EMMA OU - Explosives/Munitions Manufacturing Area Operable Unit

Fifteen sites were investigated by the Department of Army as lead agency. Many of the sites appeared to have been used for munition disposal/detonation. The chemicals of concern included trinitrotoluene (TNT), dinitrotoluene (DNT), High Melting Explosive (HMX), and Research-Developed Explosive (RDX). In addition to contamination from explosives, elevated levels of metals were identified. A Record of Decision (ROD), issued February 1997, selected excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soils and capping at two sites. Approximately 6,110 cubic yards of soil was excavated and disposed, and 800 pounds of TNT nuggets were burned. Remedial action was completed in September 2001. The US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) is conducting operation and maintenance activities of the cover.

The USACE completed removal of unexploded ordnance at five of 15 sites. The response consisted of excavation of 20 acres of unexploded ordnance and reforestation of 83 acres to eliminate intrusive land use activities. Institutional controls and land use restrictions are in place. The Army will conduct periodic reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of the institutional controls.

EMMA OU Overview Map (559 KB PDF file)

Acronyms

The following documents can be found at:

Southern Illinois University (618) 453-2818

McLafferty Annex

1830 University Press Drive

Carbondale, Illinois 62901

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (618) 997-3344

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

6987 Headquarters Road

Marion, Illinois 62959