Welcome to UXOInfo.com's free monthly E-Newsletter on Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). UXOInfo.com is the largest site on the Internet for UXO related news and information. If you have not checked out the UXOInfo.com website, we encourage you to do so at www.uxoinfo.com.

In addition to bringing you the latest UXO news and information, the UXOInfo.com website also provides the following:

  • UXO Resume Response Line
  • Ordnance / UXO Photo Gallery
  • Documentation Sharing
  • UXO News Wire Service
  • UXO Site Inventory
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The UXO E-Newsletter is issued monthly to provide the industry with important news and information related to UXO. For information on how to advertise in future UXO E-Newsletters please email the UXOInfo.com Marketing Coordinator, Ms. Jenna Coven at jenna@uxoinfo.com.

The UXO E-newsletter is a free service brought to you by the Center for Ordnance Research & Education (CORE). If you do not wish to receive the UXO E-Newsletter in the future, simply use the un-subscribe link provided at the bottom of this newsletter. If you have any questions or comments on CORE, UXOInfo.com, or the UXO E-Newsletter, please email them to information@uxoinfo.com. The UXO E-Newsletter and UXOInfo.com are the copyright of CORE, Inc. This UXO E-Newsletter may be copied and distributed.


May 2008

Thank You UXOInfo.com Users and Corporate Sponsors

Dear UXOInfo.com Readers,

I would like to thank all of the UXOInfo.com users and UXO E-Newsletter readers for breaking the record last month for website traffic. For the month of April 2008, UXOInfo.com experienced over 10,000 total site visits to our server with 6,370 unique visits. This means that 6,370 individual computers or users logged onto UXOInfo.com to get the latest UXO news and information or to download documents and images from the extensive on-line library.

I would also like to take this time to thank our two new Corporate Sponsors - EOD Technology (EODT) and CH2M HILL for supporting UXOInfo.com. They join our already existing Corporate Sponsors of Schonstedt, Argo, Vallon, and CEIA. For information on Corporate Sponsorship packages, please see the advertising information page or view the UXO Opportunities Brief that I put together.

Also As a reminder, as we announced last month, CORE is now offering select UXO Services to industry. The service offerings are not meant to compete with industry but are designed to assist and support industry. The service offerings include an "Archival and Research Support Service" and a "Site-specific Ordnance Identification and Hazard ID Guide Service". As a non-profit with low overhead rates, CORE can provide these services at very competitive rates. For more information on these two new services, please see the CORE UXO Services Webpage.

If you have any questions about Corporate Sponsorships or CORE's UXO Services, please call or send me an email. Thank you and please stay safe.

Best Regards,

Jenna Coven
CORE / UXOInfo.com Marketing Coordinator
The Center for Ordnance Research & Education (CORE) is a Non-Profit Research organization dedicated to the ordnance industry
Phone: (267) 295-8010
Email:jenna@uxoinfo.com


17 April 2008

Congress Considering Report on Adequacy of MMRP and Review of Live Fire Practices

Washington, D.C. The current version of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (as Reported in House Bil H.R. 5658) has two interesting new requirements related to UXO. The first new requirement is listed in Section 345 "Comptroller General Report of Adequacy of Funding, Staffing, and Organization of the DoD Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP)." Section 345 requires the following:

"(a) Report Required- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the adequacy of the funding, staffing, and organization of the Military Munitions Response Program of the Department of Defense.

(b) Elements- The report required by subsection (a) shall include (1) an analysis of the funding, staffing, and organization of the Military Munitions Response Program; and (2) an assessment of the Program mechanisms for the accountability, reporting, and monitoring of the progress of munitions response projects and methods to reduce the length of time of such projects."

The second new UXO related requirement is listed in Section 359 "Sense of Congress Regarding Procurement and Use of Munitions." Section 359 requires the Secretary of Defense to undertake a review of live-fire practices for the purpose of reducing UXO and munitions constituent contamination without impeding military readiness.

UXOInfo.com will continue to track the FY09 Defense Authorization Act as it makes it way through Congress to see if these new reporting requirements make it into law.


14 May 2008

EPA issues final permit decision for treatment of UXO at CNMI

Honolulu, Hawaii The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has decided to grant a hazardous waste permit to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Public Safety (DPS) for storing and treating UXO.

CNMI DPS began the process for a Remedial Action Plan, a unique kind of RCRA permit, in 2006, to address the hazards created by the millions of pounds of munitions and explosives abandoned in Saipan following World War II. The EPA issued a draft Remedial Action Plan in December 2007, followed by a public comment period that closed in January.In the past, the EPA and CNMI used emergency, short-term measures to address the hazards from UXO. The Remedial Action Plan permits CNMI DPS to store and treat UXO at the Marpi Point open detonation area. The Marpi Point location is about one mile north of the Marpi Landfill.

