Amendment 0001 Completion Report 6.1.23.pdf

N00101_004524

NAS SOUTH WEYMOUTH, MA

SSIC 5000-33a

FINAL COMPLETION REPORT LIMITED MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF

CONCERN SURFACE CLEARANCE NOMANS LAND ISLAND CHILMARK NAS

SOUTH WEYMOUTH MA

06/01/2023

USA ENVIRONMENTAL INC

Approved for public release: distribution unlimited.

NIRIS Cover sheet rev. 5, Aug 2020

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid- Atlantic Norfolk, Virginia

Final

COMPLETION REPORT - LIMITED MUNITIONS AND

EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN SURFACE CLEARANCE

NOMANS LAND ISLAND

CHILMARK, MASSACHUSETTS

May 2023

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid- Atlantic Norfolk, Virginia

Final

COMPLETION REPORT - LIMITED MUNITIONS AND

EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN SURFACE CLEARANCE

NOMANS LAND ISLAND

May 2023

Prepared for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Mid-Atlantic by

USA Environmental, Inc.

720 Brooker Creek Boulevard, Suite 204 Oldsmar, Florida 34677 N62470-20-D-0015

CTO N4008522F4490

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COMPLETION REPORT FOR LIMITED MUNITIONS SURFACE CLEARANCE

NOMANS LAND ISLAND CHILMARK, MASSACHUSETTS

CTO N4008522F4490 Table of Contents iv

Table of Contents Table of Contents................................................................................................................. iv

List of Figures....................................................................................................................... vi List of Tables ........................................................................................................................ vi Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................. viii

1.0 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 PREVIOUS MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN SURFACE

CLEARANCE OPERATIONS ............................................................................ 1-2

1.3 GENERAL SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE.............................................................. 1-2

2.0 PROJECT PLANNING............................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SUBMISSION ............................................................. 2-1

2.2 DIRECTOR DESIGNATION .............................................................................. 2-1

2.3 PLANNING DOCUMENTS ................................................................................ 2-1

2.4 UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TRIP REPORT DATA ... 2-1

3.0 SUMMARY OF WORK PERFORMED ................................................................... 3-1

3.1 PRE-MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES.................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Site Visits/Meetings/Conference Calls............................................................ 3-1

3.2 MOBILIZATION .................................................................................................. 3-2

3.2.1 Phase 1 Mobilization........................................................................................ 3-2

3.2.2 Phase 2 Mobilization........................................................................................ 3-3

3.3 VEGETATION CLEARANCE ............................................................................ 3-4

3.4 UNDERWATER MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN

AVOIDANCE ACTIVITY..................................................................................... 3-5

3.5 FIELD OPERATIONS ........................................................................................ 3-5

3.5.1 Sweep Area Marking and Documentation ...................................................... 3-5

3.5.2 Temporary Pier System/Marine Transportation ............................................. 3-6

3.5.3 Limited Munitions and Explosives of Concern Surface Clearance Progression .......................................................................................................................... 3-6

3.5.4 Munitions and Explosives of Concern/Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard/Munitions Debris Recording and Documenting ............... 3-7

3.5.5 Communications .............................................................................................. 3-7

3.5.6 Munitions and Explosives of Concern/Materials Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard Management ...................................................................... 3-7 v

3.5.7 Demolition ........................................................................................................ 3-7

3.6 DEMOBILIZATION ............................................................................................. 3-8

3.6.1 Phase I Demobilization .................................................................................... 3-8

3.6.2 Phase 2 Demobilization................................................................................... 3-9

3.6.3 Transportation and Disposal/Recycling .......................................................... 3-9

4.0 QUALITY CONTROL ............................................................................................... 4-1

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ........................................................................ 5-1

6.0 DEVIATIONS FROM THE WORK PLAN/QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT

PLAN......................................................................................................................... 6-1

7.0 LIMITED MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN SURFACE

CLEARANCE RESULTS ......................................................................................... 7-1

7.1 UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE FINDS RESULTS .......... 7-1

8.0 WASTE DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................... 8-1

9.0 REGULATORY AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ..................................................... 9-1

9.1 PLANNING ......................................................................................................... 9-1

9.2 NOTIFICATIONS................................................................................................ 9-1

10.0 CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................... 10-1

11.0 REFERENCES....................................................................................................... 11-1

FIGURES .................................................................................................... Figures Page - 1

TABLES.........................................................................................................Tables Page - 1

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A: Explosive Safety Submission/SAR Interim and Final Approvals .............. A-1 Appendix B: Director Designation Letter ......................................................................... B-1 Appendix C: United States Fish and Wildlife Service Special Use Permit .................... C-1 Appendix D: Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle Inspection Report ..................... D-1 Appendix E: Munitions and Explosives of Concern/Material Potentially Presenting an

Explosive Hazard/Munitions Documented as Safe Database Summary Table............................................................................................................. E-1

