Investigation at Camp Gordon Johnston continues

Published Jan. 22, 2013

Investigation at Camp Gordon Johnston continues
Fieldwork will continue into March 2013

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to continue fieldwork for its Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) at the Camp Gordon Johnston formerly used defense site into March 2013.

The site, which is located along the Florida Panhandle in Franklin County, was used during World War II as an Army Amphibious Training Center. Some areas involved the use of live ammunition and ordnance including rockets, grenades, artillery rounds and mortars. The purpose of the RI/FS is to determine what munitions may remain on the site, where and in what amounts. A report resulting from this data collection and analysis will be provided for public review and comment.

The work that is currently under way involves using metal detectors to identify areas where munitions may potentially be buried, and collecting soil and water samples. Though the Corps anticipated this initial work would be completed in December 2012, the efforts were hindered by heavy rains in the fall.  Work is now expected to continue into March 2013. If munitions are located during the fieldwork, they will be safely disposed of through detonation by the Corps’ contractors.

Site information and documents are available for reference at the Franklin County Public Library, Carabelle Branch, 311 St. James Avenue, Carabelle, Fla. Residents may read and copy official documents and other pertinent information about the site at this convenient, accessible location.

Safety is always the Corps’ top priority. If you think you have found munitions, please follow the “3Rs” of explosives safety: Recognize that the object you have found may be munitions, and munitions may be dangerous; Retreat without touching or moving the object; Report what you have found by notifying local law enforcement or calling 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information about Camp Gordon Johnston, please call 866-279-4880 or email FUDS.FLORIDA@usace.army.mil.
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Contact
Nancy J. Sticht
904-232-1667
nancy.j.sticht@usace.army.mil

Release no. 13-004