Munitions and Explosives of Concern Hazard Assessment (MEC HA) Methodology Technical Work Group (TWG)
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Overview
In spring 2004, EPA convened a work group with other federal agencies, states and tribal participants to develop a hazard assessment methodology for munitions response sites. The methodology is intended to be used in the CERCLA process to help project teams evaluate current or baseline explosive safety hazards to people, as well as the relative reduction hazards associated with CERCLA removal or remedial action alternatives. The TWG has developed the following technical reference documents, outreach efforts and other materials related to this initiative.
The Interim Munitions and Explosives of Concern Hazard Assessment (MEC HA) Methodology (October 2008) was developed as a tool to assist site managers and regulators in evaluating explosive safety hazards to people at munitions response sites (MRS) consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act - the federal law governing the cleanup of contaminated sites. In addition, this link contains the Final Responses to Comments from the January 2007 to March 2007 Public Review on the November 2006 Draft Document.
Project teams can use the methodology to evaluate baseline explosive hazards to people based on current or reasonably anticipated land use activities. The methodology can also be used to evaluate relative reduction of explosive hazards to people through CERCLA removal or remedial actions. The MEC HA methodology is designed to be a collaborative process that draws on the collective experience and understanding of project team members and stakeholders. The Interim MEC HA Methodology will be applied on a trial basis for 2 to 3 years at MRS where a munitions response is ongoing. At the end of this time frame, the effectiveness of the MEC HA methodology will be evaluated, and may be updated as needed. More information on the MEC HA methodology and background can be found at the following web links.
Technical Reference Documents
- Hazard Assessment (HA) for Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC): Workgroup Briefing Book
- Table of Contents - April 15, 2004
- Section A: Introduction - April 15, 2004
- Section B: Glossary/Acronyms - April 15, 2004
- Section C: Issue Papers - April 15, 2004
- Section D: Background Material - April 15, 2004
- Unexploded Ordnance: A Critical Review of Risk Assessment Methods (PDF) (181 pp, 1.6 MB, About PDF) Exit - 2004
- MEC HA Framework Options Papers
- Paper #1: Performance Objectives and Criteria - October 7, 2004
- Paper #2: Comparison of Munitions Response Site Prioritization Protocol (MRSPP) and Initial MEC Hazard Assessment (HA) Consensus Input Factors - October 7, 2004
- Paper #2b: Is the unmodified Munitions Response Site Prioritization Protocol MRSPP adequate for a site-specific hazard assessment for munitions and explosives of concern? - October 15, 2004
- Paper #3: Recommended Input Factors - October 7, 2004
- Paper #4: Structure and Output - October 7, 2004
- Paper #5: The Role of the MEC HA in the Decision-Making Process - October 7, 2004
Outreach Efforts
- mec.ha_.matrix.updated.sept_2007.xls(1 pg, 39 K) - September 19, 2007
- Facts Sheets
- MEC HA Briefings and Presentations
- brief_usaf_prsnl_101405.ppt(66 pp, 5 MB) - October 14, 2005
- stkhldr_wrkshp_brief_092105.ppt(66 pp, 5 MB) - September 21, 2005
- brief_dod_091205.ppt(69 pp, 5 MB) - September 12, 2005
- briefing_astsw_080405.ppt(64 pp, 5 MB) - August 4, 2005
- Munitions Response Committee Briefing - October 20, 2004
- Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Briefing - October 6, 2004
Meeting Minutes
Hazard Assessment for Munitions and Explosives of Concern Workgroup Meeting Minutes
- Meeting Notes: for May 29, 30, and June 1, 2007 (Crystal City, VA)
- Work Group Agenda & Meeting Minutes: May 2-3, 2006 (Tyndall Air Force Base, FL)
- Comment Review Meeting Notes: March 28-30, 2006 (Huntsville, AL)
- Meeting Minutes: October 11-12, 2005 (Arlington, VA)
- Executive Sponsor Briefing Draft Minutes: March 30, 2005 (Washington DC)
- Executive Summary: March 29-30, 2005 (Washington, DC)
- Executive Summary: January 11-12, 2005 (Crystal City, VA)
- Executive Summary: December 16-17, 2004 (Washington DC)
- Workgroup Minutes: November 4-5, 2004 (Washington, DC)
- Workgroup Minutes: July 29-30, 2004 (Washington, DC)
- Workgroup Minutes: May 4-5, 2004 (Springfield, VA)