EP 1110-1-18
24 Apr 00
(a) The concentration of a particular explosive in soil necessary to present an explosion hazard
depends on whether the particular explosive is classified as "primary" or "secondary." Guidance
on whether an explosive is classified as "primary" or "secondary" can be obtained from the OE
MCX or Chapters 7 and 8 of TM 9-1300-214, Military Explosives.
(b) Primary explosives are those extremely sensitive explosives (or mixtures thereof) that are
used in primers, detonators, and blasting caps. They are easily detonated by heat, sparks, impact,
or friction. Examples of primary explosives include Lead Azide, Lead Styphnate, and Mercury
Fulminate.
(c) Secondary explosives are bursting and boostering explosives (i.e., they are used as the main
bursting charge or as the booster that sets off the main bursting charge). Secondary explosives
are much less sensitive than primary explosives. They are less likely to detonate if struck or
when exposed to friction or to electrical sparks. Examples of secondary explosives include
Trinitrotoluene (TNT), Composition B, and Ammonium Picrate (Explosive D).
(d) Soil containing 10 percent or more by weight of any secondary explosive or mixture of
secondary explosives is considered "explosive soil." This determination was based on
information provided by the USAEC as a result of studies conducted and reported in USAEC
Report AMXTH-TE-CR 86096.
(e) Soil containing propellants (as opposed to primary or secondary high explosives) may also
present explosion hazards. (ER 1110-1-8153)
Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS)
FUDS includes those properties previously owned, leased, or otherwise possessed by the U.S.
and under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense; or manufacturing facilities for which real
property accountability rested with DOD but were operated by contractors (Government owned -
contractor operated) and which were later legally disposed of. FUDS is a subprogram of the
DERP. Restoration of military land was extended to formerly used sites in 1983 under Public
Law 98-212 (DOD Appropriations Act of FY84).
Geophysical Techniques
Techniques utilized for the detection and measurement of buried anomalies (e.g., ferromagnetic
indicators and ground penetrating radar) to investigate the presence of munitions.
Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) Activities
HTRW activities include those activities undertaken for the Environmental Protection Agency's
Superfund program, the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP), including
Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS), and Installation Restoration Program (IRP) sites at active
DOD facilities, HTRW actions associated with Civil Works projects, and any other mission or
non-mission work performed for others at HTRW sites.
Glossary-8
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