I04GA004401_01.08_0500_a.pdf

CESAD-PDM

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

SOUTH ATLANTIC DIVISION

60 FORSYTH STREET SW, ROOM 10M1 S

ATLANTA, GA 30303-8801

5 February 2013

I MEMORANDUM FOR COMMANDER, SA VANNAH DISTRICT (CESAS-PM-HlJulie Hiscox)

SUBJECT: Approval of Defense Environmental Restoration Program - Formerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS) Revised Inventory Project Report (TNPR) for Homerville, Bombing and Gunnery Range, Homerville, Clinch and Ware Counties, GA, Property Number 104GA0044

l. Reference memorandum, CESAS-PM-H, 20 December 2012 and revised INPR received at SAD 15 January 2013, subject: Defense Environmental Restoration Program - Fonnedy Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS) Inventory Project Report (TNPR) for Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, Homerville, Clinch and Ware Counties, GA, Property Number I04GA0044.

2. South Atlantic Division (SAD) approves the revised Finding and Determination of Eligibi lity (FOE), therefore Homerville, Bombing and Gunnery Range is el igible for inclusion into the DERp·FUDS program establi shed under 10 USC 2701. SAD also approves the following Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) projects: Project 01 (MMRP) - Bombing & Rocket Range, Project 02 (MMRP) - Small Anns Ranges, Project 03 (MMRP) - Skip Bombing Range, and Project 04 (MMRP) - Aerial Ground Gunnery Range. Enclosure I is the Property Survey Summary Sheet. The Revised FOE for this property is included as Enclosure 2. The original FDE was approved on 13 May 86 and concluded that ihe site have been fom1erly used by the Department of Defense, however it was detem1ined that an environmental restoration project was not an appropriate undertaking within the purview of the DERP program. The Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment (APA) conducted during FY II uncovered evidence that thc Army Air Forces utilized conventional ordnance at Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range.

The types of ordnance and explosives associated with the property included small arms, practice bombs, and practice rockets. Therefore, property is eligible for DERP funding. Enclosure 3 is the Executive Summary of the Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment (PA). Enclosure 4 is the property map. Enclosure 5 contains the Project Summary Sheets and maps for the four new MMRP sites.

3. This revision does not change the basic footprint of the property or scope of the project and was performed in accordance with I-IQUSACE Implementation Guidance for FUDS MMRP Project Realignment dated I October 2011. This INPR has been coordinated with the Georgia Oepartment of Natura! Resources (GADNR).

4. Overall project management of this property is the responsibility of the Savannah District (SI\S). The SAS Project Manager must update the DCRP-FUDS database (FUDSMIS) to relleet thi s approval and follow procedures described in the FUDS Program Policy. ER 200·3·1 .

CESAD-PDM 5 February 2013 SUBJECT: Approval of Defense Environmental Restoration Program. Formerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS) Revised Inventory Project Report (lNPR) for Homerville, Hombing and Gunnery Range, Homerville, Clinch and Ware Counties, GA, Property Number I04GA0044

5. Questions concerning this action should be directed to the SAD DERP-FUDS Program Manager, Victor M. Bonilla, CESAD-PDM, (404) 562-5230.

FOR THE COMMANDER:

5 Ends

CF:

Chief of Military Integration

Division

COMMANDER, HQ USACE (CEMP-DE) (wo/encls) COMMANDER, U S ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ENVI RONMENTAL and MUNITIONS

CENTER of EXPERTISE, PO BOX 1600, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35807-4301 (wo/encls) COMMANDER, U S ARMY CORPS Of ENG IN EERS ENVIRON MENTAL and MUNITIONS

CENTER of EXPERTISE, EMCX DOCUMENTATION, 1616 CAPITOL AVE, SUITE 9200, OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68 102 (w/encls)

COMMANDER, SA VANNAH DISTRICT (CESAS-PM-H) (wo/encls)

CESAS-PM-H

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

SAVANNAH DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS

100 W. OGLETHORPE AVENUE

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31401-3640

1 OOEonl

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, South Atlantic Division, ATlN: CESAD-PD-M (Victor Bonilla), Room 9M15, 60 Forsyth Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303-8801

SUBJECT: Defense Environmental Restoration Program - Formerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS) Inventory Project Report (INPR) for Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, Homerville, Clinch and Ware Counties, Georgia, Property No. I04GA0044

I. Reference Engineer Regulation (ER) 200-3-1, Environmental Quality, Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program Policy, Department of the Army, US Anny Corps of Engineers, Washink>\on, D.C., 20314,10 May 2004.

2. This memorandum transmits the INPR for the subject DERP-FUDS property. The property was visited on 13 September 2011. The Property Survey Summary Sheet is Enclosure 1. A revised Findings and Determination of Eligibility (FDE) is Enclosure 2. The Executive Summary of the Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment (APA) is Enclosure 3. Maps of the property are Enclosure 4. Project Summary Sheets and Maps for four Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) projects are Enclosure 5. Munitions Response Site Prioritization Protocol (MRSPP) worksheets for each MMRP project have been prepared and will be submitted for Envirorunental and Munitions Center of Expertise (EMCX) review via FUDS Management Infonnation System (FUDSMlS) after the projects have been approved.

3. It was detennined that the site was fonnerly used by the Department of Defense (DoD).

Office of Counsel, Real Estate, and the EMCX have reviewed this INPR and concurred with the property eligibility recommendation and the proposed projects described in paragraph 5 below.

