Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP)
In 2001 Congress created an addition to the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) by implementing the Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP). This program addresses munitions and explosives of concern located on range lands that are no longer operational. Munitions and explosives of concern include the following:
• Unexploded ordnance (UXO
• Discarded military munitions (DMM)
• Munitions constituents (MC)
Munitions response involves an investigation and if needed, removal and remedial actions to address:
• Explosive safety
• Safety and human health
• Environmental risks
MMRP sites, referred to as Military Response Sites (MRS), include locations that are or were owned by, leased to, or otherwise possessed or used by the Department of Defense. The six MRS sites identified surrounding Camp Williams are:
Rose Canyon Training Area
Artillery Impact Area Buffer Zone
Wood Hollow Training Area
Southeast Simulated Attack Area
Southeast Area
Southwest Area
The six MRSs include land that may have been previously used for training at Camp Williams, but have since been transferred through public sale or federal exchange and are no longer controlled by the Department of Defense.
Prior to transfer, the UTNG conducted a thorough surface sweep of these lands to remove residual munitions from training activities. However, to be compliant with Congress’ MMRP legislation, the UTNG is initiating a more formal closure process to address impacts not only from residual munitions, but constituents that could leach from them.
During the next two years, the UTNG will be investigating these six MRSs to determine the nature and extent of munitions contamination, if any. If needed, removal actions may be implemented to address explosive safety, risks to human health and the environment.
Reporting munitions sightings
You are not encouraged to seek out munitions; it is a task that should be performed by trained professionals. However, if you are a property owner or someone who used the areas for recreation activities, you may come across something. You can help by recognizing and reporting sightings of either current or past military munitions. Small arms munitions and casings from hunting or other non-military uses are not addresses under the MMRP and reporting of such items is not necessary.
What should I do if I see something?
If you see an object that appears to be munitions material, don’t try to touch it, or move it. The material could be dangerous, or explosive. Make note of the location and if possible, flag or mark a nearby feature, such as a tree or bush. Leave the area the same way that you came. Remember the 3 Rs.
How can I stay informed?
The UTNG has developed a program to help residents in the communities surrounding Camp Williams stay informed and educated about the MMRP. An advisory board, officially known as a Restoration Advisory Board, is being formed to allow community members to be informed of project status and to provide input to the UTNG. Documents related to the project will be available for viewing at the Riverton Public Library.
You can also help educate friends and neighbors. Share this information and help to make community members aware of potential munitions hazards.
Types of munitions and explosives of concern
UXO: Military munitions that have been primed, fused, armed, or otherwise prepared for action; have been fired, dropped, launched, projected, or placed in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to operations, installations, personnel, or material; and remain unexploded either by malfunction, design, or any other cause.
DMM: Military munitions that have been abandoned without proper disposal or removed from storage in a military magazine or other storage area for the purpose of disposal.
MC: Any materials originating from unexploded ordnance, DMM, or other military munitions, including explosive and non-explosive materials, and emission, degradation, or breakdown elements of such ordnance or munitions.
Examples of Military Munitions that may be encountered:
