E.P.A. Issues Order to Army to Address Abandoned Explosives

DALLAS - (March 18, 2014) Today, the E.P.A. (EPA) issued an order to the U.S. Department of the Army to address 15 million pounds of abandoned explosives and propellant stored on the grounds of Camp Minden in Minden, LA.

The site, in Northwestern Louisiana, has been owned and operated by the State of Louisiana and the Louisiana Military Department since 2005. A private company under contract with the U.S. Army had been using the location to improperly store unused explosives and propellant. As the material ages, it becomes more unstable, increasing the chances of an uncontrolled explosion.

EPA's order finds the Army to have contributed to the illegal storage and handling of the waste explosives, thereby creating an imminent and substantial endangerment of public health and the environment. After receiving the order, the Army must submit a project for disposing of the material to EPA. The project must include extensive safety measures for disposal workers and the surrounding area. The order also requires the Army to project for the health and safety of the local community during and after the cleanup.

For more information on the EPA's enforcement activities:
http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement

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