4. Based on the findings of the 2011 property inspection (Munitions Debris (MD) consisting of .50-caliber shell casings and an MIAI fuse) and historical documents contained in the 2012 APA, a potential exists for Munitions and Explosives of Cone em (MEC) and Munitions Constituent (MC) on the fonner Homerville Bombing Range. There is no evidence indicating High Explosive (HE) use. It was detennined that there are four MMRP projects eligible for additional investigation under DERP-FUDS.

5. The following is a summary of the projects proposed for this property:

a. Project 01 (MMRP) - BombingIRocket Range: The 3,108 acre Bombing/Rocket Range is located in the northwestern portion of the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUDS. It consists of portions of the submachine gun range (north) and submachine gun range (east), and the entire pistol range, dive bombing target, and combination dive bombing target/rocket range.

The munitions used consisted of small arms, practice bombs, and practice rockets. None of the

CESAS-PM-H

SUBJECT: Defe~se Environmental Restoration Program - Fonnerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS) Inventory Project Report (lNPR) for Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, Homerville, Clinch and Ware Counties, Georgia, Property No. I04GA0044 acquired historical documentation indicates high explosives use. No indication of past military use was found during the property visit conducted during September 2011.

b. Project 02 (MMRP) - Small Arms Ranges: The 1,412 acre Small Arms Ranges consists ofa rifle range and portions of sub machine gun range (north) and submachine gun range (east).

None of the historical documentation acquired indicates any other type of munitions being used besides small arms. Only some concrete debris which may have been from target butts was observed during the property visit conducted during September 2011.

c. Project 03 (MMRP) - Skip Bombing Range: The 630 acre Skip Bombing Range measures Ih mile by ~ mile and has an 800 foot by 1,200 foot target area. Munitions used include practice bombs and small arms. A small portion of the skip bombing range overlaps the aerial ground gunnery range and is addressed under Project 04. An October 1950 dedudding operations report indicated the removal of six tons of buried M38A2 scrap from this area. None of the documents obtained indicate high explosives use. A partially buried MIAI fuse, which was used in the M38A2 practice bomb was observed during the September 2011 property visit.

d. Project 04 (MMRP) - Aerial Ground Gunnery Range: The 3,108 acre Aerial Ground GunnerylRocket Range is located in the southwestern comer of the FUDS property. Munitions used at the range consisted of practice rockets, practice bombs (due to the overlapping skip bombing range), and small anns. No high explosives were used. A.50 caliber shell casing was observed during the September 2011 property visit.

6. This lNPR has been coordinated with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR). GA DNR acknowledges that the project recommendations are appropriate under the DERP-FUDS program.

7. I request you approve and sign the revised Findings and Determination of Eligibility (FDE) at Enclosure 2, and approve this lNPR under the DERP-FUDS Program. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Hiscox at (912) 652-5363.

5 Encls I. Property Survey Summary Sheet

2. Revised FDE

3. Executive Summary of APA

4. Property Maps

5. Project Summary Sheets and Maps

-J,Jiw11{ col/tEN Commanding

FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range Encl 1 FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 1/4

PROPERTY SURVEY SUMMARY SHEET

FOR

DERP-FUDS PROPERTY NO. I04GA0044

Federal Facility ID Number GA9799F4729

Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range

Homerville, Ware and Clinch Counties, Georgia October 2012

PROPERTY NAME: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was also known as Waycross Bombing and Gunnery Range.

LOCATION: The Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range (HBGR) property is located near Homerville, Georgia, in Clinch and Ware Counties, at Latitude N 30º 53’ 15” Longitude W 82º 33’ 11”, administratively in zip code 31631, EPA Region 4 and Georgia Congressional District 1.

The property lies approximately 21 miles south southwest of Waycross, Georgia, along the western edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. To reach the property from Waycross, Georgia, drive west on U.S. 84 to Argyle, Georgia, then turn south on C.R. 204 (also known as Jamestown Road, which turns into Antioch Church Road). Drive south on C.R. 204 for approximately 11 miles, then turn east on Rayonier Road 29. The logging/timbering roads within the Rayonier, Inc. property are generally not labeled.

PROPERTY HISTORY: In 1942, the Army Air Forces built Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range to support the mission of Waycross Army Air Field dive bombing and fighter training program. Land acquisition (21,697 acres under permit from the Department of Interior and 10,290 acres leased from private owners for a total of 31,987 acres) commenced in 1942 and the range opened on 4 June 1943. Potentially, HBGR included another 10,220 acres of land used as a range safety fan buffer zone located to the northeast and south of the confirmed 5 ½ mile wide by 9 ½ mile long boundary, for a total of 42,207 acres. Yet, another document stated that the HBGR was 42,240 acres in size. An unlabeled map dated September 1943 shows the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range boundary extending outside the rectangular shaped property boundary.

Targets were located on leased property on the western third of the property. The remaining eastern two thirds of land, located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which were acquired through permit, were used as a range safety fan buffer area.

The Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was used by combat units of the Third Air Force at Waycross, Georgia. Range activities at Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range included a combination dive bombing/practice rocket range, a skip bombing range, two submachine gun ranges, one rifle range, one pistol range, one combination air to ground gunnery range/rocket range, and an air to ground strafing range. None of the acquired historical documentation, aerial photography, or the 2011 property inspection indicate high explosives use. Confirmed munitions

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 2/4 used on Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range included practice bombs, small arms ammunition, and practice rockets.

