- ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVE WASTE
- CHEMICAL SURETY MATERIALS
-
- ARCHIVE SEARCH REPORT
- FINDINGS
- FOR
- YELLOW JACKET RANGES
- TOOELE COUNTY, UT
DERP-FUDS SITE NO. J09UT109800
1.0 Introduction
1. 1 Authority
In 1980, Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) 42 USC 9601 et seq. Ordnance
and Explosive Wastes (OEW) are included in the CERCLA definition of
pollutants and contaminants that require a remedial response.
In 1983, the Environmental Restoration Defense Account (ERDA) was
established by Public Law 98-212. This Congressionally directed fund
was to be used for environmental restoration at Department of Defense
(DOD) active installations and formerly used properties. The DOD
designated the Army as the sole manager for environmental restoration
at closed installations and formerly used properties. The Secretary of
the Army assigned this mission to the Corps of Engineers (USACE) in
1984.
The 1986 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
amended certain aspects of CERCLA, some of which directly related to
OEW contamination. Chapter 160 of the SARA established the Defense
Environmental Restoration Program (DERP). One of the goals specified
for the DERP is "correction of environmental damage (such as detection
and disposal of unexploded ordnance) which creates an imminent and
substantial endangerment to the public health or welfare or to the
environment."
The DERP requires that a CERCLA response action be undertaken
whenever such "imminent and substantial endangerment" is found at:
A. A facility or site that is owned by, leased to, or otherwise
possessed by the United States and under the jurisdiction of the
Secretary of Defense.
B. A facility or site that was under the jurisdiction of the
Secretary of Defense and owned by, leased to, or otherwise possessed
by the United States at the time of actions leading to
contamination.
The National Contingency Plan (NCP) was established by the Clean
Water Act of 1972. The NCP has been revised and broadened several
times since then. Its purpose is to provide the organizational
structure and procedures for remedial actions to be taken in response
to the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants
at a site. Section 105 of the 1980 CERCLA states that the NCP shall
apply to all response actions taken as a result of CERCLA
requirements.
The March 1990 National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution
Contingency Plan given in 40 CFR part 300 is the latest version of the
NCP. Paragraph 300.120 states that "DOD will be the removal response
authority with respect to incidents involving DOD military weapons and
munitions under the jurisdiction, custody, and control of DOD."
On April 5, 1990, U.S. Army Engineer Division, Huntsville (USAEDH)
was designated as the USACE Mandatory Center of Expertise (MCX) and
Design Center for Ordnance and Explosive Waste (OEW). As the MCX and
Design Center for OEW, USAEDH is responsible for the design and
successful implementation of all Department of the Army OEW
remediations required by CERCLA. USAEDH also designs and implements
OEW remediation programs for other branches of the Department of
Defense when requested. In cooperation with the Huntsville Division,
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District has been assigned
the task of preparing Archives Search Reports (ASR) for those Formerly
Used Defense Sites (FUDS) suspected of Chemical Warfare Materials (CWM)
contamination.
1.2 Subject
Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) was established in 1942 to develop and
test chemical weapons and biological defense systems. DPG has served
as the primary field test area for chemical munitions from 1942 to
1947, and again from 1950 to the present. Open air testing of chemical
agents was performed at DPG until 1969, when all such activities were
suspended. Since then, only chemical simulants have been tested in the
open air. Conventional munitions have also been tested at this
facility, and the Utah National Guard routinely uses ranges located on
Dugway for training.
The Yellow Jacket Ranges were used in the 1940's as part of
Project Sphinx, which tested chemical munitions against cave type
fortifications. Three different mine areas were used as part of the
tests. The largest number of tests were conducted at the Yellow Jacket
Mines which consisted of ten separate mines located in one valley
area. Tests were also conducted at the Great Western Mines and at Old
Ironsides Mine. See Maps M-3 & M-4 for locations of chemical weapons
tests and of mine claims, respectively. No specific boundaries of the
test areas have been uncovered as a result of this archives search,
and the targets may have overlapped more than one mine claim.
Additionally, short or long rounds would have impacted outside of the
immediate target areas. Short and long rounds are of a specific
concern because munitions from these tests have been recovered
outside what is considered the Yellow Jacket Ranges test area.
1. 3 Purpose
This Archives Search Report compiles information obtained through
historical research at various archives and records-holding
facilities, interviews with persons associated with the site or its
operations, and personal visits to the site. AR efforts were directed
toward determining the possible use or disposal of chemical warfare
materials on the site. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing
the chemical (agent), type of munitions or container, quantities, and
area of disposal. Information obtained during this process was used to
develop the Conclusions and Recommendations for further action
furnished by separate Executive Summary.
