The ALAAP was built in 1941 as a production facility for nitrocellulose (NC), trinitrotoluene (TNT), dinitrotoluene (DNT), tetryl, and single-base smokeless powder.

[3] The facility ceased operation in August 1945 and was placed on standby status after the end of the war.

After the end of the war, various portions of the plant were leased out for commercial operations.

Most of the original structures have been destroyed, although the government retains responsibility for more than 2,000 acres (8 km2) of the facility.

Chemicals from the manufacturing areas of the site had contaminated groundwater and soil on the property.