On 4 June 1943 the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range opened with one bombing range, one aerial gunnery range, and five buildings. By July 1943, the Third Air Force authorized the construction of a skip bombing range; and additional range construction requirements for a rifle range, a pistol range, and two sub-machine gun ranges were undertaken. In September 1943, a landing strip was built near the skip bombing range; and conversion of the ground gunnery range to a ground rocket range was scheduled for completion in May 1945. Twelve targets were constructed, of which two targets were designated by the installation to be fifty foot radii white circles for the rocket range. Additionally the dive bomb range was converted into a combination dive bomb-rocket range.

During 1944, a chemical spray range was approved for the use of FS smoke (screening smoke) and colored water dispersed from tanks located within airplanes. The range was located ½ mile southeast of the skip bombing range and was used until 1945. There is no explosive hazard from dispersing FS smoke from the spray tanks.

During September 1945, the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was used for the last time and close down procedures commenced. By October 1945, all areas of the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range had reportedly been decontaminated, cleared of all scrap metal, and inspected for duds, unexploded projectiles and bombs. The range was closed on 25 October 1945. By the end of January 1946, the range was inactivated and all installed government property was removed and returned to Waycross AAF. In 1947, the U.S. Dept. of Interior terminated the permit covering 21,697 acres of land. The actual termination date of the leased portion of the range is thought to be 1952. The Department of Interior property is currently part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the former leased portion of the range is privately owned and used for timber harvesting.

No evidence of the storage or use of chemical warfare materials was found at Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range.

PROPERTY VISIT: The property visit for Homerville Bombing and Gunnery took place on 13 September 2011. The investigation team consisted of the following personnel: Shelia DeVeydt and W. Kirk James, St. Louis District Corps of Engineers; and Hank Counts, Savannah District Corps of Engineers. Munitions debris (partially buried M1A1 fuse and .50-caliber shell casing) was found during the property visit. Additionally, a 6 foot long by 2 foot wide and 12 inch thick concrete pad, likely used for holding strafing targets, was found in the location of the southern strafing/rocket range; and some concrete debris was found within the small arms ranges.

CATEGORY OF HAZARD(S): The category of hazard for this property is MMRP. The following categories of hazard were not found: BD/DR, CON/HTRW, and HTRW.

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 3/4

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS:

Project 01: (MMRP) – Bombing/Rocket Range The 3,108 acre Bombing/Rocket Range is located in the northwestern portion of the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUDS. It consists of portions of the submachine gun range (north) and submachine gun range (east), and the entire pistol range, dive bombing target, and combination dive bombing target/rocket range. The munitions used consist of small arms, practice bombs, and practice rockets. On 4 June 1943 the bombing range opened and was converted into a combination bombing/rocket range by May 1945. The last known use of the range was during September 1945. None of the acquired historical documentation indicates high explosives use. No munitions debris or any remaining indication of past military use was found during the property visit conducted during September 2011.

Project 02: (MMRP) – Small Arms Ranges The 1,412 acre Small Arms Ranges consists of the rifle range and portions of submachine gun range (north) and submachine gun range (east). The small arms ranges were constructed during 1943 and the last known use of the entire Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was September 1945. None of the historical documentation acquired indicates any other type of munitions being used besides small arms. Only some concrete debris, which may have been from target butts, was observed during the property visit conducted during September 2011. The entire area is a tree farm and has been plowed and replanted several times since government use.

Project 03: (MMRP) – Skip Bombing Range The 630 acre Skip Bombing Range was constructed in 1943 and used between July 1943 and September 1945. The Skip Bombing Range measures ½ mile by ¾ mile and has an 800 foot by 1,200 foot target area. The southeast corner of the skip bombing range overlaps the Aerial Ground Gunnery Range and is addressed in Project 04. An October 1950 dedudding operations report indicated the removal of six tons of buried M38A2 scrap from this area. Munitions used includes practice bombs and small arms. None of the documents obtained indicate high explosives use. A partially buried M1A1 fuse for the M38A2 practice bomb was observed during the September 2011 property visit.

Project 04: (MMRP) – Aerial Ground Gunnery Range The 3,108 acre Aerial Ground Gunnery/Rocket Range is located in the southwest corner of the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUDS Property. Headquarters Third Air Force authorized the construction of an aerial gunnery ground strafing course on 13 August 1943.

Sometime later an aerial ground gunnery range was constructed and then in March 1945 this was rebuilt and converted into a combination aerial ground gunnery and rocket range. The combination ground gunnery rocket range opened in May 1945 and was used until September 1945. A small portion of the Skip Bombing Range overlaps this MRS and is addressed within this project as well. A .50 caliber shell casing and a 6 foot long by 2 foot wide and 12 inch thick concrete pad, likely used for holding strafing targets, were observed during the September 2011 property visit.

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 4/4

AVAILABLE STUDIES AND REPORTS: A Final Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment was completed in October 2012. Reports and studies are available at the District Office and FRMD (FUDS Records Management Database) at https://frmd.usace.army.mil/fiip/app/index.cfm

DISTRICT POINTS OF CONTACT: Julie Hiscox, Savannah District, (912) 652-5363

LEAD REGULATOR: Georgia Department of Natural Resources https://frmd.usace.army.mil/fiip/app/index.cfm

FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range Encl 2 FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 1/3

DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROGRAM

FOR

FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITES

FINDINGS AND DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY

FUDS Property Number I04GA0044

Homerville (Clinch and Ware Counties), Georgia

REVISED FINDINGS OF FACT

1. The Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range (HBGR), (also known as Waycross Bombing and Gunnery Range) was a rectangular shaped property approximately 5 ½ miles wide by 9 ½ miles long, and consists of at least 31,987 acres located near Homerville, Georgia, in Clinch and Ware Counties. The property lies approximately 21 miles south southwest of Waycross, Georgia, along the western edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

The 31,987 acres is comprised of 21,697 acres within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge that were used under a permit from the Department of Interior and 10,290 acres that were leased from private owners through condemnation proceedings in Civil Action No. 89.

