A Web-based Repository for
Energetics Compounds on
Military Training Ranges
Matthew F. Bigl
Research Physical Scientist
Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
1 June 2017
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A Brief History
Training Suspended at Eagle River Flats, Alaska
High waterfowl mortality White Phosphorus particles in sediment
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A Brief History
Training Suspended at Eagle River Flats, Alaska
► Remediation cost ~$13 M
► Training during winter only
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A Brief History
Edwards Impact Area Closed, JBCC, MA
► RDX and Perchlorate in Groundwater
► Cleanup cost ~$450 M
http://jbcc-iagwsp.org, 2013
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A Brief History
1999–Present: SERDP Investment
► Characterization of propellant and
explosive residues on ranges
► Recently, focus on new insensitive
munitions
2006–Present: ESTCP Investment
► Representative sampling and
analysis methods
► Methods for remediation and
prevention
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Objective
Provide an online resource to:
► Range Managers
► Acquisition Managers
► Remediation Program Managers
► Environmental Consultants and Contractors
Containing:
► Knowledge of contaminant behavior on ranges
► Methods for range assessment
► Best practices for range sustainment
► Framework for data visualization on ranges
► Links to other resources
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Energetic Compounds
Abbrev Name Applications
TNT 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Composition B, Octol, Tritonal
RDX 1,3,5-Trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine Compositions A, B, and 4, IMX-
104
HMX Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine Octol, Compositions A, B, and 4
DNT 2,4- and 2,6-Dinitrotoluene Single and Double-based
Propellants
NG Nitroglycerin Double and Triple-based
Propellants
NQ Nitroguanidine Triple-based Propellants, IMX-
101
DNAN 2,4-Dinitroanisole IMX-101, IMX-104
NTO 3-Nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one IMX-101, IMX-104
AP Ammonium Perchlorate Rockets, Missiles, Bombs,
Simulators
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Deposition Rates: Propellants
Sum of deposited energetic compounds from
munitions efficiency testing (discussed later)
Data: M.R. Walsh, M.E. Walsh, A.D. Hewitt, T.F. Jenkins and others (ERDC/CRREL TR-06-10, -05-15, -04-3, -07-17, -05-
14, -10-13, -09-13, -07-18, -10-10, -10-11, and ERDC TR-08-1).
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Deposition Rates: Explosives
Sum of deposited energetic compounds from
munitions efficiency testing (discussed later)
High Order Detonations:
Data: M.R. Walsh, M.E. Walsh, A.D. Hewitt, T.F. Jenkins and others (ERDC/CRREL TR-06-10, -03-16, -11-13, -05-15, 05-
14)
Weapon Munition Material Residues
(mg/round) Efficiency
Mortar 60-mm M888 Comp B 0.0735 99.99997%
Mortar 81-mm M374 Comp B 9.25 99.99844%
Mortar 120-mm M933 Comp B 19 99.99894%
Howitzer 105-mm M1 Comp B 0.095 99.99999%
Howitzer 155-mm M107 Comp B 0.3 99.99999%
Hand Grenade M67 Comp B 0.025 99.99999%
Rifle Grenade 40-mm Comp B 1.608333 99.99154%
Mine Claymore C4 16 99.99742%
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Deposition Rates: Explosives
Low Order Detonations
Duds
Photos: Walsh (CRREL); P. Chong (Hawaii DOH)
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Fate and Transport
Physicochemical Properties
Compound
Solubility in
Water (mg/L) log KOW Reference
TNT 100.5 1.6–1.84 Ro et al., 1996; Yoon et al., 2005
RDX 56 0.87–0.93 Monteil-Rivera et al., 2004
HMX 4.46 0.16–0.17 Monteil-Rivera et al., 2004
2,4-DNT 280 1.98 Kaye, 1980; US EPA, 2014
2,6-DNT 208 1.72–2.10 Rosenblatt, et al., 1989; US EPA, 2014
NG 1,950 1.62 US Army Materiel Command, 1971; NIOSH
NQ 4,400 n/a US Army, 1984
DNAN 276 1.612 Boddu et al., 2008
NTO 16,642* 0.37–1.03 Spear et al., 1989; Sokkalingam et al.,
2008
AP 200,000 -5.84 US EPA, 2014
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Fate and Transport
Particulate Nature
9-mm propellant grain SEM
Progressive Heating
IMX101 particle μCT
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Fate and Transport
Soil-Water Partition Coefficient (Kd)
Data: Pennington et al., 2006, Hawari et al., 2015, and Mark et al., 2016.
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Methods
Sampling
Modified from J. Hathaway and M.E. Walsh Modified from A.D. Hewitt
FP Sally, Fort Wainwright Alaska
Low Order 120-mm Mortar Round — RDX
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Methods
Multi-Increment Sampling – Decision Unit Size
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Methods
EPA Method 8330B with Pictures
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Best Practices
Munitions Efficiency Testing
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Best Practices
Munitions Efficiency Testing
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Best Practices
Remediation
► Monitored Natural Attenuation
► Bioremediation
• Groundwater amendment
► Phytoremediation
• Transgenic grasses
► Chemical Treatment
• Lime application for hand grenade ranges
► Thermal Degradation
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Data Visualization
Interactive figures
D3js.org
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Data Visualization
Spatial Data leaftletjs.com
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Summary
Extensive Knowledge of Energetic Compounds
in Environment
Program Managers to Contractors can use
online resource to improve range sustainment
Available to layperson
► Links to deeper information
https://energetics.erdc.dren.mil
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Acknowledgment
Samuel Beal – Co-I
Susan Taylor – Co-I
Marianne Walsh
Michael Walsh
Tom Douglas
Jonathan Bunger
Andrea Leeson (PM)
Beta Testers
https://energetics.erdc.dren.mil
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