Range and Training Area Contaminant Management Program RPIC – Federal Contaminated Sites National Workshop April 2014
Stéphanie Munyal Environmental Advisor Canadian Army Environmental Programme
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Purpose
! Inform you of
! Our Department
! Our Activities
! Our Challenges
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The Issue:
Army training activities have historically released contaminants into the environment and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future
Range & Training Area Contamination
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! 6 major Bases characterized
! Identify key contaminants of concern and associated training activities
! Describe contaminant behavior in the environment
! Rank training activities based on potential impact to water resources
RTA Characterization (2000 – 2013)
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All types of ammo destroyed Energetic Materials TNT, RDX (low detonation)
RTA Characterization Findings
Demolition Range Contamination
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Energetic Materials HMX, TNT, RDX Propellants Nitroglycerin, 2,4 DNT, Perchlorate Metals Lead, Chromium, Copper, Nickel, Zinc
RTA Characterization Findings
Anti-tank & Artillery Range Contamination
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Contamination Patterns – Anti-Tank & Artillery
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Energetic RDX
Metals Antimony, Arsenic, Zinc
photo: canadiansoldiers.com
RTA Characterization Findings
Grenade Range Contamination
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Metals Lead, Antimony, Copper, Zinc
Propellants Nitroglycerin, 2,4-DNT
RTA Characterization Findings
Small Arms Range Contamination
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Contamination Patterns – Small Arms
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High explosives (TNT, RDX, HMX):
! Crystalline solids subject to dissolution & leaching
! Fastest to leach : 1) RDX, 2) TNT, 3) HMX.
! Emerging constituents: DNAN, NTO
Propellants:
! NG & 2,4-DNT : fibrous materials embedded in Nitrocellulose matrix
! Matrix protects from dissolution = persistence in surface soils
! Perchlorate: highly mobile when exposed to precipitation
Heavy Metals (Fe, Al, Pb, Sb, As, Cu, Zn):
! Fate & transport depends strongly on capacity to bind to the soil
! ↑T° & pressures do not destroy but can create unexpected compounds
Fate & Behaviour – Munitions Constituents
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! Generally, no accepted Canadian guidelines for munitions in surface soils
! U.S. EPA drinking water guidelines applied ! Metal concentrations compared to CCME Industrial
Soil Quality Guidelines ! Provincial guidelines applied when available
Guidelines – Munitions Constituents
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! A complete “clean-up” of soil & groundwater in CA RTA is impractical and costly
! Defining an “acceptable” level of risk
! Inconsistent risk management decision-making & stakeholder engagement
! Few tested & approved solutions
Challenges
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• RTA Sustainment System Identification of high-risk RTA activities
• Contaminated Sites Mgmt Framework Identification of high-risk contaminant mgmt requirements
• CA RTA Contaminant Mgmt Program Comprehensive integrative framework for the risk management of live-fire contamination
How has the Canadian Army responded?
CA RTA Contaminant Mgmt Program Strategic focus to
continued contaminant introduction
Stakeholder Engagement
Contaminant Mgmt
Capacity Capability
Development
S&T Mitigation
Integrated Decision Making
CA RTA remain available, adaptable
& sustainable
Contaminants in CA RTA are adequately
risk managed
CA RTA Contaminant Mgmt Program
Initial Implementation
1. Address priority corporate policy gap
2. Targeted contaminant management activities
3. Creation of Environmental Capabilities
4. Defined, Issue-Based Projects
S&T Mitigation – Finding Solutions
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Risks: High concentrations of energetic materials (RDX, HMX, TNT) in soil and water
Mitigation measures:
A) Demolition Charges
• Modification of compounds in plastic explosives
• Shaped Charges
B) New Range designs
• Adsorbent (filter) or impermeable membranes
C) Remediation techniques
• Chemical oxidation
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Demolition & Grenade Range Contamination
Before BIP
After BIP
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• Very little metal residue contamination
• Repairable and durable
• Ease of placement and or movement
Risks: High concentrations of energetic materials (HMX), propellants and metals
Mitigation Measure: “Green Targets”
Made of 2.5cm steel; designed to look like any target silhouette:
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Anti-tank Range Contamination
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Risks: High concentrations of propellant residues at firing position
Mitigation Measures:
A) Soil Remediation
• In-situ burning of surface soil • Biodegradation • Photodegradation
B) Burning Tables
Used to eliminate previous practice of field expedient burning of excess propellant bags
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Anti-tank / Artillery Range Contamination
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Risks: Heavy metals in the stop berms
Mitigation Measure:
Green Small Arms Range Design
• Bullet catcher
• Amendment layers
POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS
Small Arms Range Contamination
CA RTA CMP – Next Steps
• Continued stakeholder engagement & collaboration
• Clear performance measurement & program evaluation strategies
• Exposure scenarios, toxicological guidance, reference values
• Innovative technologies, designs, mitigation measures & best management practices
QUESTIONS?