Potentially, HBGR included another 10,220 acres of land used as a range safety fan buffer zone located to the northeast and south of the confirmed boundary, for a total of 42,137 acres. Yet, another document stated that the HBGR was 42,240 acres in size. An unlabeled map dated September 1943 shows the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range boundary extending outside the confirmed rectangular shaped property boundary of 31,987 acres and includes the following:

Ware County, GA Lots 393-398 and 617-619 (northeast border of confirmed boundary) Ware County, GA Lots 106-111, 626, and 627 (south of the confirmed boundary) Clinch County, GA Lots 101-105 and 112-115 (south of the confirmed boundary)

2. Three historical documents obtained during research describe the property acreage larger than the confirmed 31,987 acres. In October 1943, the Third Fighter Command stated the Waycross Bombing and Gunnery Range (also known as Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range) was 42,240 acres in size. A 31 August 1945 letter regarding an amendment to the use permit for Waycross Bombing and Gunnery Range stated the public domain lands consisted of 31,917 acres, plus privately owned properties consisting of 10,220 acres, for a total of 42,137 acres.

A circa 1943 Fourth Service Command map detailing installations located in the southeastern U.S. depicts the Waycross Bombing and Gunnery Range as having a larger footprint than the 31,987 acre rectangular shaped boundary. The additional acreage was located to the northeast and south of the rectangular shaped boundary, and consisted of approximately 9,090 acres.

Since the majority of the real estate records were not found during the research process, this additional acreage could not be accurately addressed. Historical documents indicate that DoD used the property.

DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROGRAM

FOR

FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITES

FINDINGS AND DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY

FUDS Property Number I04GA0044 Homerville (Clinch and Ware Counties), Georgia

REVISED FINDINGS OF FACT (cont’d)

FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range Encl 2 FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 2/3

The Army Air Forces built Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range to support the mission of the Waycross Army Air Field dive bombing and fighter training program. Ranges on the property included: two sub machine gun ranges, one pistol range, one rifle range, skip bombing range, dive bombing/rocket range, and aerial ground gunnery/rocket range/strafing range. The types of munitions used on these ranges included small arms ammunition, practice bombs and practice rockets.

3. By the end of January 1946, Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was inactivated and all installed government property was removed and returned to Waycross AAF. The actual termination date on the leased portion of the range is not known, but 1952 correspondence states the Homerville Landing Field, located near the skip bombing range, was returned to private ownership during 1945. On 14 October 1947, the War Department received acknowledgement from the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management of termination of the permit covering 21,697 acres of land within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

Since final real estate disposition records were not located for HBGR, it is not known if there were any restrictive covenants or land use restrictions. Two certificates of clearance, dated October 1950 and January 1951, were issued; neither recommended placing land use restrictions on the property.

The current property owners include the following: Rayonier, Inc., U.S. Forest Resource Inc.

and Department of the Interior. The privately owned lands within the western third of the property (Rayonier, U.S. Forest Resource Inc.) are used for pine tree harvesting (tree farming) and the eastern two thirds of the property is part of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

No housing subdivisions or buildings are located within the former Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range. A small number of privately owned residences are adjacent to pine tree harvesting/timber company land. It is anticipated that the future use of these lands will remain the same.

4. No additional information was acquired from the regulators.

DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION PROGRAM

FORMERLY USED DEFENSE SITES

FINDINGS AND DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY

Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range

FUDS Property Number I04GA0044 Homerville (Clinch and Ware Counties), Georgia

REVISED FINDINGS OF FACT (cont'd)

DETERMINATION

Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact, the property has been detennined to have been under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense and owned by, leased to , or otherwise possessed by the United States prior to 17 October 1986. This property is therefore eligible for inc lusion into the Defense Environmental Restoration Program - Formerly Used Defense Sites established undcr IO USC 270 I et seq.

ONALD E. JACKSON, JR.

COL, EN

Commanding

FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUDS Property Number: [Q4GA0044

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FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range Encl 3 FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 1/2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

of the

ABBREVIATED PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) program. The St. Louis District of the Corps of Engineers prepared this Preliminary Assessment (PA) for Property No. I04GA0044, Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, in support of DERP-FUDS. St. Louis District completed this effort in coordination with the Savannah District and the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH), the Environmental & Munitions Center of Expertise (EM-CX), and Design Center for Military Munitions (CEHNC-EMM).

This APA compiles information obtained through historical research at various archives and records holding facilities. The investigation was primarily a textual, cartographic and photographic research and analysis effort. It also makes use of property visits and interviews to gather information concerning the property. The research directed efforts towards determining presence of hazardous substance as a result of previous use, storage, and/or disposal. The research places emphasis on establishing the types, quantities and areas of Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste (HTRW), munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), chemical warfare (CW) activities. This process obtains information for use in developing recommendations for further action at the former Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range.

Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range (HBGR) (also known as Waycross Bombing and Gunnery Range) was a rectangular shaped property approximately 5 ½ miles wide and 9 ½ miles long, consisting of at least 31,987 acres located near Homerville, Georgia, in Clinch and Ware Counties. Potentially, HBGR included another 10,220 acres of land used as a range safety fan buffer zone located to the northeast and southwest of the confirmed boundary, for a total of 42,240 acres.

