Sub-Audio Magnetics: Miniature Sensor Technology for Simultaneous Magnetic and Electromagnetic Detection of UXO

Abstract

Abstract : The environmental problem that has been addressed in this work relates to the decontamination of land either formerly or presently under the control of the US Department of Defense (DoD). Relevant programs include Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS). There are a large number of sites with a known decontamination problem, and based on 2003 figures these include 1700 FUDS and 25 BRAC sites and active installations. The land could be contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO), exploded ordnance debris, buried obsolete munitions and other refuse, all of which have been emplaced during military activities such as warfare (battlefields), training (weapons ranges), munitions manufacturing or waste products from everyday activities at military installations that is buried in landfills. Generally, the problem arises when the land is designated for a new land use that involves a change of ownership (and responsibility) to another government agency or to the civilian sector for such uses as recreation and housing. Given the potential threat to the general public, of some of these buried hazardous materials, there will obviously be some land that needs to be decontaminated to a very high standard.