Characterization of Antitank Firing Ranges at CFB Valcartier, WATC Wainwright and CFAD Dundurn,
Abstract
Some operational activities of the Canadian Forces such as firing practice may cause the dispersion of energetic compounds in the environment. These compounds should be closely monitored due to their highly specific physical, chemical and toxicological properties. In Canada, limited effort has been spent to examine this particular environmental threat. In this context, the characterization of many firing ranges potentially contaminated with explosives has been performed during the last few years. Air-to-ground ranges and ground-to-ground ranges have been characterized and, in general, low levels of multi-contamination by explosives were found. However, antitank firing ranges sampled showed high levels of contamination by HMX, a high explosive used in many antitank rockets. This report details the characterization of five antitank ranges located at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, Western Area Training Center Wainwright and Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot, Dundurn. The sampling and analytical methods are described and the results are presented. This work should help the Canadian Forces to pursue their operational activities, while minimizing the impacts on the environment by providing a better comprehension of the source of contamination and helping to minimize the environmental impacts in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA356304
Entities
People
- A. Gagnon
- A. Marois
- G. Ampleman
- S. Thiboutot
- T. F. Jenkins