1.4 Scope
This investigation centered on the potential that CWM contamination
could remain on the site from activities associated with Project
Sphinx which tested chemical munitions against cave type
fortifications. The potential locations for chemical weapons
contamination on the Yellow Jacket Ranges FUDS are delineated
on Map M-3.
This report presents the history of the site, description and
characterization of the immediate surrounding area, real estate
ownership information, findings of a visual field survey, and OEW (CWM)
site analysis, including an evaluation of potential ordnance
contamination.
2.0 Previous Site Investigations
2.1 Findings of Fact and Determination of Eligibility (INPR)
The 4 Feb 1993 MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MAJOR SUBORDINATE CO S (EXCEPT
EUROPE AND ASIA) had as its subject the accomplishment of a Site
Reconnaissance at those FUDS with Potentially Chemical Warfare
Material Contamination. This action was in support of the requirement
for release of the U.S. Army Chemical Material Destruction Agency (USACMDA)
Interim Report to Congress on Non-Stockpile Materials. This Memorandum
was signed by Col Michael H. Fellows, Chief, Environmental Restoration
Division, Directorate of Military Programs; and directed, along with
other items, the preparation/approval of the INPR for each listed FUDS.
This preliminary assessment was to be given the highest priority.
The Dugway South Triangle and Yellow Jacket Ranges were
DERP-FUDS included on the list. In response to this requirement,
personnel from the Sacramento District performed a Site Review
including site visits and interviews, prepared Fact Sheets, and
drafted an INPR. A copy of these documents (draft) are included as
Appendix C1.1. Review of, comment on, and signing of the INPR was
transpiring during the time frame this archive search was conducted by
the St. Louis District.
2.2 Historic Properties Report
Under contract CX-0001-2-0033 between Building Technology
Incorporated, Silver Spring, Maryland and the I-Iistoric American
Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record, National Park
Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, the Final Report entitled
Historic Properties Report, Dugway Proving Ground, Utah was
prepared for the United States Army Materials Development and
Readiness Command (DARCOM) (Appendix C3.2). T'he report, dated July
1984, presented the results of an historic properties survey of Dugway
Proving Ground. It was prepared to assist the Army in bringing the DPG
installation into compliance with the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966 and its amendments, and related federal laws and
regulations. The document provides a synopsis of the scope and
methodology, the architectural and a brief history of the facility, a
technological overview of the installation, identifies the significant
historical properties and then categorizes the properties on DPG and
sets forth preservation recommendations.
2.3 Environmental Assessment of the 6545TH TEST GROUP
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969,
(Public Law 91-190, 1970), Air Force Regulation 19-2, and the
Department of the Army Regulation 200-2 Environmental Sciences
Section, Computer Sciences Corporation prepared an Environmental
Assessment OF THE 6545TH TEST GROUP (Air Force Systents Command, Hill
AFB, Utah) on the Routine Operations and Facilities on U. S. Army
Dugway Proving Ground (Appendix C3.3). This report, dated February
1990, was prepared by the Army in response to the requirement that all
routine operations and missions of the USAF at DPG be assessed to
determine adverse impacts to the environment.
2.4 Installation Environmental Assessment
The Environmental and Ecology Staff under the Direction of Carlos
F. A. Pinkham and L. Dale King, Environmental and Life Sciences
Division, Material Test Directorate prepared the updated
INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR UNITED STATES DUGWAY PROVING
GROUND, DUGWAY, UTAH. This document was prepared as a background
document against which more detailed records of environmental
considerations (REC) can be compared, and to which other EA's and
environmental impact statements can be tiered. Its purpose is to
insure the environmental resources in and around the installation have
been identified, activities on the installation are quantified, and
the potential impacts of these activities are known. The report
identifies potential adverse impacts so that plans can be changed to
minimize or eliminate adverse impacts (Appendix C3. 1).
3.0 Site and Site Area Description
3. 1 Location
The site is located in western Utah, approximately 100 miles
southwest of Salt Lake City in Tooele County (Figures 1 & 2).
Yellow Jacket Ranges are in the northern side of the Dugway
Mountain Range which are bordered to the north by Dugway Proving
Ground, and to the northeast by the joint-use lands refeffed to as the
Southern Triangle. The nearest towns with populations greater than
1000 people (other than the Dugway Proving Ground Post) are Wendover
to the Northwest, and the Cities of Tooele and Grantsville to the
Northeast. Figure 2 indicates the location and general vicinity of the
area surrounding Yellow Jacket. Map M-3 identifies the approximate
location of each target mine that was associated with Project Sphinx
chemical munitions testing.