Appendix F: Photographic Log..........................................................................................F-1 Appendix G: Material Documented as Safe Certification/Certificate of Destruction ..... G-1

List of Figures Figure 1-1: Site Location Map .................................................................... Figures Page - 3

Figure 3-1: Limited MEC Surface Clearance Plan .................................... Figures Page - 5

Figure 3-2: Demolition Activities Field Map ............................................... Figures Page - 7

Figure 7-1: Limited MEC Surface Clearance Map .................................... Figures Page - 9

Figure 7-2: Limited MEC Surface Clearance – USFWS Finds Map ...... Figures Page - 11

List of Tables Table 4-1: Quality Control Processes ..........................................................Tables Page - 3

Table 7-1: Recovered Munitions and Explosives of Concern/ Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard ...............Tables Page - 5 vii

CTO N4008522F4490 Acronyms and Abbreviations viii

Acronyms and Abbreviations % .................................................................................................................................. percent

APP................................................................................................ Accident Prevention Plan

BRAC.............................................................................Base Realignment and Closure Act

CTO ....................................................................................................... Contract Task Order

DDESB .................................................... Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board

DoD....................................................................................................Department of Defense

EM ............................................................................................................... Engineer Manual

EMS .........................................................................................Emergency Medical Services

ESS........................................................................................ Explosives Safety Submission ft .................................................................................................................................. foot/feet

GIS...................................................................................... Geographic Information System

GPS ............................................................................................. Global Positioning System

IAW ........................................................................................................... in accordance with

ISO..................................................................................................Industry Standard Object

ITS .........................................................................................................Instrument Test Strip lb/lbs ................................................................................................................. pound/pounds

MD ............................................................................................................... Munitions Debris

MDAS ..................................................................................... Material Documented as Safe

MEC ............................................................................Munitions and Explosives of Concern mm ............................................................................................................................ millimeter

MPPEH .............................................Materials Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard

MR ......................................................................................................... Munitions Response

NAVFAC ...................................................Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

NAVSEA ................................................................................Naval Sea Systems Command

CTO N4008522F4490 Acronyms and Abbreviations ix

Navy.......................................................................... United States Department of the Navy

NOAA .................................................... National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOSSA .......................................................... Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity

OP......................................................................................................... Ordnance Publication

PM ................................................................................................................ Project Manager

QA..............................................................................................................Quality Assurance

QC ...................................................................................................................Quality Control

QCP ........................................................................................................ Quality Control Plan

ROV ............................................................................................Remotely Operated Vehicle

SOP ...................................................................................... Standard Operating Procedure

SUXOS ................................................................ Senior Unexploded Ordnance Supervisor

U.S. ....................................................................................................................United States

USAE .............................................................................................. USA Environmental, Inc.

USCG ......................................................................................... United States Coast Guard

USFWS....................................................................United States Fish and Wildlife Service

UXO .................................................................................................... Unexploded Ordnance

UXOQCS ................................................. Unexploded Ordnance Quality Control Specialist

UXOSO....................................................................... Unexploded Ordnance Safety Officer

CTO N4008522F4490 INTRODUCTION

1-1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this completion report is to summarize the Munitions Response (MR) activities conducted during the limited Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC) surface clearance conducted on Nomans Land Island (site/island) between September 2022 and October 2022. Figure 1-1 provides the Site Location Map. This report focuses on documenting the work performed and the results of the Limited MEC Surface Clearance. More detailed information on the work approach is available in the Final Explosives Safety Submission (ESS; USA Environmental, Inc.

[USAE], 2022a) and the Final Munitions Response Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP; USAE, 2022b).

1.1 SITE DESCRIPTION

Nomans Land Island is situated off the east coast of the United States, approximately

2.7 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard Island in Massachusetts (see Figure 1-1). The 628-acre island is surrounded on three sides by wave-cut bluffs and narrow beaches, and a gently sloping sand and pebble beach on the north. East to west, the island is 1.6 miles long, and slightly more than 1.0 mile wide, north to south. Two large freshwater ponds and several smaller ponds dot the island. Ben’s Pond lies just west of the center of the island and is approximately 1,000 feet (ft) east to west, and about 500 ft north to south. Rainbow Pond lies on the east end of the island and is approximately 625 ft east to west. Two arms of the pond extend to the north and northwest, and the island is heavily vegetated and dominated by rolling hills.

The United States (U.S.) Government used the island as a target range to train pilots between 1943 and 1996. Prior to 1943, the island was utilized for various purposes, including fishing and game hunting; and, at one time, a small population of people occupied a small portion of the island. No civilians have lived on the island since 1943.

The military has designated the island as Restricted Area R- 4105. The U.S.

Department of the Navy (Navy) began leasing the island in November 1943 for use as a practice bombing site. At the conclusion of World War II, the island contained large numbers of MEC and craters. The Navy retained control of the island and continued training exercises substituting inert, dummy munitions for the live munitions used during the war. The Navy purchased the island in 1952. The island’s use as a bombing and gunnery range continued until 31 May 1996. Nomans Land Island was then transferred from the Navy to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in July 1998 under the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) and was designated an unstaffed wildlife refuge. The site remains a wildlife refuge, and there are no plans to change the island’s status.

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1.2 PREVIOUS MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN

SURFACE CLEARANCE OPERATIONS

From the period of 1997 to present day, there have been numerous investigations and removals associated with the environmental cleanup on the island. During this same period, there have also been several previous investigations and removals to determine the nature and extent of MEC contamination on Nomans Land Island as documented within the following reports:

• Nomans Land Island Clearance Post OP Report. 1997. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit TWO Detachment Newport. May 22.

• Survey Report for the Radiological Screening Survey on Nomans Land Island.

1998. Inter-Link Group Ltd. and Duke Engineering & Services Environmental Laboratory. July 2.

• Report on Airborne Geophysical Survey of Nomans Land Island, Massachusetts.

2002. Oak Ridge National Laboratory. March.

• Supplemental Environmental Baseline Survey Report. 2003. Tetra Tech FW.

December 3.

• After Action Report, Nomans Land Island, Chilmark, Massachusetts. 2004. Naval Facility Engineering Command, Atlantic, Formerly the Engineering Field Activity Northwest, Poulsbo, Washington and Engineering Field Activity Northeast, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. August.

• Release Abatement Measure Completion Report (Ordnance Debris Removal), Nomans Land Island. 2004. Tetra Tech FW. May 14.

• Final After-Action Report, Nomans Land Island, Chilmark, Massachusetts. 2009.

TtEC. March 31.

• Final MEC Surface Clearance Completion Report, Nomans Land Island, Chilmark, Massachusetts. 2009. TtEC. March 27.

• Final After-Action Report – Limited MEC Surface Clearance, Nomans Land Island, Chilmark, Massachusetts. 2015. TtEC. November 13.

• Final Limited MEC Surface Clearance Completion Report, Nomans Land Island, Chilmark, Massachusetts 2016. TtEC. January 6.

1.3 GENERAL SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE

As stated within Section ES.2 of the MR-QAPP, the overall objective of this project was to complete a limited detector-aided surface clearance of, and to locate and remove, Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard (MPPEH) from the accessible portions of the site (e.g., beaches/shoreline, trails, and dried ponds). Under the limited surface clearance, only those MPPEH items laying on the ground surface, or

1-3 partially protruding from the ground surface, were removed. The overall scope of work included:

• Approximately 50 acres of accessible beaches/shorelines surface clearance.

While conducting clearance along the beach/shoreline, the MEC Team also visually surveyed the shoreline cliffs. If MPPEH was identified within the cliffs, and could be safely accessed by the Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Team, these items were removed.

• Approximately 15 acres of accessible trails surface clearance. To allow access to the ground surface of the accessible trails (including a 5-ft buffer on each side), the vegetation was cut using a skid-steer with a mowing deck, and MEC avoidance techniques were used during the vegetation cutting.

• Surface clearance performed within three dried ponds.

• Explosive detonation operations of all recovered MEC at the end of the surface clearance activities; one on-call explosives shipment was supplied for this purpose.

• Final Material Documented as Safe (MDAS) inspection and certification that the materials are free of explosives hazard using the MDAS Certification Form Decision Document 1348-1A. MDAS generated was drummed, palletized, and transported to a qualified recycler and smelter.

The following sections provide details of the completed Limited MEC Surface Clearance as specified in the MR-QAPP. Section 2.0 presents the activities that were conducted to plan the project. Section 3.0 provides a summary of the work performed. Section 4.0 provides a summary of the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program which was implemented. Section 5.0 describes the environmental protection aspects of the project. Section 6.0 describes deviations to the QAPP that were performed. Section 7.0 presents the results of the Limited MEC Surface Clearance. Section 8.0 discusses the transportation and disposal activities associated with waste that was generated during the performance of this project. Section 9.0 details the regulatory and public involvement. Section 10.0 presents the conclusions. References are contained in Section 11.0.

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CTO N4008522F4490 PROJECT PLANNING

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2.0 PROJECT PLANNING

2.1 EXPLOSIVES SAFETY SUBMISSION

USAE prepared and submitted the Final ESS (USAE, 2022a) to Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA) on 29 June 2022. After various rounds of revisions, the ESS received NOSSA interim approval on 1 August 2022. The Department of Defense (DoD) Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) approval was issued on 27 September 2022 and was forwarded by NOSSA on 22 October 2022. These interim and final site approvals are included within Appendix A.

2.2 DIRECTOR DESIGNATION

MPPEH certification authorization was required for those UXO Technicians who would be certifying the MEC collected during the surface clearance as MDAS. The Director, BRAC Program Management Office East, issued authorization to inspect and certify MPPEH on 30 August 2022. This approval is contained within Appendix B.

2.3 PLANNING DOCUMENTS

The Limited MEC Surface Clearance program was conducted in accordance with (IAW) the Final MR-QAPP (USAE, 2022b). The MR-QAPP incorporated the requirements contained within the ESS (USAE, 2022a) and set forth the means and methods to apply in the field to meet the objectives of the project. The MR-QAPP (USAE, 2022b) format was based on the Uniform Federal Policy for QAPPs, documented the project organization, and presented the assessment and oversight applications that were implemented during the field effort to help ensure the quality of the clearance. The Accident Prevention Plan (APP) described the procedures which were followed by USAE, subcontractors, and all other on-site personnel to protect against health and/or safety hazards. The USFWS Special Use Permit is included within Appendix C.

2.4 UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TRIP REPORT

DATA

As the owners of the property, the USFWS personnel maintain a regular presence on the island. They perform many activities, including mammal and bird monitoring, endangered species habitat work, and are currently re-introducing the New England cottontail to the ecosystem. In the performance of their work activities (non-intrusive) on the island, they occasionally encounter potential MEC/MPPEH/Munitions Debris (MD) along upland areas and along the ever-changing shoreline. USFWS personnel have been trained in UXO awareness and avoidance procedures and are required to train

CTO N4008522F4490 PROJECT PLANNING

2-2 any new staff or authorized visitors prior to performing work on the island. These requirements are contained within the Operations and Maintenance Plan developed for the site.

Throughout the course of USFWS activities, they have provided the Navy with signed training forms for their staff and visitors. USFWS also documents the potential MEC/MPPEH/MD items by providing the Navy with attribute information such as location (coordinates) and photographs of the items in trip reports. This process has been on-going for approximately 10 years. As a result of this process, the Navy evaluates the information, provided by the USFWS in trip reports, and determines a response. The Navy also maintains a database on these “finds”. These “finds” were addressed during both the 2014 and this 2022 clearance efforts. This field tablet system developed by USAE allowed the UXO Team to bring the “finds” database into the field and specifically seek out, locate, identify, assess, render safe, and dispose of the items.

The results of this activity are presented in Section 7.1.

CTO N4008522F4490 SUMMARY OF WORK PERFORMED

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3.0 SUMMARY OF WORK PERFORMED

3.1 PRE-MOBILIZATION ACTIVITIES

Prior to the mobilization of field personnel, site visits and meeting were held as described below. These activities acted to ensure proper start-up of the field effort and allow for coordination with the USFWS and the Town of Chilmark.

3.1.1 Site Visits/Meetings/Conference Calls

A project mitigation strategy meeting was held on 7 April 2022. The purpose of the meeting was to seek guidance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) and the USFWS on the planned mitigation strategy to ensure that the project fulfilled the substantive aspects of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as it related to the planning and implementation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation Liability Act munitions response action at the site. Entities in attendance included:

• NAVFAC BRAC PMO East

• NOAA - National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources

• USFWS, Eastern Massachusetts NWR Complex

• USAE.

NOAA confirmed that they received the Draft MR-QAPP (or work plan) and confirmed that the project had adequate best-management-practices in place to mitigate potential impacts to site wildlife. One concern that was mentioned was the planned locations for demolition operations that might impact the seal activity in the area. USAE indicated that the demolition locations were preliminary, and demolition locations would be relocated to suitable areas to prevent/minimize any impact to the seal activities and/or the known sensitive habitats.

At conclusion of the meeting, the following determinations were made by the team.

• Other than the USFWS Special Use Permit, no other permits were required for the munitions response action.

• Avoidance was the best and most appropriate mitigation strategy, as detailed in the MR-QAPP.

Based on the consultation with NOAA, discussing the substantive requirements of the MMPA, the MR-QAPP adequately addressed the requirements.

A second mitigation strategy meeting was held with the USFWS on 3 August 2022 to status and coordinate just prior to field mobilization. Topics included:

3-2

• Current/observed seal population on the shoreline. USFWS provided a seal watching guidance handout to aid in training for the field crew.

• Condition/success of the recent introduction of the New England cottontail and mitigation/reporting actions to be employed during the vegetation clearance activity performed along the trails. A UXO Technician cleared the path of the brush clearing equipment, prior to starting operations, to ensure that no rabbits were located in front of the machinery.

• The possibility that the bird population of the site could be infected with Avian Bird Flu, given the confirmation of this condition in bird populations in New England, particularly close-by on Nantucket Island. The mitigation strategy was to avoid contact with any deceased birds.

USAE held a field kick-off meeting on 18 August 2022. Those in attendance included the Senior UXO Supervisor (SUXOS), UXO QC Specialist (UXOQCS), USAE’s QC Manager, USAE’s Health and Safety Manager, USAE’s Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Manager, and the PM. Project objectives and project readiness were discussed along with overall field logistics.

3.2 MOBILIZATION

Mobilization activities occurred in three phases as described in the following sections.

3.2.1 Phase 1 Mobilization

The objective of the Phase I mobilization was to ready the site prior to the mobilization of Field Management and the Sweep Teams. The Project Manager (PM) mobilized during this time and performed the following activities:

• Established lodging for all field personnel.

• Inspected and staged the site equipment and materials including:

− Heavy equipment (rubber tire backhoe and skid-steer machine with mower deck

− Site utility vehicles (3)

− Portable toilets

− MDAS storage drums − General field materials (e.g., communications, office supplies, health and safety supplies, survey equipment, flags, stakes, tents, tools, etc.).

• Transported and constructed the temporary pier and placed a mooring system in the water offshore of the island to moor the daily transport boat.

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• Met with local officials U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Town of Chilmark, Emergency Medical Services [EMS], etc.).

• Mobilized the daily transport vessel to Menemsha Harbor.

• Met with the local subcontractor.

• Procured general field supplies.

Phase I was successfully implemented and readied the site for the Sweep Team’s arrival. This approach reduced costs by eliminating any downtime for sweep personnel.

Phase 1 Mobilization Chronology

7/25/22 PM mobilized to Martha’s Vineyard.

3.2.2 Phase 2 Mobilization

The Phase I mobilization had readied the site in preparation of the Clearance Team’s arrival prior to performing the detector-aided visual surface clearance. Phase II involved the mobilization of the UXO Technicians who performed the MEC Detector-Aided Visual Surface Clearance. The team mobilized first (via air travel) to Martha’s Vineyard and then were established in the housing units that were previously reserved. After initial training was performed, the Field Teams mobilized to Nomans Land Island for site-specific training, QA/QC process testing, and commencement of clearance procedures.

Two rounds of initial training were performed to ensure that field personnel were clear on the work approach and procedures identified within the ESS (USAE, 2022a) and the MR-QAPP (USAE, 2022b) to ensure their commitment to safety, and to ensure their focus on achieving the project objectives safely and successfully. The first round of training was conducted on Martha’s Vineyard and included the field management personnel (SUXOS, UXO Safety Officer [UXOSO]/UXOQCS, and the Town of Chilmark). The Town of Chilmark was invited to attend in order to provide them with an overview of the project. Topics covered included the work scope (areas to be included), work approach, environmental protection (nesting areas), and safety procedures.

USAE met with the Chilmark selectmen’s office, Conservation Commission, fire department, police department, Coast Guard Station Menemsha, Menemsha Harbormaster, and Tri-town EMS collectively to re-institute and solidify emergency preparedness procedures, as detailed within the APP. Furthermore, USAE established a working relationship with Boston Medflight, which re-authorized two landing zones on Nomans Land Island for the purpose of extraction, should a potential incident victim require immediate evacuation.

The second round of training was conducted on the first day that the Sweep Teams mobilized to the island. This training covered all aspects of the work to be performed, 3-4 including the health and safety hazards, emergency procedures, QA/QC procedures, sweep procedures, reporting procedures, documentation requirements, special considerations in regards to limiting/avoiding impacts to site wildlife (including seals, rabbits, and birds), etc. All project documents were thoroughly explained including the ESS (USAE, 2022a) and the MR-QAPP (USAE, 2022b). Many of the initial preparatory inspections were performed this day on site-specific procedures, such as sweep procedures, vehicle inspections, etc. A general site walk was held to introduce the Field Teams to the layout of the island. Training also occurred as needed during the implementation of the Detector-Aided Surface Clearance Program.

The base of operations (base camp) was established at the location previously utilized during past events. Base camp consisted of three 20-ft connex boxes. Outside canopies were available to provide shelter from the sun and in the event of a lightning storm. This area acted as the base of operations for all site activities including field office, meetings, communications, etc. Vegetation clearing along the trail system and detector-aided visual surface clearance operations began immediately after the initial training was performed.

Phase 2 Mobilization Chronology

8/21/22 UXO personnel mobilized to Martha’s Vineyard.

8/23/22 Held emergency preparedness meeting with local authorities.

8/23/22 Mobilized daily transport vessel to Menemsha Coast Guard dock.

8/24/22 Mobilized UXO personnel to the site.

9/5/22 Mobilized heavy equipment/materials and constructed the temporary pier system on-site.

3.3 VEGETATION CLEARANCE

Prior to clearance operations being conducted along the accessible trail system, vegetation clearance was necessary due to a significant amount of growth along the trails. Initially, the trail system was cleared up to the area of the base camp utilizing hand-held brush cutter units. The UXO personnel performed flagging of the trail locations and UXO avoidance activities prior to initiating the clearance. A skid-steer machine was then mobilized (with mower deck attachment) to the site. The UXO Team performed an initial visual surface sweep of the trail in front of the machine to ensure no MEC/MPPEH was within its path.

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3.4 UNDERWATER MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN

AVOIDANCE ACTIVITY

IAW Section 6.1.7 of the ESS (USAE, 2022a), MEC avoidance techniques were conducted prior to mobilizing the barge/temporary pier and the installation of the two offshore moorings. USAE deployed an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to search the sea-bed footprint of the three areas. The objective was to ensure that the areas were free of potential MEC and other obstructions, such as boulders, that could impact the barge when lowering tides brings the bottom of the barge closer to the sea-bed. Prior to the placement of the two moorings, and the placement of the temporary pier, the three areas were also assessed utilizing a downhole magnetometer unit (Sub- Surface Instruments BHG-1). This unit was employed to ensure that possible munitions related items were not present at areas where the moorings or the barge had the potential to impact the sub-bottom. Appendix D contains the Underwater ROV Inspection Letter report.

Underwater MEC Avoidance Activity Chronology

8/24/22 Performed the ROV and magnetometry survey at the two mooring locations and the barge placement location.

9/5/22 Performed magnetometry survey at area around barge spud locations.

3.5 FIELD OPERATIONS

3.5.1 Sweep Area Marking and Documentation

The accessible trail system and shoreline areas to be cleared were subdivided into grids along the trails and along the shoreline. The shoreline grids also included a visual survey for MEC/MPPEH of the exposed bluffs for protruding items as the team was progressing. These items were removed from the cliff if it was determined safe to do so.

Grids were named according to direction such as E, W, and C representing the Eastern, Western, and Central trails of the island and the beach represented as “B”. The field tablet systems were enabled with a sub-meter Global Positioning System (GPS) antennae and GIS firmware which enabled the Field Team to have the ability to record/document the munitions items encountered within the grids. A drop-down menu was loaded with standard attribute information, such as MEC, MPPEH, grid ID, date, type, etc. This standardization aided in keeping track of the munitions related items encountered throughout the field effort, as well as into final disposition. These field data were downloaded to the field laptop daily and backed up in the USAE Tampa, Florida office network. This allowed for the clearance results to be plotted on the overall

3-6 clearance results map on an almost daily basis for submittal to the Navy Remedial PM along with the Daily Project Reports.

3.5.2 Temporary Pier System/Marine Transportation

The daily transport of field personnel from Menemsha Harbor proved efficient, safe, and cost-effective (USCG dock usage was offered free of charge) as evidenced by the limited number of days not worked due to weather and/or sea-state effects. The barge/temporary pier utilized for this event consisted of a large spud barge with ramp that allowed heavy equipment to roll-on and roll-off. The mobilization and demobilization of heavy equipment and materials was successful utilizing this approach. However, the barge was required to be removed and re-installed on three separate occasions due to numerous offshore storms which would risk damaging the unit should it remain on-site.

Therefore, this approach for the daily loading and offloading of personnel on the site was limited. The two moorings proved useful for mooring the daily transport vessel while it was not underway assisting the Field Teams with weather updates and communications.

3.5.3 Limited Munitions and Explosives of Concern Surface Clearance Progression

The detector-aided visual surface clearance began initially on the trail system and then progressed to the shoreline as indicated below:

• Accessible trail system:

− Central Trail (C) and progressed north to south.

− Western Trail (W) and progressed west and then south.

− Eastern Trail (E) and progressed east and then south.

• Accessible shoreline:

− Northern shoreline and continued progressing counterclockwise around to the western shoreline.

− Northeast shoreline and progressed east and then south along the eastern shoreline.

− Southern side shoreline (the shoreline/bluff from high tide line to top of bluff).

MEC Detector-Aided Visual Surface Clearance activities were not performed in upland areas, ponds (with the exception of three dried ponds), or other inaccessible areas.

Figure 3-1 depicts the grids (accessible trails and shoreline areas) which were included in this Limited MEC Detector-Aided Visual Surface Clearance.

Limited MEC Surface Clearance Progression Chronology

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8/25/22 Limited MEC Surface Clearance begins onsite.

9/30/22 Limited MEC Surface Clearance completed. All accessible shoreline, trails, and three dry ponds surface cleared.

3.5.4 Munitions and Explosives of Concern/Material Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard/Munitions Debris Recording and Documenting

The positioning systems used were selected because of their capability of achieving the sub-meter accuracy and recording capacity objectives of this project. These systems were regularly verified (as described in the QAPP) to operate within the sub-meter degree of positional accuracy. The use of the tablet system proved effective in grid layout, site navigation, recording and documenting MEC/MPPEH/MD encountered, and identifying areas of inaccessibility. This system proved superior to past systems as they were not affected by the lack of proper satellite availability at the bases of the large cliffs along the shoreline.

3.5.5 Communications

Hand-held radios (UHF) and cellular phones were the primary source of communications between the Sweep Team and safety and management personnel.

Emergency telephone numbers and the telephone numbers for critical personnel associated with this project was included in the APP. A satellite phone was available to the on-island crew for emergency purposes.

