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News Release
April 9, 2002

Two Unexploded Munitions Scheduled for Open Detonation

Camp Edwards, Mass. — An open or blow-in-place detonation of an unexploded 155-millimeter projectile will be conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, at Camp Edwards on the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR).

The detonation, which does not affect the Sandwich neighborhood buffer zone, will take place on the former "U" range, located northwest of the Central Impact Area. There is no risk to residents of the nearby area.

According to Groundwater Study Program engineers, the projectile appears to have been from historical training activities in the Central Impact Area. It was found during the Groundwater Study Program's investigation of a former training range.

The projectile will be blown in place because engineers working with the Groundwater Study Program have determined it is unsafe to move and represents an immediate explosive hazard.

Massachusetts Army National Guard contractors will be responsible for the subsequent sampling of the area's soil for residual explosive compounds. If any contamination is found, the soil will be removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.

The 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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