News Release
March 12, 2002

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTICE

Dear Neighbor,

We need to advise you once again that there will be another blow-in-place detonation this weekend at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR). We apologize for the frequent inconvenience of these events, but we are in the process of investigating a heavily used training area. This is part of our ongoing effort to clean up and restore the areas of Camp Edwards that were used for historical training activities.

Details on the current detonation are:
What: Blow-In-Place Detonation
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2002
Time: Between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm
Where: On the "J-1" Range at MMR, West of Wind Song and Grand Oak Roads

The munitions, which include 114 items, were discovered in disposal areas located on the J-1 range on the Southeastern boundary of Camp Edwards. Whenever possible, we remove munitions found in our investigation to a safe storage area and detonate them in a Contained Detonation Chamber. However, Army engineers determined these items cannot be safely transported. As a safety precaution, they will be blown-in-place in four consolidated groups. Significant engineering controls will be in place to contain the blast. With these controls in place, there is no risk to residents of the nearby area.

The soil area surrounding the detonation will be sampled immediately following the event for residual explosive compounds. If any contamination is found, the soil will be removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.

As part of our effort to keep our neighbors informed of activities at Camp Edwards, we will notify you if other items, found in the future, require blow-in-place detonations.

The National Guard Bureau's Impact Area Groundwater Study Program has been working on an investigation and cleanup of the upper 15,000 acres at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation since 1997. As part of an agreement with the Town of Sandwich, a procedure for neighborhood notification was established to keep residents fully informed of progress regarding these findings. Please feel free to call us with questions.

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For further information or have questions about this event, please contact:
Christine Dolen, Impact Area Groundwater Study Program 508-968-5629
Todd Borci, Environmental Protection Agency 617-918-1358 or 888-372-7341x81358
Ellie Grillo, MA Dept of Environmental Protection 508-946-2866