Military ranges are being scrutinized and often encumbered by various encroachment issues, forcing the Department of Defense to assess existing environmental conditions at operational ranges and demonstrate these resources are being managed in an environmentally sound manner. Perceived environmental concerns from ordnance testing and munitions training could significantly impact the Air Force mission by constraining range operations. To sustain operational ranges, the Air Force is taking steps to analyze environmental concerns and AFCEE/TD is committed to addressing and resolving these concerns.
Range Inventory
An initial listing of all Air Force military ranges was compiled in 2000 using multiple sources including real property records, inventory listings, environmental surveys, and historical records. As a result of this study and subsequent data acquisitions, the Air Force is able to assess activities presently occurring on operational ranges, identify encroachment issues, and evaluate range capabilities as well as address public and regulatory concerns regarding environmental compliance and stewardship issues.
Range Assessments
In 2003, the Air Force initiated an assessment of selected domestic (CONUS) operational testing and training ranges. The focus of the initial field study was to ascertain if environmental contamination associated with specified munitions constituents was present at range boundaries. Upon issuance of Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 4715.11, the Air Force developed the Operational Range Assessment Plan (ORAP). The ORAP provides guidance on conducting operational range assessments which indicates if subsequent assessments are necessary in order to:
- Identify and characterize the extent of potential environmental hazards;
- Develop and implement management strategies to minimize environmental impacts; and
- Continue testing and training under realistic conditions in accordance with the Air Force mission.
Operational Range Assessment Plan (ORAP)
Air Force operational ranges are located throughout the world in a variety of environmental settings. To protect existing range resources and support future Air Force testing and training mission requirements, AFCEE addresses operational and environmental issues through comprehensive range planning, natural infrastructure assessments and integration of practical natural and cultural resource management strategies. In addition, AFCEE assists operational range managers in achieving mission readiness goals and transformation objectives by assessing current activities and encroachment issues then identifying management strategies to maintain combat readiness and provide realistic complex training scenarios while protecting human health and the environment.
Range Residue Recycling
Range residue is ordnance and munitions items or fragments as well as any other material fired on, or upon a military range including but not limited to targets, berms, bombs and missiles, rockets and rocket motors, expended artillery, and small arms projectiles. AFCEE/TD is capable of providing and managing contractors to detect, remove, demilitarize, recycle and/or dispose of range residue. To ensure Air Force operational range managers receive the best available information and service, the range subject matter expert coordinates with the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office and works closely with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Division, Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA).
Note: Range clearance activities do not focus on the removal of munitions-related constituents or treatment of environmental contamination. For information on unexploded ordnance (UXO) characterization visit the Munitions Response Program.
