Edgewood Chemical Biological Center unveils newly-modernized chemical agent explosives chamber

The Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), part of the U.S. Army’s Research Development and Engineering Command, recently unveiled its newly-renovated chemical agent explosives chamber at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, Maryland.

The facility is now the only location in the country that has the ability to conduct large-scale tests of equipment and vehicles with chemical agents and explosives simultaneously.

Originally opened in 1955, the facility underwent a five-year redevelopment process that upgraded and modernized its existing infrastructure.

“The ability to conduct tests using chemical agent and energetics at the same time is a necessity in today’s world with what our adversaries are capable of,” ECBC Director of Engineering Michael Abaie said. “We want to make sure that we provide our soldiers the best equipment they need and this chamber gives us another tool to test these equipment and ensure that we have the best-equipped force in the world.”

Complete with a new control room, real-time monitoring system, laboratory, chemical agent storage vault, environmental control capabilities, and a hazardous waste disposal area, the facility is large enough to allow for the testing of combat vehicles, tanks and a variety of projectiles within a single facility.

“These are special people who are willing to work with deadly agents and explosives every day, putting their lives at risk to protect our warfighters and nation,” ECBC Associate Director of Engineering Ron Pojunas said.