News source EPA Website.


May 2008

New Book Details Procedures for Chemical and Explosive Munitions Cleanup

Cleanup of Chemical and Explosive Munitions, by Dr. Richard Albright walks the reader through the steps that need to be taken to clean up a military munitions site, base or storage facility on land or at sea. It also conveniently lists hundreds of explosives, chemical warfare materials, and breakdown products that the soil and groundwater must be tested for.

This is essential reading for personnel responsible for cleaning up active and formerly used defense sites (FUDS) both on land and sea. It covers remote sensing techniques, geophysical techniques, safety issues, known and unknown range lists, and serves as a primer on chemical weapons, explosives and ordnance. It is written for military munitions experts and decision-makers who need to understand the critical environmental and health risks arising from munitions issues; as well as for environmentalists, regulators, policy makers and activist citizens who are unaware of munitions issues.

The book is available at a discount through the publisher at http://www.williamandrew.com/title.php?id=10. The book will be shipping no later than May 4, 2008.

For more information on Cleanup of Chemical and Explosive Munitions, please view the the Publisher's Press Release.


28 April 2008

WWII Era Bomb Found On Beach, Then Lost at Sea

Felixstowe, United Kingdom Construction workers installing an erosion control and beach protection system along the Suffolk coast uncovered a WWII era unexploded German Bomb during recent excavations. Hundreds of homes were evacuated as Royal Navy Bomb Disposal experts devised a plan to deal with the bomb estimated to weigh 1,000 pounds. The plan was a simple, attach the bomb to a floating frame and tow it two miles out to sea where it could then be safely detonated. The plan would ensure that nearby homes and businesses would not be damaged during the disposal shot.

The WWII era German bomb shown in the image to the left, was strapped into the cradle and began its journey out to sea. However, as the bomb was being towed out to sea, strong currents and high seas caused one of the straps holding the bomb in the cradle to break. The bomb then dropped from the cradle back into the sea. Due to poor visibility and rough conditions, the exact place the bomb was lost was not known.

Story continued on the UXO News Wire Service - WWII Bomb Found on Beach, Then Lost


21 May 2008

Fishing Trawler Brings UP WWII UXO

Port Seton, Scotland Tow fishermen on board a fishing trawler were shocked when they discovered an old WW II era munition caught up in one of their fish nets. The munition was described as a 4 foot long device with exposed wiring. Concerned about their safety, the men called the Coastguard for assistance. The Coastguard safely escorted the vessel out to sea and set up an exclusion zone to keep other vessels away.

An EOD team from Faslane Navy Base was called in to provide technical support. The EOD team removed the bomb from the fishing net and safely detonated the bomb at sea. No injuries were reported and the trawler was allowed to resume fishing following the 5-hour long ordeal.

This is not the first time munitions have been brought up by fisherman in the area. Given the amount of fighting and bombing that occurred in the area during WWII, hundreds if not thousands of UXO are suspected to be scattered throughout the waters surrounding Port Seton.


18 May 2008

Evidence of Old Explosives Found in Popular Cave

Sequoia National Park, California workers conducting cleanup and renovation work inside Crystal Cave, a popular tourist attraction, found evidence of old explosives. Workers reported seeing two wires sticking out a broomstick-sized hole that was drilled into a wall of the cave. The wires were attached to a blasting cap, which the workers safely assumed to be live. Upon the discovery of the items, workers and tourists were evacuated from the area and the cave was closed.

An explosives expert for the National Park Service and a cave specialist were called in to investigate the situation. The explosive expert estimated that the wires and attached blasting cap date back to the late 1930s. His estimate was based upon the observation that the wire leads were covered in cloth, not plastic. The last known time that blasting occurred in the area was in 1938.

Story continued on the UXO News Wire Service - Old Explosives in Poular Cave


Schonstedt Instrument Company is the world's leading manufacturer of hand-held Fluxgate magnetometers for UXO and weapons detection. Schonstedt magnetic locators find ferrous metal targets used in landmines, buried ordnance, other munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), and hidden weapons. They have been tested and proven by the US military, private contractors and NGOs in military and humanitarian de-mining operations around the globe. For a 1-page overview of the company's magnetic locator product line, go to www.findordnance.com


Schonstedt Instrument Company
100 Edmond Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
USA
Contact: Tylee Ulmer

Tel: +1 304 725 1050 (ext. 4718)
Tel: +1 800 999 8280 (USA Toll Free)
Fax: +1 304 725 1095
Email: info@schonstedt.com
URL: www.findordnance.com


CH2M HILL is an industry leader providing munitions response services for planning, compliance, investigation and removal or remediation services. CH2M HILL provides the full scope of services required to support mission goals at sites suspected or known to have Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) contamination, from environmental management and permitting to regulatory site closure and property transfer.

