Jay L. Clausen and Marc Grant, AMEC, Ben Gregson, MAARNG.

The National Guard Bureau is conducting an extensive investigation of the Impact Area at Camp Edwards to characterize the nature and extent of possible soil contamination and its potential impact on groundwater. The Impact Area has been used since the early 1900s for artillery and mortar firing. Over 2000 soil samples have been collected along with the installation of over 300 monitoring wells. Several explosive compounds, including RDX, were found in soil and groundwater. The highest soil concentration of RDX was found in shallow samples immediately adjacent to targets. In contrast to manufacturing, loading, and packing facilities the form of explosive introduced initially into the environment from Range activities is as a particulate. Laboratory studies were conducted to measure the explosive fate-and-transport properties of hexahydro-1,3,5- trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) along with other explosives. Computer modeling of the unsaturated and saturated zone was conducted to evaluate the flow and transport behavior of explosives. A key mechanism controlling the environmental fate of explosives from Range activities is the dissolution rate of explosive particulates. A conceptual model for the behavior of RDX is presented using lessons learned from the Camp Edwards site.

Jeffrey S. LeFebvre, UXO Program Manager, Pacific Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pearl Harbor Hawaii

Cleanup of UXO and OE contamination poses a technical challenge to the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Navy. There is increasing attention on cleanup of UXO and OE for the transfer, reuse and continued safe use of Department of Defense property. NAVFACENGCOM incorporates an integrated approach to managing the execution of UXO and OE cleanup projects at Navy and Marine Corps Installations, successfully leveraging experience and expertise available throughout the Engineering Field Divisions and Activities. The experience and knowledge gained from past and continuing UXO and OE cleanup projects, cost reimbursement contracting, and experience in interfacing with regulators and stakeholders for property transfer are actively shared and utilized. NAVFACENGCOM performs UXO and OE investigation and cleanup efficiently, safely and with high quality through proper oversight and administration of contract work. This includes ensuring highly qualified resources are performing the work, appropriate procedures are developed and utilized for all aspects of the work, and active monitoring by Navy personnel. Program consistency and efficiencies across projects under the Navy Unexploded Ordnance Response Contract (NURC) is managed by Pacific Division NAVFACENGCOM. The cognizant Engineering Field Division/Engineering Field Activity (EFD/EFA) for each project provides regional environmental, regulator interface, and contracting support. Additional expertise and support is provided by the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (EODTECHDIV), who provides UXO detection and remediation quality assurance and explosive safety support, and the Navy Ordnance Environmental Support Office (OESO) who provides regulatory expertise for remediation of ordnance and ordnance related contamination.