Assessment of ANFO on the Environment

Abstract

In September 2008, DRDC Valcartier was tasked by Director Ammunition and Explosives Management and Engineering (DAEME 3-4) to perform a literature review to assess the effect of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) on the environment and to determine its suitability for service. The Canadian Forces are concerned about the high solubility of ammonium nitrate (AN) that could represent a potential threat to the environment. For example, the detonation of ANFO is often incomplete in a wet environment, leaving behind by-products of unreacted AN as nitrate, nitrite and ammonia into the soil and groundwater. Since groundwater is a critical water source for many humans and animals in isolated locations, all efforts should be directed in preventing water supply contamination. Proper measures must therefore be followed when ANFO is used as a blasting explosive. General guidelines found in the literature are reviewed in this memorandum.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA593200

Entities

People

  • Sylvie Brochu

Organizations

  • DRDC Valcartier

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemistry
  • Contamination
  • Cyclic Hydrocarbons
  • Environment
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Fuel Oils
  • Groundwater
  • Health Services
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Materials Processing
  • Materials Science
  • Medical Personnel
  • National Security
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Water Supplies

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design