3.2 Past Uses
3.2.1 General
The Yellow Jacket Ranges, Dugway Proving Ground, are located
within the Dugway Mountain Range and Great Salt Lake Desert. The land
is an isolated area with semi-arid climate and experiences a wide
seasonal and diurnal temperature variability. The property under
consideration is in an isolated, remote location. The geology and
climate have limited the region to ranching (grazing) activity, mining
operations, recreational pursuits, and military uses.
3.2.2 Interpretation of Aerial Photography
A. Photo analysis and land use interpretation were performed to
the northeast of the actual FUDS site partially on the Dugway
Proving Ground--Southem Triangle lands, using aerial photography
from 1953 and 1987. The approximate negative scale of photography is
as follows:
August 1953 1" = 1,967'
June 1987 1 1" = 3,333'
The Dugway Range NE, Dugway Proving Ground SE, Camels Back Ridge
SW, Table Mountain, Dugway Range NW, Dugway Proving Ground SW, UT,
USGS quadrangle maps were used as reference for the photography. No
photography was available for interpretation prior to 1953.
The 1953 aerial photography indicates the bombing range however,
there is no indication of chemical ordnance. Numerous impact craters
are evident; and, in addition, targets are visible.
No significant change is apparent when interpreting between the
1953 and 1987 aerial photography. However, additional targets have
been installed. and impact craters remain evident. There is no
indication of chemical ordnance on the surface.
B. Site visits, archive searches and photographic and other
investigations have determined the Yellow Jacket Ranges are
potentially contaminated with chemical warfare materials. Once all
the actual locations of the Project Sphinx CWM tests are verified,
additional detailed aerial photographic analysis seems an
appropriate action.
3.2.3. Map analysis
The Southern Triangle and Yellow Jacket Ranges are located
immediately to the south of the current Dugway Proving Ground
boundary. These areas can be located approximately at 40 Degrees 5
minutes and 30 seconds North and 113 Degrees 2 minutes and 30 seconds
West.
The site was analyzed by referencing the following: Dugway Proving
Grounds SE, 1954; Dugway Range NW, 1953; Camels Back Ridge SW, 1955;
Table Mountain, 1955; and Dugway Proving Ground SW, 1954; UT, USGS 7.5
minute quadrangle maps. These maps indicate secondary roads, proving
ground boundaries, target ranges and topographic features
No other maps were available for interpretation.
3.3 Current Uses
The primary usages of the Yellow Jacket Ranges FUDS are as
active mining operations and occasional use for recreational purposes,
ie backpacldng, mountain climbing, and hildng.
3.4 Demographics of the Area
A. Center of Activity: DPG-Yellow Jacket Ranges are
located in the vicinity of Southern Triangle, Dugway Range & Dugway
Proving Grounds, UT. The site is remote. No major activity or
population centers are nearby except the above referenced military
installations. Population centers relative to the site include
Grantsville City, Ut, Stockton Town, Ut, and Tooele City, Ut. No
significant centers of activity exist near the project location. The
towns referenced above and their support facilities such as
shopping, gas stations, police, etc. are the nearest centers of
activity to the project location.
B. Population Density:
County: Tooele
Area: 6,919 sq.mi.
POP: 26,601
PD: 3 Persons per sq. mi.
City: Tooele City
POP: 13,887
City: Stockton Town
POP: 426
City: Grantsville City
POP: 4,500
Population and area are based on the U.S. Department of Commerce,
Bureau of the Census, 1990 statistics, and telephone interviews.
C. Type of Businesses: A review of both telephone
interviews and County Business Pattems (1990) assisted in developing
a business profile of the area. No major businesses exist in the
immediate vicinity of the project. The site is remote and rural.
Business activity in and around the communities listed above is
limited to small commercial support businesses such as gas stations,
grocery stores, etc.
D. Type of Industry: No industry exists in the immediate
area of the Yellow Jacket Ranges with the exception of active
small scale mining operations. The site is considered rural.
E. Type of Housing: Housing in the vicinity is primarily
single family housing.
F. New Development in the Area: No development is in the
DERP-FUDS site
area.
G. Typical Cross-section of Population: The population
cross-section of Stockton Town is 99 % white, and 1 % American
Indian. The Percent under the age of 18 is 37. 1 % and over 65 years
is 11.5%. The median age is 30.3.
4.0 Physical Characteristics of the Site
4.1 Geology/Physiogmhy
Southern Triangle and Yellow Jacket Ranges, Dugway Proving
Ground are located within the Great Salt Lake Desert. The Yellow
Jacket Ranges are located along the northern face of the Dugway
Mountain Range and the Yellow Jacket, Old Ironsides, and
Great Western Mines in the northern sector of the mountain
range; and Southern Triangle is east of the Dugway Mountain Range. The
Dugway Range is part of the Great Basin Section of the Basin and Range
physiographic province. The Basin and Range province is characterized
by long narrow mountain ranges, tflted fault blocks, alternating with
intermountain basins partly filled with gravel and sand derived from
the mountains.