CH2M Hill is the only company that has a transportable Controlled Detonation Chamber (CDC) technology approved by the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) for destruction of munitions, explosives, and energetics. CH2M HILL provides the following munitions response services:

  • Characterization Services
  • Removal/Remediation Services
  • Digital Geophysical Mapping (DGM) Surveys
  • Explosives Risk Assessments
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Air Monitoring
  • Chemistry Services
  • Controlled Detonation Chamber (CDC) Technology
For more information on CH2M Hill, visit their website.

EOD Technology, Inc. (EODT), an employee-owned company, has provided munitions response, security services, and critical mission support worldwide in austere and hostile environments since 1987.

EODT delivers superior services to all branches of the military, foreign and domestic governments, and commercial clients. Specifically, EODT has been under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since 1997, and has provided support to the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. EODT has also provided security and IT support to the Multi-national Security Transition Command in Iraq, and Guard Services to a foreign embassy. EODT also provides Mine Action and Munitions Response services to a number of commercial clients.


Vallon GmbH
Im Grund 3
72800 Eningen
Germany
Tel +49-7121-9855-0
Fax +49-7121-83643
Email: info@vallon.de
Website: http://www.vallon.de
Novel Metal Detector: VMXC1
specifically designed for UXO detection
3 search heads: Oval - 17x30 cm, round 30 cm dia., or 60cm dia

Dual Sensor Detector: VMR2-MinehoundTM
designed for reduction of false alarm rate
Hand-held configuration combined detector with metal detector
and ground penetrating radar, less than 4kg weight.

Data logging and evaluation: VFC2
data recording and analysis tool
PDA based data logger for Vallon Mine and UXO detectors

Ontario Drive & Gear Limited (ODG), the world renowned amphibious vehicle producer, is looking to increase its contribution to mine clearing efforts and UXO removal. Founded in 1962, ODG is responsible for the design and manufacture of the highly respected 8x8 ARGO and Centaur. These versatile all-season vehicles have been adapted to suit a remarkably wide range of custom applications with the most recent being UXO removal and detection. Having served for decades in some of the globe's most treacherous and remote regions it is no wonder that both the ARGO and the Centaur have been hailed the most reliable off-road vehicles available on the market. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of using the ARGO or Centaur for landmine detection or as a platform for your UXO identification equipment, please click here for more information, visit www.ARGOatv.com or contact marketing@odg.com.

Information websites:
www.odg.com;    www.centaur8x8.ca;    www.ARGOatv.com

For More Information:
Website:www.ceia.net    Email: infoumd@ceia-spa.com     Phone: 1-888-532-CEIA

Information on Corporate Sponsorships can be found in the UXO Opportunities Brief. If you have any questions on Corporate Sponsorships or want to sign up, please contact the UXOInfo.com Marketing Coordinator, Ms. Jenna Coven at jenna@uxoinfo.com or 267.295.8010.


15 May 2008

Bomb Squad Called to Museum

Waupun, Milwaukee The Milwaukee Bomb Squad received a call from the Waupun Heritage Museum after a visitor questioned the safety of military memorabilia in a display case. The memorabilia included two Civil War cannon balls, two mortars, a large projectile and an explosive bullet manufactured in the early 1890s.

The bomb squad took possession of the ordnance for further analysis using x-ray technology. Items deemed inert will be returned to the museum while live or potentially dangerous items will be disposed of through open detonation. The final disposition of the ordnance has yet to be determined.


29 May 2008

Baltimore Districts Issues Presolicitation Notice for MAMMS

Baltimore, Maryland The USACE Baltimore District issued the presolicitation notice for the long awaited Multiple Award Military Munitions Services (MAMMS) contract. Two presolicitation notices were issued, one set-aside for small business and one unrestricted (i.e. open to large and small businesses). The total funding capacity for the MAMMS contract is estimated at $300M to be awarded under as many as 11 separate contracts.

The scope of the contracts to be awarded are for "various Military Munitions (MM) & Environmental Remediation Services in support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Baltimore District MM Design Center as well as the Baltimore Districts MM remedial and removal missions. The primary focus of the MAMMS contracts is on "environmental projects that are contaminated with Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) or Munitions Constituents (MC)".

