Location and Description: The Former
Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range is 20 miles southeast of Denver,
Colorado and encompasses approximately 100 square miles of land. It was
utilized from 1942 until 1963 for various inert
and live munitions training exercises at
numerous bombing and gunnery targets across
the site.
Problem and Response: There are 15
munitions response sites (MRSs) or areas of interest (AOIs) on FLBGR. Munitions
response actions at 12 of these sites are complete, except for the proposed plan and
decision documents. Numerous live and inert munitions have been identified at each
MRS. Development (residential, commercial, recreation) of the range continues to
increase in intensity, requiring extensive communications with ongoing munitions
response actions. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters has
committed to funding the munitions response actions at a level of $8 million per year.
The current schedule to complete based on this funding level is five years.
Activities for 2015: Munitions response
actions will continue where needed. A
preliminary assessment to delineate the
range will be completed, as will a remedial
investigation of approximately 5000 acres, allowing further delineation of the range.
Proposed Activities for 2016: Munitions response actions will continue at the
Rocket Range MRS, General Munitions MRS, 20mm Range Fan, Circle of Bricks AOI,
and the newly discovered Black Shack MRS and FV-05 AOI. These actions will include remediation and reporting.
Issues and other information: The project is highly visible and development
encroachment is a concern. Strong positive relationships have been developed
between USACE and stakeholders.