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AOC 36 - Mustard Gas Investigation Report
Section 7.0 - Excavation
As described in Section 6.0, many anomalies were identified in the suspected mustard gas shell burial area. These anomalies included two trenches associated with SWMU B-28. The magnetometer sweep indicated that an abundance of metal waste was buried in the B-28 trenches.
In June 1997, each anomaly identified during the magnetometer survey was excavated to determine if it was buried UXO or mustard gas shells. Qualified UXO personnel performed the excavation so that identification procedures could be conducted. Anomalies were typically shallow enough (less than 1 foot deep) that they could be dug by hand. Excavations were done slowly and in 6-inch increments to ensure the safety of the field crew. Prior to excavation, it was assumed that all large anomalies were mustard gas shells for safety reasons. Anomalies scattered throughout the site consisted of metal scrap, nails, and bolts. No mustard gas shells or evidence of mustard gas shells were identified throughout the site.
Metal scrap removed from site.
The numerous anomalies in the B-28 trenches were dug with a front-end loader, and all trench contents were sifted (as described in Section 9.0) to remove metal and UXO. Upon excavation, it was found that these trenches were approximately 4 feet deep and that they contained metal debris, aerial flares, and a minor amount of small arms ammunition. No mustard gas shells or evidence of shells were found within the B-28 trenches. Most of the metal scrap appeared to have been melted at some time, possibly at the time of disposal. The northern trench was approximately 300 feet long and 15 feet wide, and the southern trench was approximately 100 feet long and 15 feet wide.