News

River River Drops of rain on a leaf

News Release
April 6, 2004

Open Detonations Scheduled for Thursday at Camp Edwards

Camp Edwards, Mass. — Two military munitions will be destroyed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday, April 8, in open detonations at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation.

All of the detonations will be conducted at least a mile from any residential areas. There is no risk to nearby residents.

The items being destroyed include a 2.36-inch rocket and a 40-millimeter mortar.

The items are being detonated at the site known as Demolition Area 1, which formerly was used for munitions burning and detonation. These munitions were found during an interim soil cleanup action currently underway at the Demolition Area 1 site. Following the removal of munitions and related items, approximately 25,000 tons of contaminated or potentially contaminated soil that is believed to be a continuing source of groundwater contamination, is being excavated and treated as part of this cleanup action.

These munitions items are being destroyed by open detonation because explosive experts have determined they may contain explosives and are unsafe to move. Safe-to-move items that potentially contain explosives are taken to a safe storage facility for destruction in a contained detonation chamber. Munitions items that do not contain explosives are recycled as scrap.

For further information on Groundwater Study Program activities, log on to www.groundwaterprogram.org.

# # #

For more information, contact:
Kristina Curley, Groundwater Study Program, (508) 968-5626
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

Site Map | Related Links | Comments/Contact Us | Search | Home
Administrative Notice