Archives Search Report and Supplement
The 1994 Archives Search Report divided the former Camp Swift Range Complex munitions response site (MRS) into eight areas (Areas A through H) based on historic documents, drawings, maps, aerial photographs, newspaper articles, technical munitions data, real estate records, and other reports. The subsequent 1995 Archives Search Report Supplement added three more areas (Area I, J, and K). Both of MRS 7 parcels were located in Area A “Artillery Range” and MRS 11 was located in Area J “Fortified Area” and immediately adjacent to Area H “Remaining Property.” The ASRs determined the following munitions were used at various areas across Camp Swift:
• 0.22 to 0.50 caliber ammunition;
• 2.36-inch high explosive (HE) and white phosphorous (WP) rockets;
• 2.36-inch High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rocket;
• 3.5-inch high explosive antitank (HEAT) and WP rockets;
• Antitank, HEAT, and practice rifle grenades;
• MK II hand grenades;
• 75 millimeter (mm) artillery (HE, WP, and smoke);
• 105mm HE artillery;
• 60mm and 81mm HE and WP mortars;
• Booby trap simulators;
• Practice antipersonnel mines;
• Antitank mines (HE and practice); and
• Dynamite.
Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis
In 2002, an Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis was performed at the former Camp Swift and documented the presence of munitions at several locations. Included in these locations was an area identified as MRS East, which encompasses MRS 7, and an area identified as Area of Interest 3, which encompasses MRS 11. In addition, the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis documented landowner(s) finds of expended and unexpended antitank mines in various places at the 29,280-acre camp.
Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study
Based on the finding of the Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis, a Remedial Investigation (RI) was performed to determine the nature (type and quantity) and extent (horizontal distribution and depth below surface) of munitions at the former Camp Swift. The RI documented the presence of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) in the form of 4.2-inch and 81mm mortars; 75mm and 105mm projectiles; 2.36-inch rockets; and practice antitank mines at other MRSs investigated during the RI. All MEC encountered during the investigation were destroyed and removed from the former Camp Swift. The RI also documented the presence of munitions debris (MD) consisting of expended 4.2-inch, 60mm, and 81mm mortars; various mortar shell fragments; expended 37mm, 75mm, and 105mm projectiles; expended 2.36-inch rockets; rifle grenades; practice antitank mines; fuzes; and multiple unidentifiable projectile fragments.
Although no MEC were discovered in MRS 7, MD consisting of rocket fragments was found. These MD are indicative of the MEC that could be present at MRS 7. Similar to MRS 7, no MEC were discovered at MRS 11 during the RI; however, there was MD consisting of grenade, mortar, and other unidentifiable MD fragments. These MD are indicative of the MEC that could be present at MRS 11. The Feasibility Study was conducted to identify, develop, and evaluate potential remedial alternative to address MEC contamination that would meet the remedial action objective for MRS 7 and MRS 11. The Feasibility Study identified 11 remedial alternatives appropriate for the MRSs at the former Camp Swift. Five alternatives were deemed feasible for MRS 7 and MRS 11 and were carried forward for analysis.
Proposed Plan
A Proposed Plan was prepared to identify the preferred remedial alternatives. For MRS 7, the preferred alternative was Alternative 5D: Surface and Subsurface Removal of MEC to 3 feet below ground surface using Digital Electromagnetic Induction Systems in conjunction with Advanced Geophysical Classification with Land Use Controls (LUCs). For MRS 11, the preferred alternative was Alternative 5B: Surface and Subsurface Removal of MEC to 1.5 feet below ground surface using Digital Electromagnetic Induction Systems in conjunction with
Advanced Geophysical Classification with LUCs. The Proposed Plan was released to the public for a 30-day comment period from 16 October 2015 to 16 November 2015. A public meeting was held on 29 October 2015. No members of the public attended the public meeting and there were no written questions submitted during the public comment period.
Decision Document
Decision Documents were prepared to present the Selected Remedies for MRS 7 and MRS 11: Surface and Subsurface Removal of MEC to 3 and 1.5 feet below ground surface, respectively, using Digital Electromagnetic Induction Systems in conjunction with Advanced Geophysical Classification system with LUCs. The LUCs (public outreach and education) would be implemented across the MRS to manage residual risk. Once the Selected Remedies are implemented, the potential for encountering military munitions will be further reduced and the level of potential hazard to human health and the environment will be negligible.
Remedial Action
Remedial Actions are being conducted to implement the Selected Remedies and document achievement of Remedial Action Objectives described in the Decision Documents for MRS 7 and MRS 11 at the former Camp Swift, Bastrop County, Texas. Refer to the MRS 7 Response and MR 11 Response pages for details.