Updated at 2:49 p.m., Friday, August 31, 2007
Army contract set for propellant cleanup at beach
Associated Press
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii (AP) — The Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a one-year contract to search Maili Beach on Oahu on a regular basis for any propellant grains while collecting and documenting where they are located.Propellant grains are used in munitions.
The contract with Donaldson Enterprise Inc. includes transferring any recovered grains to qualified public safety personnel for disposal, and preparing a project summary report, officials said Friday.
The Army in March announced it was investigating the source of small but potentially highly flammable grains washing up on Maili Beach. The cylindrical grains are about one inch in length and one-fourth to three-eighths inch in diameter, and they range in color from olive green to brown, the Army said.
Since the propellant grains are "extremely sensitive to friction and static electricity," the Army warned the public not to touch or pick them up. When immersed in water, the grains are not flammable.
The Department of Defense said it was investigating the extent of the problem. It encouraged the public in providing information that may help locate, identify and address the source of the propellant grains.
Anyone who believes they have encountered propellant grains are asked to retreat without touching the grains and report the finding to a lifeguard or by calling 911.
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