![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170119000041im_/http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/portals/44/siteimages/rotating/FUDS.gif)
Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) are properties used by the military prior to October 1986 to train and support Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines, as well as to test new weapons and warfare capabilities. When no longer needed, many of these properties were cleaned up using the best technologies available at the time and then transferred to other owners such as private individuals or federal, state, tribal, or local government entities.
Given the number of FUDS, it may be some time before the Army Corps of Engineers is able to address the potential hazards present. For this reason, and in the interest of public safety, the Army is implementing notification and safety education activities. The Army Corps of Engineers will implement these activities at eligible FUDS every five years beginning with military munitions sites that pose the greatest potential risk. These activities are designed to help reduce impacts to human health, safety and the environment until further response activities can be initiated. The goal is to educate property owners and others about how to reduce risk from hazards that may remain from the defense department’s use of the property.