DEMOLITION AREA/DEACTIVATION FURNACE
SITE DESCRIPTION
The Deactivation Furnace (IAAP-023) was incorporated into this site due to their close proximity. The Furnace subsite was used from 1971 until RCRA closure in 1995.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources does allow open detonation of ammunition items that require an immediate method of disposition due to safety considerations such as ammunition rounds that become armed during the assembly process. The Demolition Area encompasses 10 acres of land and consists of a fenced field with six shallow craters. Open detonation of rejected ammunition items at this site began in the 1940s on a regular basis. Current practices are limited to an emergency- only basis. The IDNR is required to be notified of an open detonation event. This area is not considered to be ER,A-eligible. However, any cleanup actions necessary will be funded under a different program.
In 1997, EPA approved a change in the RCRA Subpart X interim status. This change allowed for the movement of the open burning of propellant with faulty stabilizer (performed in pans) from the Explosive Disposal Area (IAAP-012) to the Detonation Area. This accommodated the cleanup of former open burning pads at the Explosive Disposal Area in 1998. In 1985, IDNR allowed open burning of propellant determined by the Army to have a faulty stabilizer on a case-by-case basis with an expedited (within 48 hours) approval.
The Deactivation Furnace consists of a feed area, furnace system and air pollution control system. The feed area is housed within a building that provides access to a conveyor system. The furnace was used to destroy small explosive-loaded components such as detonators, primers, and fuses. The furnace incinerated the explosive/propellant content of the munitions and thermally treated the metal casings which were recovered and sold as scrap metal. The ash from these operations were placed in drums and stored as hazardous waste. The Deactivation Furnace has undergone RCRA closure and is now in a temporarily inactive (TIA) status.
The PA/SI was completed in 1991, and an initial RI was completed in May 1996. The Interim ROD requires the removal of 753cy of lead-contaminated soil from the Deactivation Furnace subsite.
Groundwater contamination will be addressed with a non-ER,A source of funding.
The FUSRAP PA indentified this area as requiring additional investigation. In August 2004, FUSRAP conducted a screening survey of this site to determine if radiological contaminates from AEC activities are present in the soil. Preliminary assessments of all screening results indicate no radiological contamination present at this area.
This site requires No Further Action under the IRP and has been transferred to the Compliance Cleanup Program.