3.5.6 Munitions and Explosives of Concern/Materials Potentially Presenting an Explosive Hazard Management

MPPEH was managed IAW the ESS (USAE, 2022a). When encountered, MPPEH items were initially evaluated as found and placed into two categories, either MEC/MPPEH or MDAS, upon the initial assessment performed in the grid in which it was encountered.

MEC/MPPEH, if determined safe to move, was transferred to the designated MEC/MPPEH staging area for later demolition activities. MEC/MPPEH determined unsafe to move were detonated in-place. MDAS items were subjected to a dual inspection process (certification and verification), collected and transferred to the MDAS staging area where they were properly packaged and weighed for off -site demilitarization and disposal.

3.5.7 Demolition

Demolition activities were conducted on 7 October 2022. Demolition activities were conducted IAW the ESS (USAE, 2022a) and MR-QAPP (USAE, 2022b; including the demolition Standard Operating Procedures [SOP]). Training (Prepatory/Initial) was

3-8 conducted, prior to demolition activities, for personnel to inspect/test the equipment and to familiarize themselves with the equipment, procedures, site-specific logistics, and demolition sequence for the day. The donor explosives and transportation were supplied by Independent Explosives Inc. The donor explosives (which had previously been procured) were transported from the mobile storage magazine to a shorefront facility located in Falmouth, Massachusetts. The Falmouth harbormaster and fire department were notified of these operations and were on-site at the time of the transfer. Representatives from Coast Guard Station Providence were also on hand and inspected the explosives transport vessel. A Massachusetts-certified blaster was on board as well as the SUXOS to take ownership of the donor material.

Three demolition shots were conducted. Two shots were for blow-in-place items and the last was for a “clean-up” shot. Demolition Event 1 occurred on the SW shore where a MK 76 bomb was encountered. Demolition Event 2 occurred at a NE location where a MK 23 bomb was encountered. After detonating the donor charges on these items, both were determined to be inert practice bombs. The third shot was conducted to vent accumulated MPPEH items located on the south western shoreline. Figure 3-2 provides the demolition map showing the locations of the events.

USCG Station Menemsha deployed a support vessel to aid in establishing a security parameter around the island to prevent boaters from entering the restricted area. Upon completion of demolition activities, the site was evaluated to ensure that all munitions had been vented and were secured. Following the demolition activities UXO personnel processed and packaged the debris remaining in preparation for transportation and disposal.

The demolition process of transporting donor explosives, mobilizing to the site, and performing demolition proved effective. USCG presence proved effective at keeping local boaters outside of the security perimeter.

Demolition Chronology

10/7/22 Demolition activities performed.

3.6 DEMOBILIZATION

Similar to mobilization, demobilization was completed in two phases.

3.6.1 Phase I Demobilization

The site was closed up and the connex boxes were locked with new locks. The keys were provided to USFWS personnel during their site visit on the island. All materials and equipment were demobilized from the site via the transport barge. This included all the

3-9 heavy equipment, field supplies, and MDAS. The materials and equipment were then transported, via barge, to a receiving shoreside facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts where they were then offloaded. The heavy equipment and other materials were picked up by the supplying vendors.

Phase 1 Demobilization Chronology

10/11/23 Equipment, materials, and MDAS transported off-site.

3.6.2 Phase 2 Demobilization

Upon completion of final documentation and packaging of the MDAS and readying for transport, the UXO Team (SUXOS and UXOQCS/UXOSO) were demobilized from Martha’s Vineyard. The PM remained on Martha’s Vineyard to perform final demobilization activities including equipment/materials shipping, rental vehicle returns, and clearing out of rental houses.

Phase 2 Demobilization Chronology

10/13/22-10/21/22 Site personnel demobilized from Martha’s Vineyard.

3.6.3 Transportation and Disposal/Recycling

USAE, along with Robert B (the marine subcontractor), monitored the weather and marine forecast to select a day where the winds were light, the loading area sheltered, and the sea-state low. Being of good weather and sea-state conditions, the barge departed from New Bedford, Massachusetts on the morning of 11 October 2022 underway for Nomans Land Island. Throughout the day, the equipment and materials were loaded onto the barge via a roll-on/roll-off ramp and the utilization of a crane. The MDAS load, totaling 3,445 pounds (lbs), consisted as follows:

• 6 drums - 2 pallets (3 drums on each pallet).

• 1 pallet - 3 inert practice projectiles (on the one pallet).

The MDAS (along with other equipment/materials) was transported to the secure New Bedford Harbor staging facility where they were then offloaded. Final certification and shipping documentation was performed for the MDAS drums and pallets.

The MDAS was loaded onto the shipping truck on 12 October 2022. Once the loading was complete, the material was transported (over land) to the Bonetti Explosives, LLC.

located in Columbus, Texas.

Transportation and Disposal/Recycling Chronology

10/12/22 MDAS shipped from shoreside facility to recycling facility.

3-10

10/12/22 MDAS shipment received at receiving facility.

11/3/22 MDAS Certificate of Destruction issued.

