Explosion At Camp Minden Sparks Emergency Response
Camp Minden, Louisiana Following a magazine explosion of Clean Burning Igniter (CBI) at Camp Minden that occurred on September 29, the National Guard has decided to conduct an emergency 'in place' disposal of 200,000 pounds of CBI along with 40,000 pounds of M6 propellant in three magazines.
The decision was briefed at a town hall meeting with the EPA and LA Department of Environmental Quality reportedly on board with the decision. The decision was based upon a recommendation provided by the Army's Explosive Safety Technical Assistance Visit (TAV) team who assessed the area following the explosion.
The emergency disposal will take place on three days according to the following schedule:
- October 17-20: 820 pounds of CBI outside of magazine #505
- October 22: 114,336 pounds of CBI in magazine #2432
- October 29: 85,594 pounds of CBI plus 40,349 pounds of M6 propellant in magazine #2471
The disposal will be conducted through remote means and involve an open burn of the material. Authorities do not 'expect' a detonation but are preparing for the worst. Air monitoring equipment will be in place to monitor for potential air pollution.