The Great Salt Lake Desert is a large playa derived from the
largest and by far the best known of the Pleistocene Great Basin lakes
- Lake Bonneville. Present-day lakes that are remnants of Lake
Bonneville are Great Salt Lake, Sevier Lake, and Lake Utah. Former
levels of Lake Bonneville are indicated by shorelines and associated
deltas, bars, deposits of calcareous tufa, wavecut niches in bedrock
and other shoreline features (Thombury, 1965). Previous to the
development of Lake Bonneville in Pleistocene time, the western
deserts of Utah were subjected to the following: mid-Tertiary to
present-day crustal stretching, resulting in normal and detachment
faulting and creating the linear mountain ranges and desert basins
with simultaneous infifling of intermountain basins with sediment
derived from the mountains, and with volcanic outpourings; a
mid-Tertiary regional uplift, with doming of the area as much as 5000
feet; igneous activity, with associated intrusions and huge volcanic
outbursts, in mid-Tertiary (Eocene to early Miocene time); Cretaceous
age dirust faulting, resulting in development of the Seiver Mountain
belt (Chronic, 1989).
4.2 Soils
The site area is characterized by basin fill deposits consisting
mainly of non-indurate to semiindurate terrestrial sediments and
lacustrine deposits from ancient Lake Bonneville. The terrestrial
deposits consist mostly of poorly sorted to moderately sorted
combinations of gravel, sand, silt and clay that were derived from the
rocks in the mountains. The basin fill also contains
fine-grained lacustrine, carbonate and evaporate deposits. When the
soil dries, a crust (caliche) forms on the surface. This crust is due,
at least in part, to a concentration of salts in the upper 1/4 to
1-1/4 cm of soil (Pinkham, et al., 1982).
Geologic hazards:
Above normal precipitation can result in landslides and debris
flows; other potential hazards include: in an earthquake, silty and
sandy sediments are subject to liquefaction or hydrocompaction, clayey
sediments and mudflats subject to shrinldng or swelling, salt flats
subject to subsidence due to dissolution (Solomon, et al, 1992).
4-1
4.3 Hydrology
4.3.1 Surface Water
Drainage from the Yellow Jacket Ranges is to the north into
the Great Salt Lake Desert. The surface hydrology is limited to
intermittent streams which contain water only during periods of rain
or snow melt.
4.3.2 Ground Water
Deep and extensive aquifers underlie the entire Great Salt Lake
Desert. Water high in mineral content exists fairly close to the
surface and is separated from the deeper, potable water by nearly
impervious clay deposits.
The surface of the higher-quality water in the vicinity lies in a
boulder bed at 5.2 m to more than 45.1 m below surface; the base
extends down to about 122 m. There is also a groundwater basin aquifer
in Skull Valley, but hydrologic data indicate that it is separated
from the Dugway Valley-Govemment Wash Aquifer by a subsurface rock
barrier. However, this subsurface rock barrier evidence is not
absolute. The surface of the Skull Valley aquifer is at an elevation
of 1,433 to 1,498 m Mean Sea Level, (MSL), while that of the Dugway
Valley-Govemment Wash Aquifer is 1,301 to 1,325 m MSL, indicating that
cross flow, if possible would be from the former to the latter.
Groundwater at depth is most likely recharged by mountain
precipitation into the alluvial fans of the Stansbury, Onaqui, Sheep
Rock, Cedar, Granite, and Simpson Mountains. The down gradient of the
surface of the deeper aquifers is generally west-northwest within the
well fields in the area of English Village and Dugway Valley. Surface
water from precipitation in the broad flat valleys is unlikely to
penetrate the clay deposits above the potable aquifer. Instead,
evaporation causes upward leaching and surface mineral deposits (Pinkham,
et al., 1982).
4.4 Weather
The site has a semi-arid climate with wide seasonal and diumal
temperature variabffity typical of middle latitude continental
regions. The area has an approximate mean annual temperature of
51.5'F; mean monthly temperatures are lowest in January (31.5'F) and
highest in July (78.5'F). Annual precipitation is 7.24 inches.