Story continued on the UXO News Wire Service - USACE Baltimore MAMMS Notice


20 May 2008

Lewisite Detected During Groundwater Well Installation Work

Denver, Colorado Air quality tests conducted during the installation of groundwater monitoring wells at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal indicated low levels of lewisite. The well installation work was being conducted in a restricted area of the installation where chemical agents were disposed of several decades earlier. As a safety precaution workers were reportedly wearing protective gear during the installation of the well. There were no reports of injuries but well installation work has been suspended in the area.



Strata UXO Corp. is a Canadian UXO identification, clearance and risk mitigation company that brings proven European experience, proprietary geophysical technology and innovative methodology to the growing Canadian UXO market. Our product offering includes services for terrestrial as well as marine environments. Strata UXO is looking for experienced UXO professionals to fill several key personnel positions. Specifically, we are searching for supervisors, project leaders, and quality controllers to compliment our existing personnel. All prospects must have the appropriate years experience and technical knowledge to be able to carry out work in Canada.

For more information about opportunities at Strata UXO Corp, please contact Strata UXO Corp by email: stratauxo@rogers.com, phone:(613)845-1177 or fax:(613)845-1133.


Position: UXO Technician II
Location: DeSoto, KS
Work Experience: 4 to 7 years
Credentials: NavSchool EOD Grad, Attained Senior Level EOD, HAZWOPR (40 hour and 8 hour Supervisor), Valid Driver's License Capable of ATF & State Licensing
Duties: Must be able to meet qualifications of DDESB TP 18 - a working knowledge of former army ammunition plants is desired.
Salary: $50,000 to $53,000 per annum

Contact: Wayne Siverson email: wsiverson@demcoinc.com or phone: (716) 674-0883.


Check out the updated UXO Resume Response Line - an on-line employment referral service specifically designed for the UXO industry. Through the UXO Resume Response Line, the skills of UXO professionals are matched with the needs of UXO remediation and consulting companies.

UXO Technicians and Professionals Seeking Employment

Simply fill out a profile and to submit your resume on-line using the UXO Profile Entry Form. From temporary part-time positions to full time permanent placements, let the UXOInfo.com Resume Response Line find a position for you. Best of all, there is never a fee to complete an on-line UXO Profile.

UXO Remediation and Consulting Companies

Subscriptions are available to browse the UXO Resumes on-line. For more information on the service, see the UXO Profile Viewer. The return on investment is significant in terms of decreased time and effort to find qualified candidates as well as providing you an expanding pool of available candidates from which to select from to support your UXO projects.

For more information about the UXO Resume Response Line or to post a Help Wanted Ad, please email the UXOInfo.com Marketing Coordinator, Jenna Coven at jenna@uxoinfo.com


15 May 2008

Neighbor Finds Old Dynamite Box

Left Hand Canyon, Colorado Police were called to the house of a 96-year old woman that recently passed away after an old wooden dynamite box was found by a neighbor. The box was labeled "DuPont Explosives, High Explosives" and had a date stamp of Oct. 9, 1950 on it.

Authorities are not sure at this time if the box contains actual explosives or merely non-hazardous debris. Old newspapers are stacked on the top of the box but x-rays show the potential for other material inside the box. Authorities are considering on-site disposal options including conducting an open burn of the contents.


Miniature Practice Bomb AN-MK5, AN-MK23, and AN-MK43
Filler Type and Weight
The mini practice bombs use a AN-Mk 4 Signal cartridge made of black powder and a pyrotechnic charge or the Mk 5 MK5 Signal cartridge that contains a fluorescein dye which is actuated by impact on water.
Body Type and Weight
The body is made of cast steel construction (metal varies by model) and has an overall length of 8.25 inches. Overall weight varies by model: AN-Mk 5 = 2 lb. 11 oz, AN-Mk 23 = 3 lb., and the AN-Mk 43 = 4 lb. 7 oz.
Source
TM 9-1325-200, Bombs and Bomb Components, April 1966
Description
AN-MK5, AN-MK23, and AN-MK43 Miniature Practice Bombs are used for low-altitude horizontal, or dive-bombing practice. The three bombs are similar in physical appearance, but differ basically in the metal used to cast the body. Bombs are used with the AN-Mk 4 practice bomb signal that is a blank 10-gauge shotgun shell (extended length). Signals contain a black powder expelling charge and a red phosphorous pyrotechnic mixture. These bombs also are used with the MK5 signal that contains a fluorescein dye and is actuated by impact on water. When the Mk5 signal is installed, the firing pin assembly is not used.
Reporting Period: 1-30 April 2008
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