People who live near the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in southeast Iowa have been advised to evacuate when the Army detonates a stockpile of explosives that are no longer needed and can’t be safely moved.
Construction began this summer on new production facilities at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. A routine inspection discovered nearly 70 barrels of lead azide in storage. The compound had been used to detonate explosives, but has been replaced by a less toxic substance.
The Army has not set a date yet for controlled explosions at the site to destroy the stockpile, but officials hosted a public meeting last Thursday in Middletown to answer residents’ questions. The Army expects there will be ground vibrations during the operation that could lead to some nearby property damage, like broken windows, prompting the suggested evacuations.
Air and soil tests will be conducted in the area before, during and after the detonations.
