Pistol Range Remediation Design + Management

MCAS Cherry Point operates two outdoor firing ranges, the Pistol Range and Action Range. The Pistol and Action Ranges are located off of Rifle Range Road adjacent to the flight line. The ranges use opposite ends of a single 180-foot long soil impact berm, with base measuring approximately 75 feet from toe to toe. The Pistol Range berm is approximately 124 feet wide and 35 feet high, and the Action Range berm is approximately 240 feet wide and 35 feet high. These ranges require periodic removal of small-arm projectiles from the associated soil impact berms to mitigate safety concerns over splash back from projectiles currently in the berms. Approximately 173,784 rounds were fired into the berm since 2011. The primary ammunition types used at the range included, but were not limited to, 9-millimeter (mm) ball, 0.40 caliber, 0.45 caliber, and 12-gauge slugs.

EPA/State rules typically require removal of lead in soil at levels > 400 mg/kg, which effectively requires periodic removal of all of the projectiles.

Rhea–Consultech JV (RheaCon) designed the removal of spent projectiles on the basis of a screening/recovery plan, which did not take place until the environmental management, erosion and sediment control, waste management and health & safety aspects of the project could be fully evaluated. Rhea prepared all of the working documents and permit documents.

RheaCon’s subcontractor removed and disposed of the Pistol Range (124 feet x 8 feet x 3 feet) bullet trap and all ancillary equipment. At the Pistol Range & Action Range, we removed projectiles from an earthen backstop berm and rebuilt the berm.

To prevent any exposure from potential lead dust RheaCon personnel and our subcontractors donned Level “C” personal protective equipment (PPE) during the bullet trap cleaning and demolition activities until the ability to reduce the level of PPE was documented through air sampling. The site health and safety was monitored by Rhea’s Safety Professional. The bullet trap and ancillary equipment was cleaned using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum followed with an all-purpose cleaner, LeadSafe®, amended with water for hand washing.

Following range clearance activities, RheaCon’s subcontractor began berm reconstruction. This work involved installation of slope reinforcement matting with non-metallic staples in order to stabilize the base of the berm. The imported backfill and existing screened soils were placed to reconstruct the berm faces based on a 2:1 slope. After the backfill was placed to the appropriate surveyed elevation and compacted, a GEO-Grid turf reinforcement was placed followed by the placement of topsoil and over-seeded with a pre-approved annual rye mix.

Services: Environmental Services , Field Monitoring + Management

Industries: Federal Government