The Army Air Forces built Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range to support the mission of Waycross Army Air Field dive bombing and fighter training program. Land acquisition commenced in 1942; and the range opened on 4 June 1943. Targets were located on leased property on the western third of the property. The remaining eastern two thirds of land, located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, was acquired through permit and used as a range safety fan buffer area.

Table ES-1 lists the former ranges at Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range which included four fixed small arms ranges (two sub machine gun ranges, one pistol range, and one rifle range), a combination dive bombing/rocket range, a skip bombing range, and one combination aerial ground gunnery/rocket range and strafing range. The types of munitions used at HBGR included small arms ammunition, practice bombs, and practice rockets. There is no evidence that high explosives were used.

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 1/2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

of the

ABBREVIATED PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP) Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) program. The St. Louis District of the Corps of Engineers prepared this Preliminary Assessment (PA) for Property No. I04GA0044, Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, in support of DERP-FUDS. St. Louis District completed this effort in coordination with the Savannah District and the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville (USAESCH), the Environmental & Munitions Center of Expertise (EM-CX), and Design Center for Military Munitions (CEHNC-EMM).

This APA compiled information obtained through historical research at various archives and records holding facilities. The investigation was primarily a textual, cartographic and photographic research and analysis effort. It also made use of property visits and interviews to gather information concerning the property. The research directed efforts towards determining the presence of any hazardous substances as a result of previous use, storage, and/or disposal.

The research placed emphasis on establishing the types, quantities and areas of Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste (HTRW), munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), and chemical warfare (CW) activities. This process obtained information for use in developing recommendations for further action at the former Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range.

Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range (HBGR) (also known as Waycross Bombing and Gunnery Range) was a rectangular shaped property approximately 5 ½ miles wide and 9 ½ miles long, consisting of at least 31,987 acres located near Homerville, Georgia, in Clinch and Ware Counties. Potentially, HBGR included another 10,220 acres of land used as a range safety fan buffer zone located to the northeast and southwest of the confirmed boundary, for a total of 42,240 acres.

The Army Air Forces built Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range to support the mission of the Waycross Army Air Field dive bombing and fighter training program. Land acquisition commenced in 1942, and the range opened on 4 June 1943. Targets were located on leased property on the western third of the property. The remaining eastern two thirds of land, located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, was acquired through permit and used as a range safety fan buffer area.

Table ES-1 lists the former ranges at Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, which included four fixed small arms ranges (two sub machine gun ranges, one pistol range, and one rifle range), a combination dive bombing/rocket range, a skip bombing range, and one combination aerial ground gunnery/rocket range and strafing range. The types of munitions used at HBGR included small arms ammunition, practice bombs, and practice rockets. There is no evidence that high explosives were used.

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 2/2

TABLE ES 1

Potential Munitions Response Sites Potential Military Munitions

Response Program Sites Acreage

(est.)

Munitions/CWM Related Function Munitions/CWM Potential

Bombing/Rocket Range (complex includes Pistol Range and portions of the Submachine Gun Ranges north and east).

3,108 Practice Bombs, practice rockets, and small arms

Suspected (historical evidence), based on historical documentation and aerial imagery.

Small Arms Ranges (complex includes portions of Submachine Gun Ranges north and east and the Rifle Range).

1,412 Small Arms Suspected (historical evidence), based on historical documentation and maps.

Skip Bombing Range (excludes a small portion that overlaps the Aerial Ground Gunnery Range).

630 Practice Bombs and Small Arms

Confirmed (historical evidence), based on historical documentation and MD found during 2011 site survey.

Aerial Ground Gunnery Range (complex includes Strafing Range/Rocket Range and a small portion of the Skip Bombing Range).

3,108 Practice Rockets, Practice Bombs, and Small Arms

Confirmed (historical evidence), based on historical documentation and MD found during 2011 site survey.

During 1944, a chemical spray range was approved for the use of FS smoke (screening smoke) and colored water dispersed from tanks located within airplanes. The range was located ½ mile southeast of the skip bombing range and was used throughout 1945. There is no explosive hazard from dispersing FS smoke from the spray tanks.

During September 1945, the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was used for the last time and close down procedures commenced. By the end of January 1946, government installed property had been removed and taken back to Waycross AAF. On 14 October 1947, the Department of Interior acknowledged the termination of the permit that was issued to the War Department for use of 21,697 acres (eastern two thirds of the property). The leases for the western third of the property most likely terminated at approximately the same time, although the actual termination date(s) on the leased portion of the range is not known.

This investigation only identified potential munitions-related hazards, or use, at the former Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range; therefore, this APA does not identify any additional potential projects for the DERP-FUDS program including Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste (HTRW); containerized hazardous, toxic, or radioactive waste (CON/HTRW); and building demolition or debris removal (BD/DR) concerns associated with the military’s use of the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range.

Property M aps

FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUns Property Number: I04GAOO44 o z -0 -

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Property Maps

FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 i

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FUDS Property Name: Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range Encl 5 FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 1/9

PROJECT SUMMARY SHEET

DERP-FUDS MMRP PROJECT NO. I04GA004401

Property No. I04GA0044

Bombing/Rocket Range

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The 3,108 acre Bombing/Rocket Range is located in the north western portion of the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUDS. It consists of portions of the submachine gun range (north), submachine gun range (east), and the entire pistol range, dive bombing target, and combination dive bombing target/rocket range. The munitions used consisted of small arms, practice bombs, and practice rockets.

