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9.B.1. PUBLIC DISCUSSION ITEM - ARMY CORPS OF <br />ENGINEERS REPORT ON BURIED ORDNANCE ON SOUTH BEACH <br />Emergency Services Director Doug Wright reported that the ACOE is continuing to <br />mitigate the military ordnance problem in the south beach area. Robert Bridgers and Carl <br />Blankenship from the ACOE were present to report on their findings on beaches in the south <br />county through the use of magnetic imaging equipment. <br />Robert Bridgers, from the Jacksonville District ACOE, and Project Manager for the <br />clean up of the former U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base in Ft. Pierce, reported that they <br />had returned to the site in January 1998 and surveyed the beach using some new equipment <br />to do a Magnetic Anomaly survey of the area. There were a large number of anomalies <br />located and the ACOE has issued some additional warning brochures for the public and the <br />media to be aware of possible danger. They will be digging up some of the anomalies to <br />determine whether or not they are ordnance items. <br />(CLERK'S NOTE: A copy of the brochure as well as a set of <br />photos submitted have been placed with the back up for the <br />meeting.) <br />Using an overhead projector, Carl Blankenship, from Huntsville, Alabama ACOE, <br />ordnance and explosive experts, displayed and discussed the mapping they had done in <br />January in coordination with the U.S. Navy. They have with them the Navy Research Lab <br />from Washington, D.C., which built the machine, and Dr. James MacDonald who invented <br />the new machine. The photos tell where metal is located. They intend to go to the areas and <br />dig the anomalies, compile that information, and then do a computer analysis to give a good <br />insight of what they need to dig up from the beach. The operation does not include any <br />evacuations or closings of streets at this time, but, if necessary to detonate any ordnance, <br />those activities would be coordinated with the Emergency Services Department. <br />Commissioner Adams asked how far into the water this equipment would perform, <br />and Mr. Blankenship stated that it only goes to low tide. The equipment, as presently <br />designed does not work in the water. They did stage their work with the benefit of tide <br />charts. <br />March 17,1998 <br />