Science Inventory

Database of in-plume emission factors from open demilitarization of military ordnance

Citation:

Aurell, J. AND B. Gullett. Database of in-plume emission factors from open demilitarization of military ordnance. Journal of Energetic Materials. Taylor & Francis, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, 44(2):238-250, (2026). https://doi.org/10.1080/07370652.2024.2346327

Impact/Purpose:

This paper investigates air emissions from demilitarization operations. The work compiles emission factors from field sampling of open burning, open detonation, and rocket static fire operations of the military. This searchable database provides contemporary sampling and measurement data that will be useful for permitting processes. The data will be of interest to military site managers, government regulators, and community groups near demilitarization operations.

Description:

A searchable database of emission factors from open burning, open detonation, and static firing of military ordnance and rocket motors has been developed and made available. Sampling and analytical results since 2010 have been compiled from seven campaigns in the USA and Canada at four different sites. Various ordnance types were used for multiple test scenarios varying location, soil covered/uncovered, metal-cased and uncased, and net explosive weight. Target compounds include, variously, particulate matter, metals, energetics, volatile organic compounds, and others. Data were primarily derived from unmanned aerial sampling methods using ordnance charge sizes and procedures representative of operational demilitarization operations. The database includes 1,212 emission factors for 39 different types of munitions and an array of pollutants where open burns accounted for 514 scenarios, static firing for 83, and open detonation for 614. The database will be of use for risk evaluations, environmental reporting requirements, and demilitarization operations.