On 4 June 1943 the dive bombing range opened and was converted into a combination bombing/rocket range by May 1945. Regulation No. 55-12-Operations Rocket Firing states the dive bombing range will be used for firing rockets. The dive bombing target consisted of a standard dive bombing target with two spotting (observation) towers, one spotting and plotting tower, and the ends of an equilateral triangle, with each side of the triangle measuring approximately 4400 feet. Firing runs were made from west to east, generally on a line parallel with the two south towers. During July 1945, the range officer reported continued difficulty in scoring rocket hits on the bombing range, since the training rockets did not have enough explosive powder to be seen at a distance from the observation towers. A modification of the use permit to allow the firing of aerial rockets on the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range stated that practice type rockets, sand filled with no explosive charges, will be used.

The Pistol Range, which was located one mile west of the dive bombing target, was completed by September 1943 and consisted of 15 and 25 yard firing points with 10 stationary targets and 10 bobbing targets. The Submachine Gun Ranges north and east, which were in use by October 1943, were located one mile and two miles east of the range camp headquarters, respectively.

The Submachine Gun Ranges were constructed almost entirely in accordance with U.S. Army Basic Weapons Field Manual FM 23-40 for the Thompson Submachine Gun, Caliber .45 (FM 23-40); and targets at both were worked by remote control.

The last known use of the range was during September 1945. None of the acquired historical documentation indicates high explosives were used. No munitions debris or any remaining indication of past military use was found during the property visit conducted during September 2011.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY: Historical documents and maps indicate the property was used by the Army Air Force between 1943 and 1945. Any ordnance contamination on this Bombing/

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 2/9

Rocket Range is the result of Department of Defense (DoD) activities and is therefore eligible for removal under DERP-FUDS.

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS: This MMRP project has been evaluated in accordance with ER 200-3-1, 10 May 2004, and concluded eligible for DERP-FUDS.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES: Additional activities focusing on the evaluation of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and munitions constituents (MC) are proposed.

DISTRICT POINTS OF CONTACT: Julie Hiscox, Savannah District, (912) 652-5363

FU

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S Property N am e: H om erville B om bing and G unnery R ange Encl 5

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S Property N um ber: I04G A

3/9

'It .~"_ "'.'11> ~

Legend

X CENTROID

UTM ZONE 17 (NAO 83)

352929.1m E 3420809.5m N 3Q" 54'41"N 82' 32'21"W

APPROXIMATE MRS BOUNDARY

ACREAGE" 3108Ac

D APPROXIMATE PROPERTY BOUNDARY

.- • -. SMALL ARMS

BOMBING

.. AREA COVERED UNDER PROJECT 02

t o 2,500 5,000

E==:===:=c===I1 Feet lea u. S. ARMY CORPS OF l:.NGINt:t:RS

Sf. LOUIS DISTRICT

HOMERVILLE BOMBING AND GUNNERY RANGE

FUDS PROJECT NO. I04GA004401

HOMERVILLE, GEORGIA

CLINCH & WARE COUNTIES

BOMBING f ROCKET RANGE

OI / OIROI

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 4/9

DERP-FUDS MMRP PROJECT NO. I04GA004402

Small Arms Ranges

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The 1,412 acre Small Arms Ranges consists of the rifle range and portions of submachine gun range (north) and submachine gun range (east). The small arms ranges were constructed during 1943 and the last known use of the entire Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was September 1945.

The Rifle Range measured approximately 1500 feet by 280 feet with firing points at 100, 200, 300, and 500 yards with 20 sliding targets. The Submachine Gun Ranges north and east, which were in use by October 1943, were located one mile and two miles east of the range camp headquarters, respectively. The Submachine Gun Ranges were constructed almost entirely in accordance with FM 23-40; targets at both were worked by remote control.

None of the historical documentation acquired indicates any other type of munitions other than small arms being used. Only some concrete debris, which may have been from target butts, was observed during the property visit conducted during September 2011. The entire area is a tree farm and has been plowed and replanted several times since DoD use.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY: Historical documents and maps indicate the property was used by the Army Air Force between 1943 and 1945. Any ordnance contamination on these Small Arms Ranges is the result of Department of Defense (DoD) activities, and is therefore eligible for removal under DERP-FUDS.

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS: This MMRP project has been evaluated in accordance with ER 200-3-1, 10 May 2004, and concluded eligible for DERP-FUDS.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES: Small arms do not pose an explosive hazard; therefore, additional activities focusing on the evaluation of munitions constituents (MC) are proposed.

S Property N am e: H om erville B om bing and G unnery R ange Encl 5

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5/9

Legend

X CENTROID

UTM ZONE 17(NAD 83)

352880.1m E 3417983.1m N 30° 53' 10' N 82· 32' 2' " W

_ APPROXIMATE MRS BOUNDARY

ACREAGE" 1412Ac

D APPROXIMATE PROPERTY BOUNDARY

.- • • ~ AREA COVERED UNDER PROJECT 01

~ •• I t o 2,000 4,000

E==:===:=c===I1 Feet lea u. S. ARMY CORPS OF l:.NGINt:t:RS

Sf. LOUIS DISTRICT

HOMERVILLE BOMBING AND GUNNERY RANGE

FUDS PROJECT NO. I04GA004402

HOMERVILLE, GEORGIA

CLINCH & WARE COUNTIES

SMALL ARMS RANGES

OZ / 02ROI

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 6/9

DERP-FUDS MMRP PROJECT NO. I04GA004403

Skip Bombing Range

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Constructed in 1943, the 630 acre Skip Bombing Range was used between July 1943 and 1945. The last known use of the entire Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range was September 1945. The purpose of a Skip Bombing Range is to train aircrews on techniques for attacking a vertical target. This involves approaching the target at a low altitude and releasing the bomb in a manner that allows it to ‘skip’ along the ground until it hits the target. The Skip Bombing Range measures ½ mile by ¾ mile and has an 800 foot by 1200 foot target area. The southeast corner of the skip bombing range overlaps the Aerial Ground Gunnery Range and is addressed in Project 04.

