Life-Cycle Impact Assessment Demonstration for the GBU-24
Abstract
U.S. DoD policy has elevated environmental considerations to an equivalent level of importance with cost and performance. Thus, with sponsorship from SERDP, the DoD, DOE, and EPA have cooperated in a program to develop technologies for clean production of propellants, energetics, and pyrotechnic (PEP) materials. Since the PEP program framework is strongly oriented around life-cycle assessment (LCA), a baseline life cycle inventory (LCI) of the guided bomb unit-24 (GBU-24) made with RDX explosives was conducted prior to this study in order to demonstrate the LCA approach. The primary goal of this project was to develop and demonstrate a life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) approach using LCI data on PEP materials. Thus, an LCIA methodology and modeling approach were developed based on the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry's (SETAC's) Level 2/3 equivalency assessment framework and applied to the previously collected GBU-24 LCI data. The LCIA considered potential impacts on human health, ecological health, and resource depletion associated with the GBU-24 LCI life cycle. The approach includes Classification, Characterization, Normalization, and Valuation. Quantitative equivalency factors were obtained from the literature or developed for 11 of 14 potentially relevant impact categories. A regional scaling factor approach was developed to improve analysis of 4 of 14 impact criteria, whose sensitivity to potential impacts varies on a regional basis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA364152
Entities
People
- Bruce Vigon
- David Evers
- Duane Tolle
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute