Under a Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic Environmental Remedial Action Contract, EA is conducting a Non-Time-Critical Removal Action at Naval Air Station Key West to remove MEC, material potentially presenting an explosive hazard (MPPEH), and small arms ammunition from 11 stockpile mounds on Boca Chica Field, Florida. The stockpile mounds are composed of approximately 60,000 cubic yards of spoils material located between two active airstrips.
Planning activities include developing a MEC-QAPP and Explosive Safety Submission, as well as coordinating with NASKW airfield personnel to perform field activities with minimal impact to air operations. Mechanical screening of the material will be performed using robotic earth moving machinery to excavate and screen the material through an automated screening plant that will remove all MEC/MPPEH and metal through a series of screens, conveyors with rare-earth magnets, and a crusher. Operations are conducted robotically outside the exclusion zone by experienced robotic technicians. Material that is greater than 3 inches is separated at the beginning of the screening process where UXO-qualified personnel will manually screen the material for MEC/MPPEH. Using a robotic approach reduces the overall duration of field operations and increases safety to personnel.
The Non-Time Critical Removal Action will support the achievement of future goals by the Department of the Navy, which include reusing the material as backfill at the installation. This project is expected to be completed in 2023.
