Re: Range Fires

[Aimee Houghton <aimeeh@cpeo.org>]

Ted:

Would you rather have an individual killed or seriously injured
attempting to clear those areas of unexploded ordnance (UXO)? Or,
provide him/her the extra safety of removing (by burnning) high grass
and vegetation that hides and covers UXO that is on the surface of the
ground. Allowing him/her to safely see where they are walking and to
allow the safe identification of very hazardous dud-fired munitions.

UXO workers, work daily both at Ft. Ord and hundreds of other locations
nation-wide locating and disposing of very hazardous munitions. One of
their tools is to burn off dense undergrowth to allow them to safely
work in those areas.

It really up-sets me to read and hear about ill-informed people who
scream bloodly murder to have "their" areas cleaned of UXO, but have no
understanding on how it is accomplished. And, the risks that is taken
by those underpayed workers.

How many of you would be willing to daily go out and located and work on
dud-fired munitions that sometimes contain fuzes so sensitive that a
slight jar could cause a detonation. All for anywheres between $17.00
to $19.00 per hour. Life insurance is provided by most companies!

I would ask all of you that are involved in various local support groups
to think a little and realize that people are involved in remediating
your problems and those people need to work in a safe environment. As
much as possible considering Bomb Disposal/UXO Remediation by its nature
is not all that safe an occupation.

Anyone interested in discussing this futher please contact be at either
{rstauber@olg.com} or (301) 705-7384.

Rick Stauber
Master EOD Technician
US Army Retired