CTO N4008522F4490 QUALITY CONTROL

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4.0 QUALITY CONTROL

QC for this project was conducted IAW the approved MR-QAPP (USAE, 2022b). QC checks were conducted by the UXOQCS IAW Table 4-1 (as contained within the

QAPP).

CTO N4008522F4490 QUALITY CONTROL

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CTO N4008522F4490 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

As described within Work Sheet # 10 of the QAPP, a USFWS Special Use Permit (Appendix C) was obtained prior to commencing field activities. USFWS provided the field crew with a map indicating prior nesting areas, including Common Terns, American Oystercatchers, and Double-crested Cormorants. These areas were evaluated prior to any work being conducted, including mobilization and clearance operations. The location for the construction of the temporary pier was determined to present no impact to the resource. Furthermore, the field work began in late September which is considered outside of the primary nesting seasons. Prior to mobilizing to the site, wildlife mitigation strategy meetings were conducted with NOAA and the USFWS and are detailed within Section 3.1.1.

CTO N4008522F4490 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

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CTO N4008522F4490 DEVIATIONS FROM THE WORK PLAN/QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN

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6.0 DEVIATIONS FROM THE WORK PLAN/QUALITY

ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN

No Field Change Requests were submitted on this project, nor were any changes to the ESS necessary. Similar to the 2014 clearance, the one change that was necessary was the following:

• A washout that had previously occurred made passage and clearing activity being performed along the eastern side of the island unsafe; it was necessary to move the trail more inland for safety purposes and to allow access for clearing operations.

The objective within the QAPP was to perform Detector-Aided Visual Surface Clearance activities along the accessible trails and shoreline areas. In addition to these two areas, USAE took advantage of the dry weather conditions of the summer to also perform surface clearances within three ponds which were found to have dry pond-beds due to the dry weather conditions. A fourth pond was found to be not completely dry.

CTO N4008522F4490 DEVIATIONS FROM THE WORK PLAN/QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN

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CTO N4008522F4490 LIMITED MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN SURFACE CLEARANCE RESULTS

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7.0 LIMITED MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF

CONCERN SURFACE CLEARANCE RESULTS

Approximately 65 acres were surface cleared during the 2022 event. 54 MEC/MPPEH items were recovered (see Table 7-1). Fragments, fins, and other MD items are not included in that number, nor are they listed on the table. The recovery and management of MEC/MPPEH items was performed IAW the approved ESS (USAE, 2022a) and MR- QAPP (USAE, 2022b). The southwest and southeast portions of the site were found to contain a higher density of MEC/MPPEH/MD.

On-site explosive venting or opening of some MEC/MPPEH items was necessary to facilitate visual examination. All MPPEH and MD items were inspected by qualified UXO Technicians and certified as MDAS before being shipped off island for recycling.

Appendix E provides the MEC/MPPEH/MD Database Summary Table. This database contains details on the MEC/MPPEH/MD encountered as well as photograph references. The Photographic Log is provided in Appendix F. Figure 7-1 presents the locations where MEC/MPPEH was encountered and corresponds to the MEC/MPPEH/MD Database Summary Table (Appendix E) and the Photographic Log (Appendix F).

7.1 UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE FINDS RESULTS

The results of the effort to relocate and address the items from the USFWS “finds” database are shown on Figure 7-2 and are detailed within Appendix E and F.

CTO N4008522F4490 LIMITED MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVES OF CONCERN SURFACE CLEARANCE RESULTS

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CTO N4008522F4490 WASTE DOCUMENTATION

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8.0 WASTE DOCUMENTATION

The MDAS was transported (Fed Ex) under a uniform straight bill of lading as inert scrap metal – ex-range residues (non-explosive) material for demilitarization and recycling purposes only to Bonetti Explosives LLC, located in Columbus, Texas, where it was smelted and/or mutilated IAW EM 200-1-15, NAVSEA OP 5, DoD 4160.28, and DoD 4160.62. A total of 3,445 lbs of MDAS was recycled. Appendix G contains the final MDAS 1348 forms and the final Certificate of Destruction documentation.

CTO N4008522F4490 WASTE DOCUMENTATION

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CTO N4008522F4490 REGULATORY AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

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9.0 REGULATORY AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

9.1 PLANNING

In addition to the field kickoff meeting (discussed in Section 3.1.1) and the project safety meeting with local town officials and emergency services personnel (discussed in Section 3.2.2), numerous meetings were conducted with USCG Station Menemsha at their Menemsha station offices. These meetings were held to keep them informed of the project operations and schedule.

9.2 NOTIFICATIONS

Notifications were made prior to the implementation of the surface clearance and demolition activities. The following authorities/agencies were notified:

• USFWS

• Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

• USCG Station Menemsha

• USCG Providence Sector

• Town of Chilmark

• Town of Chilmark Harbor Master

• Town of Chilmark Conservation Commission

• Town of Chilmark Fire…