UXO Site selected: Bushnell Army Air Field, FL |
General Area: Bushnell, FL Site Type/Program: RCWM sites (Non-stockpile) Location: The former Bushnell Army Air Field (1,530 acres) site is about 1 mile northeast of Bushnell and about 50 miles north, northeast of Tampa. Brief History: The land was leased from several owners beginning in 1940. Bushnell was used in WWII to train construction crews building temporary bases, and an Army Chemical Warfare Service unit was stationed there to assist in Chemical Warfare Material (CWM) tests in the nearby Withlacoochee state forest. Bushnell also included a 40-acre designated ordnance area. It had two runways but no radio facilities, gasoline or hangers. This field was as a landing strip for the planes used in the field trials at Withlacoochee Bombing and Gunnery Range. The Unit conducted experiments on non-persistent and persistent chemical agents. Chemical munitions were stored at Bushnell Army Air Field, at least for a short amount of time before being used in experiments, and there was a toxic gas yard. Aerial bomb drops on the Withlacoochee test site were from planes that were loaded at Bushnell. Chemical plant growth regulators and DDT insecticide were also used by the CWS at Bushnell. The leases were terminated in 1945 and 1946, and the lands reverted to their owners. |
Range / Site Description: This property is known or suspected to contain military munitions and explosives of concern (e.g., unexploded ordnance) and therefore may present an explosive hazard. Possible remains of ordnance and explosive waste detonation pits were found in the area near the north-central portion of the site. Further work is recommended for this area. A schedule for work is to be determined. Associated Munitions: Activities Completed: In 1993, it was determined that there are no areas at the former Bushnell AAF considered to be contaminated with chemical warfare materiel. All of the rented buildings have since been demolished and removed. There have been no reports of local residents finding any containers with chemicals or munitions. In 1993, it was determined no further action is recommended. Issues: Other Information: |
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