An October 1950 dedudding operations report indicated the removal of six tons of buried M38A2 scrap from this area. Munitions used included practice bombs and small arms. None of the acquired historical documentation indicates high explosives were used. A partially buried M1A1 fuse for the M38A2 practice bomb was observed during the 2011 property visit.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY: Historical documents and maps indicate the property was used by the Army Air Force between 1943 and 1945. Any ordnance contamination on this Skip Bombing Range is the result of Department of Defense (DoD) activities, and is therefore eligible for removal under DERP-FUDS.

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS: This MMRP project has been evaluated in accordance with ER 200-3-1, 10 May 2004, and concluded eligible for DERP-FUDS.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES: Additional activities focusing on the evaluation of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and munitions constituents (MC) are proposed.

S Property N am e: H om erville B om bing and G unnery R ange Encl 5

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7/9

UTM ZONE 17 (NAO 83)

350300.5m E 3418118.1mN 30" 53' 12" N 82' 33' 58"W

APPROXIMATE MRS BOUNDARY

ACREAGE" 630 Ac o APPROXIMATE PROPERTY BOUNDARY

= AREA COVERED UNDER PROJECT 04

t o 1,500 3,000

E==:===:=c===I1 Feet lea u. S. ARMY CORPS OF l:.NGINt:t:RS

Sf. LOUIS DISTRICT

HOMERVILLE BOMBING AND GUNNERY RANGE

FUDS PROJECT NO. I04GA004403

HOMERVILLE, GEORGIA

CLINCH & WARE COUNTIES

SKIP BOMBING RANGE

03 / 03ROI

FUDS Property Number: I04GA0044 8/9

DERP-FUDS MMRP PROJECT NO. I04GA004404

Aerial Ground Gunnery Range

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The 3,108 acre Aerial Ground Gunnery Range is located in the southwest corner of the Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range FUDS Property. The aerial gunnery ground range was authorized for construction on 13 August 1943. Original plans called for 4 banks of three targets each with 300 feet between each target and 1,000 feet between each bank. Each target was to be 10 feet by 18 feet with the direction of fire being east. Sometime later an aerial ground gunnery range was constructed and then in March 1945 this was rebuilt and converted into a combination aerial ground gunnery and rocket range. Concrete footings and four concrete piers were installed for each target enabling the range to accommodate either six or ten foot targets. Twelve targets were constructed designating the two 50-foot radii targets with white circles as the rocket targets. The combination ground gunnery rocket range opened in May 1945 and was used until September 1945. The small portion of the Skip Bombing Range (Project 03) that overlaps the Aerial Ground Gunnery Range is also addressed under this project.

Munitions used at the range consisted of practice rockets, small arms, and practice bombs (due to the overlapping skip bombing range). A .50 caliber shell casing and a 6 foot long by 2 foot wide and 12 inch thick concrete pad, likely used for holding strafing targets, were observed during the September 2011 property visit.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY: Historical documents and maps indicate the property was used by the Army Air Force between 1943 and 1945. Any ordnance contamination on this Aerial Ground Gunnery Range is the result of Department of Defense (DoD) activities and is therefore eligible for removal under DERP-FUDS.

POLICY CONSIDERATIONS: This MMRP project has been evaluated in accordance with ER 200-3-1, 10 May 2004, and concluded eligible for DERP-FUDS.

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES: Additional activities focusing on the evaluation of munitions and explosives of concern (MEC) and munitions constituents (MC) are proposed.

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9/9

UTM ZONE 17 (NAD 83)

349828_3m E 3415519 __ 5m N 30' Sl'4S"N 82· 34'lS"W

~ APPROXIMATE MRS BOUNDARY

ACREAGE" 3108Ac

D APPROXIMATE PROPERTY BOUNDARY

BOMBING

• - • -. STRAFING

.... I o 2,500 5,000

E==:===:=c===I1 Feet t lea u. S. ARMY CORPS OF l:.NGINt:t:RS

Sf. LOUIS DISTRICT

HOMERVILLE BOMBING AND GUNNERY RANGE

FUDS PROJECT NO. I04GA004404

HOMERVILLE, GEORGIA

CLINCH & WARE COUNTIES

AERIAL GROUND GUNNERY RANGE

04 / 04ROI

EMCX COMMENT TRANSMITTAL

Comments Transmitted to Theresa Williams, st. Louis District Julie Hiscox, Savannah District

Randal Curtis, St. Louis District Rochelle Hance , St. Louis District

Submittal #

Location

Site

8593 74306

CLINCH & WARE COUNTIES

HOMERVILLE BOMB~NG & GUNNERY RANGE

Site Wide

03/07/2012

Project

Doc Title Draft - Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment (PAl , Military Munitions Response Program, Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP), Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUnS), Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, FUDS Property No. I04GA0044, Homerville, Clinch and Ware Counties, GA.

