The Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) was a federal program that helped communities near U.S. Army chemical weapons storage sites prepare for and respond to a potential chemical emergency. This partnership included the Army, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state and local governments, and volunteer organizations.

Program purpose and history

• Congressional mandate: In 1985, Congress directed the U.S. Army to destroy its aging chemical weapons stockpile while providing "maximum protection" for the public and environment. CSEPP was established in 1988 to fulfill this safety mandate.
• Focus on preparedness: The program's primary goal was to enhance emergency preparedness in communities surrounding the eight chemical weapons stockpile sites that existed at the time.
• Enhancing emergency response: Through CSEPP, communities developed robust emergency response plans and received resources, including public warning systems, advanced emergency operation centers, and training for first responders.
• Improving public awareness: The program also focused on increasing public awareness of protective measures, such as sheltering in place during a chemical incident.

Program closeout

• Destruction of stockpiles: The U.S. Army, operating under international treaties and national policy, worked to eliminate the chemical weapons stockpile.
• Last sites: The two final stockpile locations were the Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado and the Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky.
• Lasting impact: While the program is over, the communities involved retain the benefits of the infrastructure, training, and planning developed through CSEPP.