Epa Bans Army From Gun Practice Chemicals, Lead From Shells Threaten Drinking Water

For the first time, military training has been suspended for environmental and public health reasons as a top environmental official upheld a ban on shooting practice at the polluted Massachusetts Military Reservation.

Frederic Hansen, the Environmental Protection Agency’s deputy administrator, agreed Friday that chemicals and lead from spent shells on firing ranges on the Cape Cod base threaten public health and the drinking supply for 200,000 residents.

Hansen upheld an April 10 order from New England EPA head John DeVillars, whose ruling came after a six-part series by The Cape Cod Times that indicated a $165 million cleanup of toxins beneath the base has been a failure.

The order, which takes effect today, requires the Army National Guard to suspend all training at the reservation involving propellants and pyrotechnics.

The EPA said that it was the first time in the nation’s history that military training has been suspended for environmental and public health reasons.

Although the order prohibits the use of propellants, it allows small-arms firing using plastic bullets.

The Pentagon appealed DeVillars’ order April 19. The military contends that nonexplosive mortar and artillery rounds do not harm the environment or pose a health threat.

Hansen’s decision came after nearly a month of intense lobbying by the Pentagon, congressional members and environmental groups.

Although Hansen upheld the order, he granted the Pentagon three concessions, including the possibility of allowing some troops to train on the base until June 1. Within the next several days, the Pentagon and the EPA will continue negotiating.