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Introduction
Background
Testing and training ranges are essential to maintaining the readiness of the
armed forces of the United States. Recently, concerns have arisen over potential
environmental contamination from residues of energetic materials at impact
ranges. The current state of knowledge concerning the nature and extent of
contamination and the fate of residues of energetic materials is inadequate to
ensure sound management of ranges as sustainable resources. The potential for
environmental impacts, including contamination of drinking water supplies,
mandates that the Department of Defense demonstrate responsible management
of these facilities to continue testing and training activities.
Regulatory precedent
In January 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Region I issued an Administrative Order for Response Action in the matter of
"Training Range and Impact Area, Massachusetts Military Reservation" to the
National Guard Bureau and the Massachusetts National Guard under authority of
Section 1431(a) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300i(a) (USEPA
2000a). The purpose of the order was to require the respondents to "undertake
Rapid Response Actions and Feasibility Studies, Design and Remedial Actions to
abate the threat to public health presented by the contamination from past and
present activities and sources at and emanating from the Massachusetts Military
Reservation (MMR) Training Range and Impact Area." This is an important
precedent for suspension of military training due to environmental contamination
of soils and groundwater.
The MMR is an 8,500-ha (21,000-acre) installation on Cape Cod, MA. The
Training Ranges and Central Impact Area are approximately 5,700 ha
(14,000 acres) located on the Camp Edwards portion of the installation. The
Central Impact Area, approximately 810 ha (2,000 acres), has artillery and mortar
targets and is surrounded by firing ranges, artillery and mortar positions, and
training areas (AMEC Earth and Environment, Inc., 2001). The Cape Cod
Aquifer, a sole source aquifer for western Cape Cod, lies directly beneath the
Training Ranges and Central Impact Area. Based on the findings of lead,
explosives, explosives-related compounds, pesticides, and other organic
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Chapter 1 Introduction
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