UXO Site selected: Drew Field, FL

General Area: Tampa, FL

Site Type/Program: RCWM sites (Non-stockpile)

Location: Drew Field is located in Tampa, Florida in the area known as Tampa International Airport, During World War II (WWII), Drew Field was a reservation of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Brief History:

The Army conducted chemical warfare training at the installation, requiring the storage and use of significant amounts of toxic, incendiary, and smoke agents and munitions, as well as explosives. This materiel included mustard agent in 55-gallon drums and M50, M50x (an experimental item), and M69 incendiary bombs.

In August 1948, the reservation was transferred to the Hillsbourgh County Port Authority. In May 1950, the U.S. Army Technical Service Unit conducted a subsurface inspection and disposal operation. During this inspection, 42, 55-gallon drums (two of which were mustard-contaminated) were unearthed and disposed. The installation was granted a Certification of Clearance with the exception of an area known as the 'Restricted Area'.

On April 27, 1965, the restricted area was investigated to determine the extent of possible contamination and to dispose of any munitions found. During the operation, numerous vials from chemical agent identification sets (CAIS) and numerous M50 and M69 incendiary bombs were found. The bombs were taken to a burning pit to be disposed of at a later date. This project was completed on June 11, 1965. The fate of the CAIS was undetermined. On April 26, 1966, a Certificate of Clearance was issued by the U.S. Army Technical Escort Unit, stating that the area was found negative of chemical contamination.



Range / Site Description: The site was identified as a suspect recovered chemical warfare materiel (RCWM) site where DoD has determined that "No Further Action is Warranted"

Associated Munitions:

Activities Completed: The Corps of Engineers has completed an ASR of Drew Field and evidence suggests no further action.

Issues:

Other Information: The Technical Escort Unit tested the former chemical test area in 1966 with negative results. This area is not believed to present any immediate threat to human health and safety.

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