Reactivity Measurement

Description

Soils contaminated with explosive materials are considered reactive, thus posing a potential explosive hazard, unless proven not to be. Determining the explosive threshold for such compounds in soil protects workers and defines areas that must be cleaned up. There have been several activities to establish a safety threshold level. Some of the major components of this project are:

• To evaluate existing reactivity testing procedures used for explosives and to determine applicability;

• To develop a database to verify unqualified positive reactions from prior studies;

• To establish threshold initiation-level values for explosives and establish safe-handling criteria; and,

• To publish standard procedures for evaluating reactivity.

The results will also be used by the Department of Transportation to establish DOT hazardous waste classification for explosive waste.

Limitations and Concerns

Not enough information is presented to understand if the protocols and thresholds to be developed are reasonable. However, it should be noted that the thresholds will be used to determine safety goals, not cleanup goals.

Applicability

Munitions have been manufactured in the United States using a variety of explosive materials. Techniques developed will enable users to establish threshold levels of explosive compounds in the soil. Protocols will be used to establish goals to prevent accidental explosion. They are not used for establishing cleanup goals to prevent human health effects.

Technology Development Status

This is a pilot project.

Web Links

http://aec-www.apgea.army.mil:8080/prod/usaec/et/restor/priexpsl.htm

http://aec-www.apgea.army.mil:8080/prod/usaec/et/restor/reactas.htm

Other resources

None have been identified.