The Environmental Effects of Underwater Explosions with Methods to Mitigate Impacts

Abstract : In- or near-water use of explosives (i.e., construction or demolition projects; ordinance testing and disposal; as well as, harbor maintenance projects; and use of explosives during training exercises) can adversely affect significant aquatic ecosystems or organisms. Many of the potential environmental problems associated with use of explosives in aquatic environments are unique to the Department of Defense (i.e. ordinance testing & training). The literature on blasting effects is obscure and would be difficult to gather in a timely fashion by environmental planners and resource managers attempting to practice good stewardship of Department of Defense managed water resources. The goal of this manual is to provide resource planners/managers with information, which allow quick assessments of potential problems associated with underwater explosive use. This handbook summarizes available literature (e.g., published, state and Federal reports) on the environmental effects of underwater explosions and provides information on the potential use of mitigative strategies to reduce impacts to significant biological systems and species. Chapter 1 outlines natural resource agency concerns and regulatory authority concerning explosive use. Chapter 2 provides information concerning explosives, the physics of explosions, and how explosives react in various media. It is not the intent of this chapter to provide an exhaustive review of the physics of explosions. We have attempted to provide enough information to make the chapters on environmental effects more understandable. The effects of underwater explosions on aquatic plants (Chapter 3), aquatic invertebrates (Chapter 4), fish (Chapter 5), amphibians and reptiles (Chapter 6), aquatic mammals (Chapter 7) are reviewed. Chapter 8 provides information on mitigation techniques to reduce adverse environmental effects of underwater explosions.