UXO Site selected: Yuma Proving Ground (Yuma Test Branch), AZ |
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General Area: Yuma, AZ Site Type/Program: FUDS Location: The Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) (Yuma Test Branch) was approximately 10 miles north-northeast of the city of Yuma along the Colorado River. The subject site is immediately west of the active YPG and encompasses the downstream floodway (Laguna Dam Reservoir) between the Imperial and Laguna Dams, also some additional land below the Laguna Dam. The site is partially in Yuma County, Arizona, and partially in Imperial County, California. Brief History: The Yuma Test Branch site, which consisted of approximately 13,494 acres, was first activated in 1943 as an engineering facility responsible for testing boats, bridges, vehicles and well drilling equipment in a desert environment. Bridge testing activities conducted by heavy and light pontoon units under the command of the Headquarters, California-Arizona Maneuver (CAMA) at Camp Young, began prior to the establishment of the Yuma Test Branch site at an area below the Laguna Dam. By the time the Yuma Test Branch was officially established, bridge testing activities had been moved farther north to the Imperial Dam. Desert testing of vehicles and other mechanical equipment was accomplished on an area designated as the Sand Dunes, near El Centro, California. The Yuma Test Branch was deactivated in 1949, but was reactivated as Yuma Test Station in 1951. The new mission of the Yuma Test Station was desert testing of combat and transport vehicles and climatic/engineering tests of weapons and ammunition. In 1962, Yuma Test Station was assigned to the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command and redesignated Yuma Proving Ground. Between 1955 and 1983, approximately 5,248 acres were declared excess and disposed of with a majority of the land being transferred to the Bureau of Reclamation. The remaining real estate comprising the original 13,494-acre Yuma Test Branch site remains under the control of the active YPG installation. Investigation of the historical documents did not indicate the use, testing or storage of CWM on the Yuma Test Branch site. According to historical records, Chemical Corps activities were conducted in areas on the active YPG. Facilities, including a toxic chemical laboratory, chemical storage area and chemical warfare range were built at YPG for environmental and surveillance tests of chemical agents and protective equipment during the 1950 s. |
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Range / Site Description: Associated Munitions: Activities Completed: The Archives Search report for the Yuma Proving Grounds (Yuma Test Site) was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, in April 1996. Issues: Although it is considered a flood plain, it is also used as a recreational area and the TAG has determined that an EE/CA will be performed in Area A. TNT, Ammonium Nitrate and dynamite potential should not be a concern as Area A has been flooded numerous times since being returned to public use. NOFA is required for Area B. Other Information: EE/CA |
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