EP 1110-1-17
16 Jul 99
CHAPTER 3
SITE SELECTION
3-1.
General.
a. When selecting a site for a temporary OB/OD area, the district Office of Counsel
should be consulted to determine the applicable Federal and state environmental laws and
regulations. The OB/OD site must not be located in any sensitive environmental areas (e.g.,
wetlands, floodplains, or threatened endangered species habitats).
b. There are three distance aspects of a detonation that must be considered when siting an
OB/OD area. These include the distance that fragments will be thrown, the overpressure effects,
and the noise that is generated during an OE detonation. In general, the site selected for the
destruction of OE will be located at the maximum practicable distance from all explosives storage
areas, temporary holding magazines, inhabited buildings, public traffic routes, and operating
buildings, unless engineering controls, pits, or similar aids are used to limit the range of fragments
and debris. Where possible, natural barricades will be used between the OB/OD site and public
areas, roads, and other field operations.
c. OB/OD sites must also be sited in relation to the direction of prevailing winds so that
any sparks that are generated from the OB/OD operations will not be blown to an area where
explosives are stored or where fires are likely to start. Disposal by open burning will not be
undertaken when wind velocity exceeds 15 mph. Dry grass, leaves, and other extraneous
combustible material in amounts sufficient to spread fire will be removed from a 61-meter (200-
foot) radius from the point of destruction. The grounds shall be of well-packed earth and will be
free from loose stones and deep cracks in which explosives might lodge. Explosive materials will
not be burned or detonated on concrete mats. When destroying explosives by burning, the
possibility that the mass of explosives may detonate must be recognized (see paragraph 2-7 for
additional special siting considerations to be used in siting an OB area).
d. The design and construction of the temporary OB/OD site will take into consideration
the live and dead loads that will be experienced in the area, the local soil and hydrostatic
pressures, and any rain or snow loads that may be encountered. The temporary OB/OD site will
not be located directly on rock strata.
e. OB/OD areas will be located in areas that provide adequate lighting and visibility.
f. OB/OD areas will not be sited near overhead power lines or near any underground
utilities.
3-2. Topography. When determining potential locations for a temporary OB/OD area, maps of
the local area will be reviewed prior to the site visit to locate areas that have topography
preferential for locating an OB/OD area (e.g., sites remote from public areas, hillsides located
between potential OB/OD area and public areas, etc.). After the map reconnaissance has been
performed and potential sites have been selected, a site walk over will be conducted to determine
the best potential area.
3-1
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