Wind data for the area are summarized in TABLE 4-1. Temperature and
precipitation data are summarized in TABLE 4-2. Data were collected at
Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, which is approximately 16 miles
northeast of the site.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA FOR
DUGWAY PROVING GROUNDS, UTAH1
WIND INFORMATION
TABLE 4-1
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
WIND AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT
DIRECTION SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ
(DEGREES) (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) %
35-010(N) 6.1 3.4 6.8 5.4 8.6 6.8 8.5 5.4
020-M 5.9 1.9 5.9 3.1 7.4 4.8 8.4 4.7
050-070 2.7 2.6 3.6 3.6 5.0 3.6 4.0 3.5
080-IMP 2.7 6.4 2.8 5.9 2.9 5.5 3.1 4.8
110-130 3.2 9.3 3.1 8.2 3.1 6.9 3.3 5.8
140-160 4.2 13.4 4.6 12.8 4.9 12.2 5.3 12.0
170-190(S) 7.4 13.2 7.8 12.4 8.3 12.4 8.7 14.1
200-220 8.5 4.6 6.1 4.2 9.6 5.2 8.3 5.6
230-250 3.6 2.9 4.1 3.5 5.8 4.1 6.9 4.4
260-280(W) 4.1 5.4 4.4 4.8 6.0 5.7 6.2 8.1
290-310 4.2 6.2 5.6 6.6 7.0 8.9 7.9 10.2
320-340 5.2 6.6 7.6 9.6 8.4 10.7 8.3 11.0
CALM 24.1 19.7 13.3 10.3
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST
WIND AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT
DIRECTION SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ
(DEGREES) (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) %
350-010(N) 7.9 5.3 7.5 5.9 5.5 3.9 5.9 3.9
020-040 7.6 4.5 8.0 4.2 6.4 3.9 5.7 3.0
050-070 3.7 3.8 4.6 3.9 3.8 4.1 3.4 4.5
OWIOO(E) 3.1 5.1 3.4 4.5 3.6 5.7 3.2 6.0
110-130 3.4 5.5 3.4 5.6 4.1 6.0 3.3 6.2
140-160 5.2 10.5 4.8 9.7 5.8 12.3 5.4 12.8
170-190(S) 9.7 12.9 8.0 12.4 8.0 15.4 8.2 14.4
200-220 8.2 5.7 7.2 5.5 7.3 5.5 6.8 5.0
230-250 6.3 5.3 6.0 5.6 5.6 6.1 5.7 5.4
260-280(W) 5.8 9.7 5.6 8.5 5.3 9.2 4.9 8.0
290-310 6.4 9.3 6.6 9.8 5.6 7.6 5.6 8.7
320-340 7.1 10.6 6.6 11.4 5.3 7.5 5.3 7.5
CALM 13.0 13.0 13.8 14.7
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
WIND AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT AVG WIND PCT
DIRECTION SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ SPEED FREQ
(DEGREES) (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) % (KNOTS) %
350-010(N) 6.3 4.0 7.8 4.9 5.7 3.6 6.0 3.3
020-040 6.0 2.8 8.2 3.5 5.9 2.3 5.4 2.2
050-070 3.2 3.6 3.9 2.9 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.5
080-100(E) 2.8 6.4 2.9 4.6 2.6 6.0 2.5 5.3
110-130 3.2 7.3 2.8 7.8 2.8 7.3 3.0 7.6
140-160 5.1 12.9 4.2 12.9 5.1 14.7 4.1 12.8
170-190(S) 8.1 12.3 8.0 12.4 7.4 14.3 7.0 11.8
200-220 6.5 4.2 6.2 3.4 7.1 4.2 6.3 4.0
230-250 5.0 4.7 3.8 3.4 3.9 3.0 3.4 3.8
260-280(W) 5.0 7.1 4.5 6.1 3.9 5.1 3.0 5.4
290-310 5.7 9.5 5.2 9.0 4.7 6.9 4.2 6.4
320-340 5.7 8.1 6.3 8.9 6.1 7.7 4.8 7.1
CALM 17.1 20.3 21.4 26.9
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1 PERIOD OF RECORD: MAY 1960 - APRIL 1990
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA FOR
DUGWAY PROVING GROUNDS, UTAH1
TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION
TABLE 4-2
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Month Temperature Precipitation
Average Average Average
Minimum Maximum
(F) (F) (Inches)
January 16 37 0.50
February 23 45 0.56
March 29 53 0.75
April 36 63 0.74
May 44 73 0.96
June 54 85 0.48
July 62 95 0.52
August 60 91 0.59
September 49 81 0.60
October 37 67 0.69
November 26 50 0.55
December 18 39 0.57
Average 38 65
Annual Total 7.24
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
1 PERIOD OF RECORD: SEPTEMBER 1950 - MAY 1992
4.5 Ecology
The information provided for this site was compiled from the U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Utah Department of Natural
Resources, Division of Wildlife Resources.
The following federal and state listed endangered species may occur
in the areas of interest. They include: Bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucephalus) and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).
