The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa will resume operations on Monday, March 30th following a precautionary pause on March 12. Experts conducted a safety review to plan the safe removal of lead azide. The pause was initiated by the U.S. Government to allow a team of experts to conduct a thorough safety review and ensure safe storage of lead azide. American Ordnance LLC employees are returning to the site to resume work.
Lead azide is a chemical compound used to make munitions that must be disposed of safely, according to the Joint Munitions Command. “The Army will implement a multi-step plan to neutralize and dispose of the lead azide,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse, commander of the plant. Employees will return to production lines after completing a safety review and implementing all required safety protocols.
The community will be informed when the disposal method for lead azide is planned.