Phase DRAFT

Designed by In House

Discipline

Chemistry

Action SIGNIPICANT OR UNRESOLVED TECHNICAL COMMENTS

Jan Dunker

Office of Counsel Garry Brewer

Geotechnical - E Hugh Rieck

NC

NC

NC

MMRP Consistency Review NR

MMRP Policy RCA Nicho l as Stolte

MMRP Safety I David C . Becker

RCA

' EMCX PRP Manager RCA Stan Bauer

REQUESTBD ACTION

Environmental and Munitions Center of Expertise (EMCX) comments are attached.

Annotated responses [0 all comments on this document are requested. They can be sent to the following e-mail addresses.

[fFUDS MMRP SI related: please send to both:

l.'MCX JlunlSvillc.FUnS _ MMRP _ SI _IXXS@usace.affily.mil EMCX _ Omaha.FUnS _ MMRP _ SI J)(XS@usacc.army.mil

All others please send to:

EMCX.Oocumentation@usace.army.mil

Transmi ttal of comments approved by:

Stan Bauer

EMCX LEAD

(402) 697 -2 619

I NC_Reviewed;No Comments NT_No tech Involvment SeA_Reviewed w/Significant Comments attaehed

RCA_Reviewed Comments Attached cr_Conferred/Deferred to Distriet Counterpart

EnvIronmental & Munitions Center of Expertise

Review Con ... ams CEMVS Responses, dated 5 April 2012

Reviewer Name:

Discipline:

ex Project Review No.:

Date:

Project Location:

Stan Bauer

FUDSJPRP Program Support Manager

74306

17 February 2012

Clinch and Ware Counties, GA.

Document Name: Draft - Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment (PA), Military Munitions Response Program, Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP), Fonnerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS), Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, FUDS Property No. I04GA0044, Homerville, Clinch and Ware Counties, GA.

Comment I . Page ES-2 last full para and page 7-8: What "fmal disposal" documents are expected to be found? 1 would not expect any "final disposal" documentation in military files. BLM took back the jurisdiction and accountability for the lands and any disposal from that time would be in BLM and county records. I would expect no "releases" from one agency to another. Likewise, I would not call private lease terminations "disposals"; the leases simply terminated or were terminated and there would be no further disposal actions required by the War Dept. Please clarify because "as written" it appears there is addJtional research needed and 1 don't think that is the case, if the private leases cannot be found. There may be restoration releases from private owners after decontamination.

CEMVS Comment #1: Concur; verbiage has been revised on pages ES-2 (last full paragraph), Section 1.2 (paragraph 5), Section 3.2.1 (second to last paragraph), Section 3.2.2 (last paragraph).

Comment 2. Page 8, section 3.2.2 and page 9, para 3.2.3.1: Consider amending the FDE to confirm the FUDS acreage of this range.

CEMVS Response #2: Concur; the revised FDEJINPR will reflect the FUDS acreage, as stated in Section 2.1 .

Comment 3. Page II, top: Recommend changing "auspices" to ''jurisdiction'' as DOl has more authority than auspices implies.

CEMVS Response #3: Concur; correction has been made to "jurisdiction".

Comment 4. Page 45, para 5.4.1.2: Typo "might accommodated" should be "might accommodate".

CEMVS Response #4: Concur; correction has been made to "might accommodate" .

File: 104GA0044 - PA 74306Bauer_S Response.docx EMCX Web Address: www.environmenlal.usace.army.mil

Page 1 of2

Comment 5. Page 47, para 5.4.1.5: This information is from a 1983 safety related AR, how was it determined that it was applicable to a WW11 site? How was the rocket range different from that discussed in 5.4 .2 which used AAF ManuaJ85-0-1 Army Air Forces Gunnery and Bombardment Ranges, 19451

CEMVS Response #5: The data used to develop the Air-to-Ground Rocket Range layout was the best available at the time it was developed in 2000 and standardized as such for range inventory purposes.

Comment 6. Page F·20; reference: The reference is a 1969 document. What effort has been made to identify and use TMs from the WWIJ period. Are constituents in these 1969 munitions the same as in WWJI munitions?

CEMVS Response #6: The munitions data sheets were developed with the best available information at the time of their creation. The discrepancies noted are understood and have been brought to the attention of higher authority;

however, updating and modifying the Munitions Constituents Database and munitions data sheets has not yet been considered a priority for funding and subsequently has not occurred .

• Page 2

Enviroromental & Munitions Center of ExpertIse -

_Comments

Reviewer Name:

Discipline:

CX Project Review No.:

Date:

Project location:

David C. Becker

MM Safety

74306

21 FebruaJy 2012

Clinch & Ware COlmties, GA

CEMVS Comments - 6 April 2012

Document Name: Draft - Abbreviated Preliminary Assessment (PA), Military Mwlltions Response Program, Defense Environmental Restoration Program (DERP), Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS), Homerville Bombing and Gunnery Range, FUDS Property No. I04GA0044, Homerville, Clinch and Ware CoWlties, GA.

Comment # I: It appears thal the St Louis districtPA was thorough. Not sure why it is necessary to do an APA which if I am correct is a product of EPA and not the CERCLA process. If this is a CERCLA MMRP project then would not an SI be what is needed?

CEMVS Response #1: The Geographic District (CESAS) will detennine the next step in the process.

Comment # 2: The PA from St Louis identifies a lot of ordnance in particuiarthe M38 bombs and the 37 MM projectiles?