Underwater unexploded ordnance

Dock, M., M. Fisher, and C. Cumming. Novel detection apparatus for locating underwater unexploded ordnance, in Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Technology and the Mine Problem, Mine Warfare Association, Monterrey, California, April 2002. 

Unmanned underwater vehicle Underwater unexploded ordnance Ultraviolet Unexploded bomb(s)... 

The problem of detecting and locating underwater unexploded ordnance contamination is unique. In some ways, the problem is easier, in others it is compounded. The viscous drag forces exerted on, for example, a bomb by its passage through water tend to reduce its depth of penetration into the bottom. Thus, most underwater unexploded ordnance will be found on, or very close to the bottom. In addition, the problems of... 

Kaho olawe Island, Hawaii Navy formerly used Defense site. Applied technology demonstration for contaminated media, surface and subsurface, and underwater unexploded ordnance detection, identification, and remediation in an uncontrolled test environment. Extremely environmentally challenging. This would also be a DOIT Committee process demonstration site. 

A significant amount of unexploded ordnance lies in the waters surrounding the UK as well as other parts of the world. The ordnance has either been deliberately dumped in specific locations, when sea dumping was a recognised and accepted means of disposal, or as a direct result of military/wartime activity. Another potential source of explosives arises from possible charges which have been left unexploded in rock from quarrying or underwater rock removal sites. The end result is that unexploded ordnance presents a risk to certain maritime activities. 

Where practicable/feasible a threat assessment and underwater survey should be carried out to ascertain the presence or otherwise of unexploded ordnance in an area. If a proactive approach is not possible, reactive measures need to be explored. The guidelines given in Box 4.8 have been prepared specifically to provide advice and recommendations as to the measures to be undertaken in the event that ordnance items are encountered. 

The Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) of 1990 provided much of the fuel for this fire. But just when the dnst settled over which bases wonld be closed and what would happen to the land, the realization of what the military did with these bases hits. Ranges with unexploded ordnance (UXO) dot the landscape. Disposal—often by burial or underwater dumping—of obsolete or unserviceable ammunition occurred frequently. 

Nomadics has also developed versions of the sensor for sensing of detonable quantities of TNT in firing range scrap and for detection of unexploded underwater ordnance. 

---