There are estimated to be over 2,000 closed or transferred military ranges that may contain unexploded ordnance (UXO). ERDC is developing technologies for the rapid, cost-effective detection and discrimination of UXO. This work is being conducted under the umbrella of the U.S. Army Environmental Quality Technology (EQT) Program and involves partners in the ERDC Environmental Laboratory, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, and the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.

During FY03-FY05, the ERDC plans to improve UXO target detection and discrimination. This will result in cost savings by providing greater detection and discrimination capabilities and reducing the costs of UXO removal. The probabilities of UXO detection and anomaly (clutter) rejection will be increased, while the probability of false negatives will be minimized. The work at ERDC will also result in a safer working environment for explosive ordnance clearing teams, and a greater public sector and regulatory acceptance of UXO range remediation programs.