News Release
October 17, 2001

(Camp Edwards, MA) — Technicians from the Impact Area Groundwater Study Program office will detonate unexploded munitions between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, October 19.

The items are a 57MM projectile at the former Gravity Anti-Tank Range portion of the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR), and a 155mm projectile at the Pump Test Site #1 area of the MMR impact area. These munitions cannot be moved safely and will be "blown-in-place."

This event will not affect areas outside the boundary of the MMR, and does not affect the safety buffer zones established with the Sandwich School Committee and the Sandwich Selectmen.

The detonation of these munitions does not pose a threat to public safety. Disposal in this manner eliminates a potential safety hazard to groundwater study field technicians.

Army National Guard contractors will be responsible for detonating the munitions and sampling the soil at the location for residual explosive compounds. If any contamination is found, the soil will be removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.

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For more information, contact:
Tina Dolen, IAGWSP Senior Community Involvement Specialist, (508) 968-5629
Todd Borci, EPA New England Region 1, (617) 918-1358 or (888) 372-7341 ext. 81358
Ellie Grillo, MADEP Community Involvement Coordinator, (508) 946-2866