Copper-Based Torpedo Guidance Wire: Applications and Environmental Considerations
Abstract
Military expended materials (MEM) are items abandoned in the marine environment after use during Navy training and testing exercises. A better understanding of the potential environmental impacts of these materials is needed to ensure regulatory compliance required for continued and uninterrupted training and testing in support of the Navy warfighter. Copper-based guidance wire identified as a MEM of concern. The goal of this study was to define and evaluate potential environmental impacts related to copper-based guidance wire left at sea. This report focuses on potential impacts due to copper-based torpedo guidance wire, although results and recommendations hold true for additional guidance wire with similar specifications. Copper based torpedo guidance wire presents little to no environmental risk at the Navy training ranges currently using them. The potential impacts of previously expended guidance wire should have no near or long term negative affects to marine water and sediment quality, as well as marine animals found within the training ranges. The continued use of guidance wire in similar scope and formulation as evaluated herein should not present any future deleterious environmental impacts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA587497
Entities
People
- B. Wope
- J. Mcdonald
Organizations
- Naval Information Warfare Systems Command