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News Release
May 17, 2002

Blow-In-Place Detonation Scheduled at Camp Edwards

Camp Edwards, Mass. — An open or blow-in-place detonation of a 3.5" rocket will take place Tuesday, May 21, 2002, at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation. Contractors for the Impact Area Groundwater Study Program will conduct the munitions detonation between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The rocket was discovered during clearing activities for a new monitoring well being installed to test groundwater in the Central Impact area. The detonations will not affect the Sandwich neighborhood buffer zone. There is no risk to residents of the surrounding area.

Massachusetts Army National Guard contractors have determined that the item being blown in place potentially contains a hazardous fusing component and is unsafe to move. Since it could present a danger to workers in the area and needs to be removed for work on the well to continue, it will be blown in place.

Following the detonation the soil in the area will be tested for residual explosive compounds. If any contamination is found, the soil will be scheduled for removal and disposal in accordance with applicable regulations.

The Impact Area Groundwater Study Program, led by the National Guard Bureau, has been working on an investigation and cleanup of the upper 15,000 acres at Camp Edwards since 1997. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection oversee the program.

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For more information, contact:
Christine Dolen, Groundwater Study Program, (508) 968-5629
Todd Borci, EPA New England Region 1, (617) 918-1358 or (888) 372-7341 ext. 81358
Ellie Grillo, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, (508) 946-2866

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