Lead distribution on a public shotgun range

A detailed study has been made of the distribution of lead on a public shotgun range in the George Washington – Jefferson National Forests in southwestern Virginia. Sampling of more than 100 sites has yielded data on the distribution pattern of the lead shot. Since opening in 1993 through 2000, 11.1 metric tons (t) of lead have been accumulated over an area 220×300 m (66,000 m2) with an average rate of accumulation of 1.4 t/year. More than 85% of the total dispersed lead lies scattered in the forest that surrounds the approximately 60×60-m cleared shooting surface. Lead is irregularly distributed because of the use of stationary targets and the general trajectory of launched clay targets. Maximum concentrations occur at distances of ~28, ~80, and ~180 m, and reach a maximum value of more than 5,000 g/m2. Significant amounts of fine particulate lead, generated during shooting and as a result of impact occur close to the shooting box, but are absent at distances beyond 50 m.