contaminants in soils, and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), 2,4,6-
trinitrotoluene (TNT), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX),
and some organics in groundwater, USEPA ordered the respondents to conduct
feasibility studies at several MMR areas including the Central Impact Area
(USEPA 2000a). The order also required rapid response actions for contaminated
soils at several gun positions and target positions, and for contaminated
sediments at a wetland site.
Previous range characterization investigations
Antitank ranges. Extensive range characterization research has been
conducted by the Canadian Force Base, Valcartier, Quebec (Thiboutot et al.
1997, 1998, 2000; Ampleman et al. 2000; Dub et al. 1999). Characterization of
light antitank weapon (LAW) rocket ranges at Fort Ord, CA, and at Canadian
Force Base Valcartier have also been studied by U.S. scientists (Jenkins et al.
1997, 1998). Results of chemical analyses at the LAW rocket sites indicated
explosives residues deposited on the surface soils from high use of the rocket.
The main charge in the LAW rockets is octol, which is composed of 60 percent
HMX and 40 percent TNT. Accumulations of HMX near tank targets were as
high as 1,640,000 :g kg-1 in surface soils at Valcartier, and as high as 587,000 :g
kg-1 in surface soils at Fort Ord. However, TNT concentrations were only about
0.01 times that of HMX concentrations at both sites.
Thiboutot et al. (1998) sampled four antitank ranges in addition to the range
at Valcartier, two at Western Area Training Center, Wainwright, Alberta, and
two at Canadian Force Ammunition Depot, Dundurn, Quebec. Results were
similar to those reported for Valcartier, i.e., relatively high levels of HMX in
surface soils, but much lower levels of TNT. The highest concentration of HMX
detected at these ranges was 3,700,000 :g kg-1 at Range 13, Wainwright. HMX
concentrations were much lower at the other ranges due to much lower usage.
Heavy artillery ranges. Thiboutot and Ampleman (2000) collected 87
composite soil samples at Canadian Force Training Range Tracadie, New
Brunswick. The range had been used for artillery, gun, and mortar firing, and was
heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO). Nevertheless, no
explosives residues were detected in soils by Standard Method 8330 analysis
(USEPA 1994). Ampleman et al. (2000) collected soil samples at several ranges
at Canadian Force Base Chilliwack, British Columbia. Soils associated with
craters were sampled at the Slesse Range, and concrete, steel, and woodcuttings
were sampled at another area. Low concentrations of TNT and RDX were found
in both areas. Low levels of RDX and HMX were also found at the Vokes
grenade range. However, visual observation at a propellant burning area at
Canadian Force Ammunition Depot (CFAD) Rocky Point indicated that the site
was littered with partially burned propellant grains. These propellant grains
contain nitroglycerin, nitrocellulose, and/or nitroguanidine. The U.S. Army
Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine conducted a study at the
artillery impact area at Camp Shelby, MS (U.S. Army Center for Health
Protection and Preventative Medicine 1999). Analysis of surface soil samples
collected in a grid pattern over a large area using Method 8330 (detection limits
2
Chapter 1 Introduction
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