In addition, there are four species that are federal candidates for
official listing as threatened or endangered. Candidate species which
may occur in the area are: Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis),
white faced ibis (Plegadis chihi), loggerhead shrike (Lanius
ludovicianus), and western snowy plover (Charadrius
alexandrinus nivosus).
No additional information on the occurrence of rare or endangered
species or natural communities is known at this time. This does not
mean that other state or federauy-listed species may not be present
within the areas of interest. An on site inspection by appropriate
state and federal personnel may be necessary to verify the presence,
absence or location of listed species, or natural communities if
remedial action is recommended as part of the final ASR.
5.0 Real Estate
5.1 DOD Ownership
The DOD does not appear to have formerly had a completely clear
title (owned or leased) on the Yellow Jacket Ranges. According
to information gathered by Carl Jorgenson (Interview-Appendix E), all
of the mine claim areas once used as test areas in the Dugway Mountain
Range were under the control of one family, the Cannon family.
Representatives of this family have held patented mine claims and/or
subleased the mining properties to other individuals or corporations.
Permission to use these mines for Project Sphinx was likely through a
verbal agreement between the owner and the government. The rectangular
section of land immediately west of the DPG Southern Triangle area and
bordering immediately on DPG is erroneously identified in the INPR
(draft) as the Yellow Jacket Ranges. However, although concatenation
is certainly possible in the buffer zone, the actual area of concern
is in the northern Dugway Mountain Range, south of the area previously
addressed in the INPR (Draft). This stretch of land likely is under
the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and does serve as a
buffer for activities on the DPG installation. It is possible the
present ownership of the buffer is under the cooperative joint-use
agreement instituted between DPG and BLM.
5.2 Present Ownership
Present ownership is not determined at this time; but is understood
to involve active mine claims with the Cannon families still
maintaining control or leasing the property. The Bureau of land
Management likely controls much of the land in the vicinity of the
mines used for project Sphinx.
5.3 Significant Past Ownership other than DOD
The significant property owners have been the Bureau of Land
Management and the subsequent mining grants.
6.0 OEW/CWM Site Analysis
6.1 Historical Summga of OEW/CWM Activities
6. 1.1 General
The Yellow Jacket Ranges were used in the 1940's as part of
Project Sphinx which tested chemical munitions against cave type
fortifications. It appears that all of the mine claim areas used as
test areas in the Dugway Mountain Range were owned by one family and
the permission to use these areas was a verbal agreement between the
owner and the government. Three different mine areas were used as part
of the test. The largest number of tests were conducted at the
Yellow Jacket Mines which consisted of ten separate mines located
in one valley area. Tests were also conducted at the Great Western
Mines and at Old Ironsides Mine. See Map M-4 for locations
of mine claims. No specific boundaries of the test areas have been
provided, and the targets may have overlapped more than one mine
claim. Additionally, short or long rounds would have impacted outside
of the immediate target areas. Short and long rounds are of a specific
concern because munitions from these tests have been recovered outside
what is considered the test area.
6.1.2
Records of CWM activities in these areas are limited to the Project
Sphinx tests recorded in A Memorandum Leport on
Attack Against Cave-Type Fortifications (Appendix C2. 1). The
following is a list of tests conducted at each mine area as part of
the project.
Yellow Jacket Mines
Test No. Munitions No. Rounds
N16-11 7.2in Rocket CG-fill 144
N16-12 4.2in Mortar CG-fill 480
N16-14 4.2in Mortar CG-fifl 480
N16-15 M79 1,000 lb Bomb CG-fill (static fired) 18
N16-16 M79 Bomb AC-fiR 18
N16-17 4.2in Mortar CG-fiU 1200
N16-22 M33 Spray Tank AC-flU (dropped) 6
N16-24 M33 Spray Tank AC-fill (dropped) 8
P34-1 M47 100 lb Bomb H-fifl (static fired) 88
P34-3 M33 Spray Tank H-fill (sprayed) 4
P34-7 M33 Spray Tank H-flfl (dropped) 6
21 M47 Bomb AVGAS-fffl (static fired) 150
22 M47 Bomb Butane-flU (static fired) 150
26 165 gal Tank gasoline-fir 12
27 M47 Bomb Napalm-gasoline fill 120
28 165 gal Tank Napalm-fill 6
29 165 gal Tank Napalm-fdl 6
31 165 gal Tank Napalm-flU 8
33 7.2in Rocket PT Jell fill 44
Great Western Mine
N16-20 105mm Howitzer CG-fiU 26
P34-5 105mm Howitzer H-fdl 28
P34-8 F7A2 Thermal Generator HD-fdl 1
(6 lb agent)
Old Ironsides Mine
P34-13 F7A2Ibermal Generator HD-flU 1
(6 lb agent)
Other tests in this series were conducted against Camels Back Caves
located on DPG.
