Residents Near Former Camp Robinson Face Unexploded Ordnance Investigation
Residents living near the former Camp Robinson in Pulaski and Faulkner counties, Arkansas, are about to face a significant event that could temporarily disrupt their lives. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is planning to conduct an investigation and remediation effort to identify and address potential risks from munitions, explosives, and environmental contaminants at the former military training camp.
The investigation, set to begin in January 2025 and continue through February 2025, is part of the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) program. This program aims to mitigate environmental hazards at former Department of Defense (DOD) sites, ensuring public safety and securing the area for future use.
The focus of the work is to meticulously assess the former camp, which was used as a military training facility during World War II. This assessment will help identify any lingering hazards that might pose risks to residents and the environment. USACE is taking a thorough approach by providing advanced notice to residents, even those without signed right-of-entry agreements, if their property is part of the investigation or remediation process.
Residents will be notified in advance about the temporary safety zones around the investigation sites. They are urged to avoid disturbing flagged areas and not remove any markers or signs placed by the USACE. In the event of discovering unexploded ordnance or munitions debris, trained professionals will safely remove or detonate them.
Temporary evacuations may occur if a detonation is required. This step is taken as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. For more information about the field investigation or remediation efforts, residents can reach out via email to [email protected] or visit the USACE website for detailed guidelines and resources.
What You Need to Know
- Duration: The investigation is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and continue through February 2025.
- Scope: The work aims to address potential risks from munitions, explosives, and environmental contaminants at former Camp Robinson.
- Notification: Residents will be notified if their property is part of the investigations or remediation efforts.
- Safety Zones: Temporary safety zones will be established around investigation sites, and residents are urged to avoid disturbing these areas.
- Evacuation: Temporary evacuations may occur if a detonation is required for unexploded ordnance.
- Contact Information: For additional information, residents can email [email protected] or visit the USACE website for more details.
Preparing for the Investigation
With this critical information in mind, residents near former Camp Robinson should prepare for the possibility of temporary disruptions. Keeping an eye out for notifications from USACE and maintaining safety protocols around the investigation sites will be crucial during this period.
Community awareness and cooperation are essential in ensuring a smooth execution of the investigation and remediation activities. Residents will need to adhere to guidelines provided by USACE to maintain their safety and support the environmental cleanup efforts at former Camp Robinson.
