Purpose:

Hundreds of active hand grenade ranges have the potential to be contaminated with energetic and metal constituents as a result of military training activities. The few studies that have been completed to date indicate that there is a high probability of contamination due to the extensive use of hand grenades at ranges, the relatively small area that these ranges cover, and the large amount of energetic compounds used. Currently, there is not an accepted technology available for management of explosives and metals in active grenade range soils using non-invasive techniques. This project will validate the long-term degradation of explosive contaminants and the immobilization of metals contaminants in the soil via the strategic use of reactive barriers and topical lime addition. The effects of continued range use, erosion, and precipitation on the technology will be assessed.

Description:

This project is based on the premises that increased alkalinity, caused by lime addition, will result in (1) significantly decreased water solubility of heavy metals present in the soils and (2) base-catalyzed transformation of explosives that will eliminate migration of RDX- and TNT-based explosives from the range area. Pre- and post-treatment assessments will consist of chemical analysis, soil characterization, contaminant leachability testing, and toxicity assessments. Laboratory studies will focus on identification of transformation products from the alkaline hydrolysis of energetic compounds, evaluating the fate of those transformation products in soil and developing the optimum design and maintenance scenario based on site characterization information. The field demonstration will include installation of reactive barriers and lime addition on the selected grenade range.

Benefits:

This study will provide a cost-effective training area management strategy to ensure the long-term viability of DoD live fire training operations critical to National Security measures. Proactive management of grenade ranges will help to mitigate potential range closings that could significantly impair military training and mission readiness. The overall costs of soil remediation to DoD also will be reduced by providing a technology capable of eliminating contaminant migration, thereby reducing the volume of soil that will eventually need to be remediated.
(Anticipated Project Completion - 2007)

Contact:

Dr. Steven L. Larson
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
ATTN: CEERD-EP-E
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199
Telephone: (601) 634-3431
Fax: (601) 634-4844
E-mail: Steven.L.Larson@erdc.usace.army.mil