Range Characterization Studies at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska: 2001 and 2002
Abstract
The U.S. Army Alaska seeks to conserve and protect natural resources on lands used for combat training exercises. Some of these exercises require live fire of ordnance containing high explosives. One aspect of managing the ranges so as to mitigate the environmental consequences of training is to identify the location, extent, and potential migration of munitions residues in soils, surface waters, and groundwater. This report summarizes analytical results for soil samples collected from firing points and some impact areas at the Donnelly Training Area near Delta Junction, Alaska. Explosives residues are for the most part undetectable or at very low concentrations (parts per billion) in the soils of impact areas. The exceptions are soils near or under partial ordnance detonations, targets, and rocket motor debris. We found high concentrations (parts per thousand) of TNT in soils next to partially detonated 500-lb and 2000-lb bombs; moderate concentrations (parts per million) of RDX and TNT around targets; and moderate concentrations (parts per million) of NO under rocket motor debris. At firing points used for 105-mm howitzers, 2,4-DNT is detectable in surface soils at parts-per-million concentrations. This analyze is associated with burned and unburned fibers of propellant that are sprayed to distances of at least 100 m from the muzzle. The highest concentrations of 2,4-DNT were in soils where excess propellant is burned for disposal. Because of the very low soil clean-up levels listed by the State of Alaska for this compound, appropriate and reproducible laboratory and field sampling procedures need to be developed to monitor this analyze.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423745
Entities
People
- Alan D. Hewitt
- Charles M. Collins
- Marianne E. Walsh
- Michael R. Walsh
- Thomas F. Jenkins
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center