Owl Chemical Corps Plant


Historic California Posts, Camps, Stations and Airfields
Owl Chemical Warfare Service Plant
(Owl Plant, Chemical Corps; Owl 4X Plant)

Established on 14 October 1943, this facility was one of two plants leased from American Cyanamid Company that produced Cyanogen Chloride for the New York Chemical Warfare Procurement District. Along with the Warners, NY plant; over 12,500 tons of the agent were produced for the Atmy's Chemical Warfare Service (after 1946, Chemical Corps) during World War II. Cyanogen chloride (CK) is a chemical warfare agent (military designation CK). CK has strong irritant and choking effects. Its vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive. Riot control and chemical agents may have also been produced at this facility.