Grenade Range Management Using Lime for Metals Immobilization and Explosives Transformation
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) operates numerous hand grenade ranges (HGR) for training purposes. Live-fire training creates a potential source zone for munitions constituents such as metals and explosives. Fragmentation grenades, typically containing Composition B (60% Royal Demolition Explosive, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine [RDX], 39% 2,4,6- trinitrotoluene [TNT], 1% wax binder) within a steel shell casing constitute the majority of hand grenades used at fixed-position ranges. Explosives have been detected in HGR soils at levels from the low parts per billion (ppb) (microgram [ g]/kilogram [kg]) up to percent levels. RDX has been detected in leachate waters below live-fire hand grenade ranges and in surface waters leaving range impact areas (Jenkins et al., 2001; Pennington et al., 2001, 2002). The migration of metals and explosives, in both soluble and particulate forms, from the impact areas of the ranges occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including transport in surface water following rain and storm events, transport with soil particulates following rain and storm events, and leaching through the subsurface towards groundwater. Effective management of metals and explosives on HGRs requires an understanding of the natural and engineered processes controlling their fate and transport at these sites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA607298
Entities
People
- Gene Fabian
- Gregory J. O'connor
- Jeff Davis
- Kimberly Watts
- Steven L. Larson
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center