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About the DoD Munitions Response Program
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In 2001, Department of Defense
established the Military Munitions Response Program to more
effectively and efficiently investigate the hazards posed by past
military munitions-related activities and carry out response
actions. The program works to reduce the risks to people and the
environment from unexploded ordnance, discarded military munitions,
or munitions constituents. As of
September 2006, DoD had identified over 3,300 munitions response
sites that may require response actions under this program. To make
the best use of funding, Congress directed DoD to prioritize all
munitions response sites, based on the potential risk posed to human
health and the environment.
The Munitions Response Program on Vieques began
in 2004.
Prioritizing Munitions Response
On October 5, 2005, DoD published the
Munitions Response Site Prioritization Protocol as a federal rule
(32 Code of Federal Regulations 179). The Protocol requires
installations to set priorities for munitions response sites, based
on the overall conditions at each site. |
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This
fact sheet describes the Protocol.
Looks are deceiving when it comes to munitions,
which is what the military calls ammunition like bombs and rockets.
Even small items can injure or kill. With age and weather,
safety devices may no longer work. Old explosives may become
unstable and unusually sensitive. Old war souvenirs can be
dangerous. Even if it hasn’t been moved for years, or it’s been
moved dozens of times, it may still explode.
Large or small…new or old...shiny or rusty…clean or
dirty… All of it can be dangerous!
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