Conversations with the DPG Safety Office and with the DPG EOD
section indicate that numerous incidents have occurred in the past
where explosive and munitions residue has been recovered. In 1982 a
complete bomb was reported to the EOD section. During the course of
the incident, two 1,000 pound chemical bombs were recovered. One was
cracked and no agent could be detected. This item was destroyed by
detonation. The second item was intact and still contained its
chemical agent filler. This item was transported to DPG and is still
in storage at this site. Initially, it was assumed that this item had
an AC fill based upon the following factors: the weight of the item,
amount of fill showing in X-rays, and the fact that AC bombs of this
size were dropped on the Yellow Jacket mines located not far from the
incident site. Later a PINS test was conducted which indicates that
the item has a mustard agent fill. This is significant because if the
item has an AC fill, it landed relatively near the target area
(although not in the target area). If the item is mustard filled, then
it was, most likely, one of the series dropped on the Rising Sun Grid
and it is representative of a considerable targeting error. This would
significantly suggest an expanded area of potential chemical munitions
contamination.
6.1.3 OEW Activities
No specific records have been uncovered dealing with conventional
munitions use in this area. However, Mr. Jorgenson stated that he
remembers one incident occurred that an 11.75 in. rocket with a live
warhead was recovered in the Dugway range in the vicinity of the
Yellow Jacket Ranges. This indicates tests were conducted in these
areas which were either undocumented or the documents have not yet
been uncovered. Between this type of munitions and explosive residue
from chemical rounds, these mine areas must be considered potentially
contaminated with OEW.
6.2 Records Review
The plan of action for the records search was to investigate
regional and local archives and records centers due to their ease of
access. This was followed by research at the national level.
1. National Archives and Records Agency, Suitland Facility, Suitland, MD
RG 77 - Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
No information found.
RG 175 - Records of the Chemical Warfare Service.
No information found.
RG 121 - Records of the Public Buildings Service.
No information found.
RG 270 - Records of the War Assets Administration.
No information found.
RG 338 - Records of US Army Commands.
General Dugway information.
2. Washington National Records Center, Suitland, MD.
RG 121 - Records of the Public Buildings Service.
No information found.
3. National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO
RG 338 - Records of the United States Army Commands.
Only generalbackground information found.
RG 342 - Records of US Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations.
No information found.
4. National Archives - Rocky Mountain Region, Denver, CO
RG 77 - Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
No information found.
RG 121 - Records of the Public Buildings Service.
No information found.
RG 269 - Records of the General Services Administration.
No information found.
RG 270 - Records of the War Assets Administration.
No information found.
RG 291 - Records of the Property Management and Disposal Service.
No information found.
5. Federal Records Center, Denver, CO
RG 121 - Records of the Public Buildings Service.
No information found.
RG 291 - Records of the Property Management and Disposal Service.
No information found.
6. National Archives Great Lakes Region, Chicago, IL
RG 270 - Records of the War Assets Administration.
No information found.
7. National Archives Centml Plains Region, Kansas City, MO
RG 77 - Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
No information found.
RG 121 - Records of the Public Buildings Administration.
No information found.
RG 270 - Records of the War Assets Administration.
No information found.
RG 291 - Records of the Property Management and Disposal Service.
No information found.
8. Federal Records Center, Kansas City, MO
RG 77 - Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
No information found.
RG 121 - Records of the Public Buildings Service.
No information found
RG 291 - Records of the Property Management and Disposal Service.
No information found.
9. U. S Air Force I-Historical Research Center, Maxwell AFB, AL
No information found.
10. U. S. Army Military History Institute, Carlisle Barracks, PA
No information found.
11. Edgewood Historical Office, Edgewood Area, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD.
General information only.
12. Dugway Proving Grounds, UT
Information of Real Estate history and project test reports on test
conducted on the site. Also general background information.
6.3 Summary of Interviews
Appendix E contains a listing of telephone conversations and
interviews. Interviews with EOD personnel associated with Dugway
indicate that the area is heavily contaminated with munitions residue
with occasional explosive components and complete rounds being
periodically recovered.
Corps of Engineers personnel from the Sacramento and St. Louis
Districts have conducted conversations with the following individuals:
6.3.1 Sacramento District Record Conversations
Martin Pendley of DPG Engineering provided these contacts:
Zip Zerek (retired), Dave Young (Range Control), Jim Keetch (former
Test Officer now at Lockheed), Ron Nelson (current Test Officer),
Nfitch Rice, and Will Taylor (retired).
