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
  • Questions and Answers

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.

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 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 Focus and Leap, Inc. This UXO E-Newsletter may be copied and distributed.


June 2008

New User Session Record and Upcoming Website Enhancement

Dear UXOInfo.com Readers,

This past spring I announced that UXOInfo.com was averaging over 5,000 unique user sessions per month. I am very pleased to report that last month (August 2008), UXOInfo.com doubled that average as the UXOInfo.com server reported 10,034 unique user sessions. This means that over 10,000 separate users visited the UXOInfo.com website during the month of August. I believe a good portion of that growth is due to the increased numbers of UXO technicians accessing the UXOInfo.com website to learn more about UXO opportunities available in the industry through the Help Wanted Ads posted as well as the UXO Resume Response Line. The UXO Resume Response Line matches UXO Technicians seeking opportunities with companies looking to fill open positions on their teams. I find the UXO Resume Response Line the most rewarding part of my job here at UXOInfo.com as I really enjoy talking to UXO Technicians and matching up their skills and experience with companies seeking to fill positions. I feel that it not only benefits the UXO technicians but also the companies responsible for executing and managing UXO projects. For more information on the UXO Resume Response Line can help you, see the article below.

I am also happy to announce that next month UXOInfo.com will be introducing a new enhancement to the UXOInfo.com website - "Mulvaney's Ordnance Technical Information System (MOTIS)". Named after the famous EOD cartoon character created by Sergeant Robert Vittur (a cartoonist for the bomb disposal school newsletter at the Bomb Disposal School located at American University in Washington, DC during the 1940s), MOTIS is a comprehensive database of munitions items. The database is being developed from unclassified ordnance technical information sources such as technical manuals and field manuals. Detailed technical information and images of munitions will be included in the database which will be accessible through the UXOInfo.com website.

We currently have 350 munition items in the MOTIS database, which is currently being tested before it is officially launched in October. The MOTIS database will provide easy access to technical munitions data and new munitions will be added to the database on a regular basis. The ultimate goal is to build a database of munitions covering from Civil War era through today and include munitions from all over the world. UXOInfo.com is looking for unclassified technical documents and sources materials as reference material for the database. If you have any unclassified technical manuals and documents (and images) related to ordnance that you would like to donate to the resource library for the munitions database, please email the respective files to information@uxoinfo.com.

Thank you for your interest in UXOInfo.com and please stay safe out on the range.

Best Regards,

Jenna Coven
UXOInfo.com Marketing Coordinator
Phone: (267) 295-8010 Cell: (443) 857-7474
Email:jenna@uxoinfo.com


05 September 2008

EPA Proposes to Add Munitions Constituent Site to NPL

Los Angeles, California The EPA proposed to add the 160 acre B.F Goodrich site in San Bernardino County to the National Priorities List (NPL) due to concerns over munitions constituents contamination. The site has been in use since the 1940 to store, test, and manufacture munitions, rocket motors, and pyrotechnics. Nearby public drinking water supply wells have already been closed impacting drinking water to the nearby communities of Rialto and Colton.


21 September 2008

Earthquake Sets Off Buried Bomb

Vienna, Austria a small earthquake caused a buried WWII era bomb to explode in the garden of a residential house. The homeowner who was home at the time heard a loud thud outside during the time of the earthquake. When he went outside to investigate, he found a large crater in his garden. The homeowner reported the incident to the Authorities who investigated the scene. Officials estimated that the bomb was approximately 1,000 lbs based upon the size of the crater and the amount of fragmentation left behind as a result of the explosion. No one was injured during the incident.


International Workshop 2008 - "Systems & Tools for UXO and Mine Detection"
29 September - 01 October 2008 Germany


http://www.vallon.de/                                                               http://www.forceware.de/

Vallon GmbH, Germany, one of the leading manufacturers of mine detectors, bomb locators and evaluation software and its subsidiary company ForceWare GmbH, supplier of tools for EOD, demining and security equipment invite the international demining community to their workshop in Germany.

International guest speakers and live demonstrations of:
  • Mine Detectors
  • Dual Sensor Detector
  • Bomb and UXO Locators
  • Combined Multi Sensor Arrays
  • Data Loggers
  • Data Evaluation Software
  • Force Ware tools for demining, EOD and IED
  • EOD Robot

The participation in the workshop is free of charge. During the workshop free meals and drinks are offered. For more information and registration please contact info@vallon.de or visit http://www.vallon.de/events.lasso?a=31


19 September 2008

UXO At Metal Recycling Facilities - An International Problem

UXO has been turning up at metal recycling facilities for many years at sites all across the world. The rising cost of metals and other materials has only made the problem worse by increasing the temptation for people to steal munitions from range areas in an attempt to make a quick profit. The latest incident occurred in Manila, Philippines where 47 WII era bombs were recovered by authorities from a metal recycler in Caloocan City.

The items recovered ranged in size from 37mm to 155mm projectiles including projectiles with live HE fillers. Members of the EOD team based in Camp Crame rendered the UXO safe and transported the items to a range on the installation for proper disposal.

Article continued on the UXOInfo.com website - Munitions Scrap and Recycling Facilities.


