UXO Uncovered During Trenching Operation

Jasper County, Oklahoma a construction crew digging a trench for a natural gas pipeline uncovered a small cache of WWII era UXO. The construction crew reported the find to the local emergency management agency that responded with a bomb squad from the Mississippi Department of Homeland Security. The 704th Ordnance Detachment EOD based in Camp Shelby also provided technical support.

EOD identified the munitions as WWII era practice bombs. 20 UXO were found in all. Several of the heavily rusted bombs reportedly contained live white phosphorus spotting charges. EOD safely disposed of the UXO without incident and the construction crews were allowed to return to work.

The portion of the 500-mile pipeline where the UXO were found is within the limits o a former WWII era bombing range. The pipeline installation is scheduled to be completed in July. The potential exist for other UXO to be in the area given the history of the site as a WWII era bombing range.