Sergeant First Class Donald 'fburson-DPG EOD Detachment-Ditto Area,
stated that past clearance for DPG was limited to visual/on-line
search. This did not include the South Triangle or Yellow Jacket
Ranges, since no rounds had been intentionally fired into the
area. Yet he would not rule out the possibility of ordnance existing
in these areas due to misfires intended for the White Sage Impact
range located northeast of the South Triangle.
Through interviewing three of the points of contact (combined years
of experience equalling 30 years), it can be summarized that, to the
best of their knowledge, there were no reports of recovery (ordnance)
or overshoots in the South Triangle Area.
Sonny Dewel-DPG Base OPS stated the Utah National Guard used to set
up at Simpson's Springs located to the east of the South Triangle and
fire into the area. Sonny found some small diameter projectiles in the
Old River Stream bed (reported to the base and recovered). Sonny used
to grow sheep within the South Triangle area until approximately
twelve years ago. Aside from the above, no ordnance has been found.
6.3.2 Saint Louis District-Record Conversations
St. Louis District contacted a number of individuals associated
with past and present activities at the Dugway installation. These
individuals included Carl Jorgenson, Environmental Program Office,
Dugway Proving Grounds; Melynda Petrie, Public Affairs Office, Dugway
Proving Grounds; MSG Parrish, 62d EOD, Ft. Douglas, UT; SSG Pruitt,
Dugway EOD Detachment SGM Eberhardt,Tech Escort, Edgewood Arsenal, MD;
and Jim Keatch (General information on the Dugway installation).
Carl Jorgenson furnished the following additional list of
individuals for possible future contact:
Frank Massaro, Dugway (from Cecil Echerd), Phone 801-522-5241
Don Falconer, who was at Detrick and Dugway during World War U,
301-663-0115
6.4 Site Inspection
On 21 September 1993 the site inspection of the YeRow Jacket
Ranges, Old Ironsides Mine, and Great Western Mine was conducted.
First, the team examined the Yellow Jacket Mine area which is located
in a small valley. Yellow Jacket contains ten small mines, and the
team examined the areas around each mine and the ridge line of the
valley containing the mines. A large amount of munitions residue was
observed, and one item which may have contained explosives was later
reported to the base EOD section. The team also visited the Old
Ironsides Mine area, but performed no sweep of the immediate area due
to the fact that only a thermal generator was tested in this position.
The team was unable to identify the Great Western Mine where the
chemical tests took place. There are several mines listed under the
name Great Western and the team investigated several potential sites.
None of these sites exactly matched information from the Project
Sphinx report. The team did find some craters in the valley just east
of the Yellow Jacket Mines FUDS. These craters appeared to have been
used as demolition pits to dispose of ordnance or residue. The Great
Western Mine site was the only site where a 105mm Howitzer was used.
However, no 105mm projectile residue was identified at any surveyed
site. Photographs of the sites visited are presented in Appendix G.
7.0 Site Evaluation
Interviews with the DPG Safety Office, the DPG EOD section, and
other DPG staff indicate that numerous past incidents have occurred at
Yellow Jacket Ranges and vicinity where explosive and munitions
residue have been recovered. In 1982 a complete bomb was reported to
the EOD section. During the course of the incident, two 1,000 pound
chemical bombs were recovered. One bomb, which was cracked and no
agent could be detected, was subsequently destroyed by detonation. The
second item was intact and still contained its chemical agent filler.
This bomb was transported to DPG and is still in storage at this site.
A PINS test indicated that the item was filled with mustard agent,
rather than the expected AC chemical agent. An evaluation of the
munitions is significant, because if the item has an AC fill, it
landed relatively near the target area (although not in the target
area); but if the bomb contains mustard agent, then it was, most
likely, one of the series dropped on the Rising Sun Target Grid. It
appears to be representative incident of considerable targeting error,
and significantly suggests an expanded area for potential chemical
munitions contamination. Appendix I presents the Risk Assessment Code
for the FUDS.
No specific records have been uncovered dealing with conventional
munitions use in the Yellow Jacket Ranges FUDS. However, DPG
staff remember that a incident involved the recovery of an 11.75 in.
rocket with a live warhead in the Dugway Mountain Range. This is a
strong indication that past tests were conducted involving
conventional OEW in this area which were either undocumented or the
documents have not yet been uncovered.
The extensive past testing associated with Project Sphinx in the
Dugway Mountain mining region is listed in paragraph 6.1.2 CWM
Activities, above. The site should be considered potentially hazardous
from any of the munitions listed therein.
Based upon these archive search findings, the actual documented
past incidents involving both conventional OEW and CWM, and actual
site visits during which surface explosive residue from chemical
rounds were clearly detected, it is highly probable these mine areas
are potentially contaminated with dangerous, hazardous OEW (CWM).
Recommendations and Conclusions are provided in the companion
Executive Summary to these Findings.
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