10 September 2008

Unexploded War Souvenirs Found in Shed

Garber, Oklahoma A farmer clearing out his shed came across two UXO items. The farmer called the police who responded with a bomb disposal squad. The UXO items reportedly came from the late father of the farmer's wife who served in WWII and Korea and reportedly brought the items home as souvenirs. The bomb squad safely detonated the UXO items in one of the farmer's fields.


03 September 2008

State Files Lawsuit Against DoD for Chem Weapons

Denver, Colorado The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court seeking a court-ordered deadline for the Army to destroy mustard agent and toxic chemicals stored at the Army's Pueblo Chemical Weapons Depot. The lawsuit states that 780,000 artillery and mortar rounds containing over 2,600 tons of mustard need to be destroyed as well as 26 containers reportedly leaking mustard. DOD was forced to scrap previous disposal plans developed due to technical and financial limitations.


02 September 2008

There Goes the Bride - Wedding Plans Ruined By UXO

Orton Longueville, United Kingdom A young couple who had been planning their wedding for more than a year had to postpone their plans the day of the wedding due to UXO. It all began when two contractors laying a patio near the Ramblewood Inn pub adjacent to the hotel where the wedding was scheduled to be held found eight WWII era unexploded munitions. The construction workers accidentally broke open one of the rounds with their backhoe causing it to burst into flames and bellow with thick white smoke. The munitions were reportedly filled with white phosphorus (WP), which burns when it makes contact with air. A royal EOD team from the Royal Logistic Corps responded to the call and was forced to evacuate the hotel for the entire day of the couples wedding day. Over 120 guests had planned to attend the wedding, but fortunately no one was injured.


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.

USA Environmental, Inc. provides Munitions Response Services including characterization and remediation of federal and non-government sites that are contaminated with Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO).

    MEC/UXO Services:
  • Characterization
  • Remediation and Disposal
  • Range Maintenance
  • Avoidance
  • Consultation
    Related Services:
  • Digital Geophysical Mapping (DGM
  • GPS Surveying and GIS Mapping
  • MEC Underwater Capabilities
  • Range Reconnaissance
  • Preliminary Assessments/Site Inspection (PA/SI)
  • Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS)

  • Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA)
  • Technology Evaluation
  • Demining
  • Cost, Schedule, and Risk Controls
  • Archival Searches and Cultural Compliance
USA Environmental, Inc.
720 Brooker Creek Boulevard   .   Suite 204   .   Oldsmar, FL 34677    .   Tel.: (813)343-6336   .   Fax: (813)343-6337

For more than 20 years, EOD Technology, Inc. (EODT) has provided UXO removal and disposal services for the U.S. military and commercial clients in locations worldwide. EODT is the only company to have been awarded three consecutive contracts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Worldwide Military Munitions Response Program.

Our UXO professionals have extensive experience providing safe, quality clearance services on projects, regardless of size, scope, contamination level, or complexity. As part of our Munitions Response program, EODT also offers geospatial services, ordnance scrap processing, military range sustainment services, and risk mitigation services.

EOD Technology, Inc.   .    2229 Old Hwy 95    .   Lenoir City, TN 37771   .   www.eodt.com

Contact Information:
Bill Pearse, Director of Business Development
(865) 988-6063
wmpearse@eodt.com
Larry Sievers, Business Development Manager, Munitions Response
(949) 633-5329
larry.sievers@eodt.com
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

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.


23 September 2008

Donated Civil War Munition Found to Contain Live Fuse

Plattsburgh, New York A local family donated an old civil war era munition to the Battle of Plattsburgh Association that they had in their possession. The president of the association inspected the munition and discovered that it had the potential to contain a live fuse. The bomb was then transported to the Plattsburgh City Police Station for further analysis.

The police contacted the EOD unit from Camp Johnson in Vermont for technical support in identifying the condition of the munition. EOD identified the munition as a Bromann Cannonball and determined that the ordnance was not an immediate explosive safety threat and recommended that the item be secured in a storage area by the police until EOD could send personnel over to recover and dispose of the item. EOD responded the following day and safely disposed of the item without incident.


22 August 2008

Hurricane Ike Causes Naval Flares to Wash Ashore

Destin, Florida Hurricane Ike caused several barnacle-encrusted cylinders to wash ashore near the Crystal Beach Inn. The Okaloosa County Fire Special Operations Hazmat Team responded and re-packed the items in a sealed container. After conducting research on the items, the team identified them as Naval marine location flares. Because the items were military in nature, the EOD unit from Eglin AFB was called in to provide technical support. EOD identified that the flares were expended and removed them from the container for proper disposal. Another flare reportedly washed ashore in nearby Sandestin and was also removed from the area by EOD.


23 September 2008

Concrete Mistaken for Sea Mine False Alarm for EOD

Worthington Beach, United Kingdom a large round object approximately 4 feet in diameter was found in the shallow waters along a public beach. The police were called to investigate the unusual find. Upon arriving at the scene, police immediately suspected that the item was a WWII era sea mine as it was shaped like an old sea mine, appeared to be metal, and was very rusted. The police cordoned off the area before calling in a Royal Navy EOD team for technical support. EOD responded and sounded the all clear after it was determined that the object was a concrete sinker used for boat moorings.



