenko, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Russian Federation, and Rogelio Pfirter, Director General of the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, may participate in the launch ceremony.