JACKSVONILLE, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2011) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District will host a public information meeting to describe plans for an upcoming Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study of the former Orlando Range and Chemical Yard (ORCY). The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27 in the auditorium at Jackson Middle School, 6000 Stonewall Jackson Rd. Orlando, FL 32807.
The purpose of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) is to characterize the nature and extent of contamination on the former range. The RI/FS determines what type of contamination may be present and where it is located. A Site Inspection (SI) was completed in 2009, and no evidence of chemical warfare contamination from the military’s past use was found. However, munitions and munitions debris were found in two locations. The upcoming investigation will include searching for potentially buried munitions with metal detectors, and collecting soil and water samples. Once the work is complete, the Corps will make recommendations, and the public will have an opportunity to comment on them.
On behalf of the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cleans up sites that were formerly used by the military. In 1943, the U.S. government leased around 2,100 acres to serve as the ORCY. The military used the ORCY for rifle and pistol practice, munitions demonstrations and a storage yard. Most of the site was used as a buffer to ensure safety by restricting unauthorized access to military munitions and supplies.
Safety is always the Corps’ top priority. Should anyone encounter or suspect they have encountered munitions, it is vitally important to follow the simple “3Rs” of explosives safety: Recognize the item may be dangerous; Retreat and do not touch it; Report its location by calling 911.
Release no. 11-03