Use of military demolition explosives in a remediation project
Dates
Year
2003
Citation
Walsh, Michael R., Collins, Charles M., Meeks, Michael T., Lee, Alvin O., and Wahlgren, Eric G., 2003, Use of military demolition explosives in a remediation project: U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
Summary
Control of surface and subsurface water is a critical factor in the efficiency of remediation efforts at Eagle River Flats, an active impact range on Fort Richardson, Alaska, contaminated with particulate white phosphorus from artillery and mortar rounds. The Flats is an estuarine salt marsh bordered by bluffs with water groundwater influx from the edges as well as periodic tidal and river inundation and rain events. The uneven topography and presence of numerous craters results in pooled surface water and high perched water levels, inhibiting remediation of the contaminant. Pumps are used to drain contaminated areas to enhance remediation, but ditching is required to enhance the operation of the pumps and to drain areas not conducive [...]
Summary
Control of surface and subsurface water is a critical factor in the efficiency of remediation efforts at Eagle River Flats, an active impact range on Fort Richardson, Alaska, contaminated with particulate white phosphorus from artillery and mortar rounds. The Flats is an estuarine salt marsh bordered by bluffs with water groundwater influx from the edges as well as periodic tidal and river inundation and rain events. The uneven topography and presence of numerous craters results in pooled surface water and high perched water levels, inhibiting remediation of the contaminant. Pumps are used to drain contaminated areas to enhance remediation, but ditching is required to enhance the operation of the pumps and to drain areas not conducive to pumping. Mechanical ditching is not feasible because of the softness of the ground and the presence of unexploded ordnance. To create pump sumps and ditches, military explosives have been used. This report details the various sizes and configurations of these explosives (called demolitions), what has worked and what hasn't, and some of the lessons learned over the nine years of remedial activities at the Flats.
