Base begins closure of EOD range Published Aug. 23, 2012 By Cole Crosgrove 377th Mission Support Group KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Kirtland Air Force Base has begun closure activities at the explosive ordnance disposal range. The EOD range was permitted by the New Mexico Environment Department for treatment activities by open detonation in 1994, and treatment by open burn in 1995. Treatment activities for the OB unit were halted in 2008, and in 2010 for the OD unit. The EOD range has served a vital purpose for many organizations throughout the years. Many organizations, including the Albuquerque Police Department and Sandia National Laboratories, have used the range to treat various items, including small arms ammunition and larger items, such as rocket motors. The treatment process consisted of complete detonation or burn of the items to render them inert and nonhazardous. Any metal debris remaining after an OD or OB activity would be picked up and disposed of accordingly. In July 2010, Kirtland AFB received a new permit from the NMED allowing continued treatment at the OD unit. Treatment had previously been halted at the OB unit. The new permit had significant modifications from the old permit and imposed significant practical and fiscal requirements that made implementation infeasible. Due to these new requirements, Kirtland AFB notified NMED of its intent to immediately halt treatment activities and seek closure of the OD unit. The first step of the process is to remove items from the EOD range. The second step includes a survey to establish grids at the EOD range that will enable data gathering to begin, such as geophysics and soil sampling. Because the base is committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the health and safety of residents in the Albuquerque area, monitoring wells will be installed to ensure no potential contamination migrated down from the EOD range into the aquifer.