Army investigates Delaware clam "shells"

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

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Army Investigates Recent Munitions Discoveries

Press Release
Contact: Ms. Cynthia O. Smith of U.S. Army Public Affairs
August 4, 2004

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Army is investigating recent 
discoveries of munitions being found in crushed clamshells used to pave 
driveways in Delaware.

The Army is working to determine the source of these munitions, one of 
which was determined to contain a chemical agent fill, and the locations 
of crushed clamshell driveways that might contain munitions. The Army 
advises the public to be aware of the potential dangers posed by these 
munitions and to report any known or suspected munitions to local law 
enforcement.

Because the condition of these munitions is unknown, they should be 
treated as unexploded ordnance (UXO) until assessed by Explosive 
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel. UXO are munitions that did not 
function as intended during use. They are considered the most dangerous 
category of munitions. Many people refer to UXO as "duds," however, they 
are extremely dangerous and should never be touched or moved as they can 
still explode and cause serious injury or even death. The fact that they 
may have been handled or moved in the past does not make them less 
dangerous in the present. Even souvenirs that have been handled 
frequently can still present a significant risk.

Munitions come in many different sizes, shapes and colors. Over time, 
the paint may wear off or fade. As munitions are exposed to weather, 
they will normally rust, making them more difficult to spot or 
recognize. In some cases, the munitions may also be encrusted in 
shell-like material, such as barnacles.

The Army is asking people who know the location of such munitions, even 
if considered a souvenir, or who spot what they believe may be an old 
munition not to move, disturb or destroy it, but to immediately call 
local law enforcement (911). Parents should check with their children to 
determine if they have found or seen such munitions.

The Army is taking steps to determine the location of all crushed 
clamshells that may inadvertently contain munitions. As these locations 
are identified, steps will be taken to investigate these sites and 
remove all munitions found. Anyone with concerns about deliveries of 
crushed clamshells, particularly within the last year, should contact 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District Robert J. Williams, 
Jr. at 410-962-4006.

More information on the Department of Defense's UXO Safety Education 
Program, including photographs of different types of UXO, can be found 
at: 
https://www.denix.osd.mil/denix/Public/Library/Explosives/UXOSafety/uxosafety.html

http://www.usnewswire.com/



--
Lenny Siegel
Director, Center for Public Environmental Oversight
c/o PSC, 278-A Hope St., Mountain View, CA 94041
Voice: 650/961-8918 or 650/969-1545
Fax: 650/961-8918
http://www.cpeo.org

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