Wildflife Refuge: Keep Out–Danger Unexploded Munitions
A former aerial bombardment and gunnery range in Chesapeake Bay that now is a national wildife refuge has been designated a Temporary Danger Area for the next year because unexploded munitions are showing up in shallow waters.
The Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge in Poquoson, Virginia is closed to the public, but officials say members of the public are entering the refuge anyway, exposing themselves to the dangerous explosives.
“We’re concerned primarily about safety. The current situation emphasizes the need to respect the serious potential danger inherent in former bombing ranges,” said the Service’s Joe McCauley, who manages the refuge.
Plum Tree refuge covers 3,275 acres of low dunes and marsh, interspersed with small circular ponds created by aerial bomb impacts.
To ensure public safety, the Norfolk District Engineer, Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have established the Temporary Danger Area, the Corps has issued a public notice to community members throughout Hampton Roads, and the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a notice to mariners.
The Temporary Danger Area covers the southern part of the old bombing range where unexploded ordnance is known to exist. The Danger Zone extends into the water 300 feet from the shoreline or deeded property boundary, whichever is greater.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will enforce the Danger Area.
The Corps will also conduct a study to analyze the current risk, based on the increased munitions exposure. “One of the goals of the study is to respond to the Service’s request that we explore ways to safely offer public recreational opportunities on the refuge where feasible,” said Norfolk District Engineer, Col. Yvonne J. Prettyman-Beck.
The area was used for aerial bombardment and gunnery practice from 1917 to the late 1950s. The Service acquired it for a refuge in 1972. Public access is not permitted on the refuge with the exception of Cow Island, which is open for permitted waterfowl hunting.
Although the Temporary Danger Area is only being established around the southern part of the old bombing range, the refuge remains a no trespassing area.
The Corps is working with the federal and state partner agencies, and the City of Poquoson to develop a long term strategy that will provide for public safety, and if feasible, increase public access.
In the short term, signs will be improved and public comments accepted on the Temporary Danger Area for the next 30 days.
In the long term, a risk analysis will be conducted of differences between the northern and southern half of the refuge to determine if public access can be increased.
A scoping meeting will allow all stakeholders to comment on the development of a permanent Danger Area, and the Corps intends to design and implement longer term risk management for the refuge. Exposed ordnance will be removed where feasible, officials said.
Provided by the Environmental News Service.