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News Release
May 24, 2001

RDX Detected in Monitoring Well at Snake Pond in Sandwich

(Camp Edwards, MA) — The Impact Area Groundwater Study Program (IAGWSP), led by the National Guard Bureau, has been working on a continuing investigation and cleanup of the upper 15,000 acres at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR) since 1997. Working in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP), IAGWSP makes it a policy to inform the public of advances in the cleanup as well as significant discoveries of contaminants in the soil or groundwater.

Recent groundwater sampling at a new monitoring well located at the northern section of Snake Pond has detected the explosive compound Royal Demolition Explosive (RDX). RDX was reported in preliminary, non-validated profile samples at concentrations just above the health advisory of 2 parts per billion. The RDX was located at depths between 41 feet and 96 feet below the water table. The sampling of this well and other monitoring wells along the shore of Snake Pond are associated with the ongoing investigation of activities conducted at the training and research ranges known as the J-Ranges. The detection does not affect any drinking water supply wells.

The IAGWSP is very concerned about this finding and is treating this discovery as a high priority. Yesterday, the IAGWSP collected surface water samples in Snake Pond with the cooperation of the Sandwich Board of Health and in consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Analysis of the samples is underway and results will be made public as soon as they are available. The IAGWSP will also conduct biweekly testing of the pond surface water and groundwater samples from shallow monitoring points throughout the summer. Additional investigation and actions that may be necessary will be based on the monitoring well and pond testing results in consultation with the regulatory and public health agencies.

The National Guard Bureau is committed to take whatever steps are necessary to protect public health. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Agency for Toxic and Substance Disease Registry, the Sandwich Health Agent and the Joint Program Office are evaluating all data and information to ensure health issues are addressed.

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