Project Manager

Sky Research is a full service airborne remote sensing and ground-based characterization company focused on environmental remediation projects including the assessment and characterization of formerly used defense sites and the detection of UXO. Sky Research has an opening for a Project Manager. The successful candidate will have strong project management experience. This is a dynamic position managing several projects. This position is located in Centennial, Colorado.

Help wanted ad continued on UXOInfo.com.
UXO Technicians Needed - All Levels
September 2008

UXOInfo.com is helping to fill UXO teams for several UXO sites. All technician levels are needed. Pay and per diem based upon location and level. Interested candidates should email their resuems to the UXOinfo.com Marketing Coordinator, Jenna Coven at jenna@uxoinfo.com for consideration.


UXOInfo.com understands how difficult it can be to find UXO Technicians for your projects. The very busy field season coupled with the on-going UXO related work to support the war on terror make it harder than ever to find qualified UXO professionals to staff your projects. UXOInfo.com's UXO Resume Referral Service can help.

Through the UXO Resume Referral Service, UXOInfo.com locates qualified UXO professionals based upon the specific needs of your project. Whether your project requires part-time temporary UXO professionals or full-time permanent placements, the UXO Resume Referral Service can help. UXOInfo.com searchers the hundreds of resumes in our database and finds qualified candidates that fit your needs and requirements. We then contact the candidates directly and confirm their interest and availability. All qualified, available, and interested candidates are then forwarded to you for consideration. Rates vary by position and the number of personnel needed. For more information on the UXO Resume Referral Service, contact the UXOInfo.com Marketing Coordinator, Jenna Coven at jenna@uxoinfo.com.


UXO Technicians and Professionals Seeking Employment

Enter your resume into the UXOInfo.com UXO Resume Database and start receiving offers and opportunities in the UXO industry. Use the UXO Profile Entry Form and complete your free profile today.


From the Front Lines - Iraq and Afghanistan
14 September 2008
British Army EOD Program Mourns A Decorated EOD Hero

Musa Qaleh, Afghanistan Warrant Officer 2nd Class Gary O'Donnell, a very experienced and highly decorated British EOD technician, was killed after a booby trapped IED he was approaching exploded. O'Donnell was commanding a team of bomb disposal technicians at the time but choose to approach the IED himself. The incident occurred near the town of Musa Qaleh in Helmand Province.

A father or four children including a nine-week old baby boy was just days away from completing his 6-month tour of duty. He is the 118th member of the United Kingdom's military to die in combat operations in Afghanistan. Gary dedicated the past 16 years to bomb disposal serving in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Germany and Sierra Leone. 11 of those years were spent with the EOD Regiment Royal Logistics Corps.

Article continued on the UXOInfo.com website - British EOD Program Mourns Decorated EOD Hero


What Not to Do With UXO
15 September 2008
Three Severely Injured While Handling Grenade

Jay, Florida Three men standing around the bed of a pick up truck handling a grenade were seriously injured when it exploded. All three men (ages 26, 29 and 37) were rushed to hospital from wounds caused by the shrapnel. Investigators from the ATF and a military EOD unit searched the residents of the three men and reportedly found one other grenade, which they confiscated. The exact type of grenade was not disclosed. Authorities are conducting a full investigation to determine how the men ended up with the grenade in the first place. Its unclear what the men were planning to do with the grenade or why they were handling it. Reportedly the men initially tried to cover up the fact that it was a grenade that had exploded by telling authorities it was a car battery that had exploded.


CARTRIDGE, 90 MILLIMETER HE-T M71A1 and HE M71
Filler Type and Weight
The projectile is loaded with 2.15 pounds (1.68 lb, deep cavity) of Composition B or TNT. A tracer is threaded into the projectile base (M71A1).
Body Type and Weight
The projectile body is forged steel with an overall weight of 38.8 lbs.
Source
TM 43-0001-28, Army Ammunition Data Sheets, April 1977
Description
The 90mm High Explosive Tracer (HE-T) projectile is fired from 90mm guns against personnel and materiel targets. The projectile is designed to produce blast and fragmentation at the intended target location. The projectile has a boat-tailed base and a streamlined ogive. The variation in projectile mods are as follows: M71A1 has a tracer; M71 does not. The M71A1 uses M1 propellant resulting in lower velocity;the M71 version uses M6 or M15 propellant. When the weapon is fired, the burning propellant ignites the tracer and creates gases which propel the projectile out of the gun tube. The tracer burns for a minimum of three seconds. Upon impact, the fuze functions on superquick or delay, as preset, and detonates the high-explosive filler producing blast and fragmentation effects. Fuze options include the M51A5, M557, MTSQ, M520 Series, or M564. The projectile is olive drab with yellow markings.
Reporting Period: 1-31 August 2008
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Total User Sessions: 15,998 (New High)
Total Unique User Sessions: 10,034 (New High)
Number of Documents Available for Downloading or Viewing on the Site: 395
Number of ordnance/UXO/Fuze Images in photo galleries: 1755

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