Innovative Environmental Data Management System Facilitates UXO Data Collection and Management at Fort A.P. Hill Virginia

Transcription

1 Innovative Environmental Data Management System Facilitates UXO Data Collection and Management at Fort A.P. Hill Virginia Robert G. Davis Range Officer Fort A.P. Hill Bowling Green, Virginia USA Michael F. Warminsky, PE - Technical Director AMEC Earth & Environment, Inc. Somerset, New Jersey USA mike.warminsky@amec.com John B. Emmett Senior GIS Analyst AMEC Earth & Environment, Inc. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA john.emmett@amec.com Objective The Environmental Data Management System (EDMS) was developed to provide best data management and inventory practices to increase safety and efficiency when dealing with Unexploded Ordnance (UXO). EDMS couples a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) with a backpack Global Positioning System (GPS) unit to allow for real-time data/gps coordinate acquisition and point of entry (POI) data management. This combination facilitates data collection, thereby reducing potential personnel exposure while expediting project schedules. Abstract Live fire training is required to maintain Department of Defense (DoD) mission readiness. This training function has evolved over the years as mission requirements have dictated. To ensure training keeps pace with mission requirements, firing ranges must evolve as well. However, with continued restrictions being placed on the Army s training lands, the need has arisen to retrofit existing ranges to meet the new training mission. Retrofitting existing or historical live fire ranges deems that work will be performed in existing and/or former impact areas, exposing personnel to potential UXO. The Environmental Data Management System (EDMS), as successfully demonstrated during the Fort A.P. Hill Range 33 scrap inventory, addresses safety and management concerns when working around and with UXO. EDMS enables: (1) Comprehensive inventory; (2) Selective scrap removal; (3) Accelerated construction; (4) Accurate as-built information for future reference. A comprehensive and accurate inventory of existing scrap at Range 33 combined with a high-resolution LIDAR-based aerial survey allowed for increased safety and efficiency. Proper control and management of data ensured that only necessary scrap and UXO would be cleared. This efficiency enabled a fixed price procurement from UXO/DEMIL remediation subs, and will also ensure that personnel will receive minimum exposure to UXO, increasing safety on the project. This paper is a case study of techniques applied to range design and transformation at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. EDMS Deployment For UXO Support And Management 1

2 Background Fort A.P. Hill is located in Caroline County, Virginia approximately 20 miles southeast of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Range 33 at Fort A.P. Hill is currently used for anti-armor and live-fire range training for small arms to 25 millimeters (mm); direct-lay 60 mm mortars; and direct-fire 105 mm howitzers, and consists of approximately 100 acres. In order to meet future training requirements at Fort A.P. Hill, as defined in the Installation s Range and Training Land Program Range Development Plan (RTLP- RDP), the scope of work (SOW) for this project involved, as the first phase (Phase I) Ordnance and Explosives (OE) and construction support for conversion of Range 33 to a five (5)-lane Multi-Purpose Machine Gun Range (MPMGR) with a five (5)-lane Sniper Field Fire Range (SFFR) overlay. The lanes extend to a distance of approximately 1,300 meters (m) down range, and vary from a total width of approximately 100 m wide at the firing line to approximately 500 m wide at the 1,300-m distance as detailed in Figure 1. In all, the proposed range will occupy approximately 40 hectares (98.84 acres). This updated range is being designed by the Fort A.P. Hill Directorate of Public Works (DPW), with OE and construction support provided by AMEC under this current SOW. Figure 1 Range 33 Layout Project Overview The scope of work for this task order was to conduct the initial site survey, data collection, and plan preparation to support range transformation. The goal of the project was to achieve training realism with minimal site disturbance, and to maintain a natural terrain while incorporating the equipment and buildings necessary for the updated range. In addition, the ultimate range transformation would need to be broken down into phases to match available funding. To complete the conversion, existing hard targets had to be removed, as they interfered with new target array emplacement, or line of sight (LOS) to the new target arrays. In addition, the new target emplacements footprints, as well as access ways to the new target emplacements for construction and maintenance, had to be cleared of any unexploded ordnance (UXO) prior to commencement of construction. To facilitate procurement of UXO removal services in advance of construction, a target inventory/uxo survey was completed. In addition, the new target array EDMS Deployment For UXO Support And Management 2

3 emplacements were field staked to allow for visual inspection of the proposed range layout, and afford visual reference for subsequent UXO removal crews. Innovative techniques and equipment were used to minimize field time, and hence potential exposure to UXO. Existing Hard Target Inventory AMEC field personnel collected inventory data for existing hard targets and scrap fragments within Range 33 of Fort A.P. Hill. This work was done 20 January 2004 to 23 January In summary, a total of 162 hard targets and scrap fragments were located and logged within Range 33. Field data recording consisted of assigning a unique tracking number to each hard target/scrap fragment, recording pre-assigned descriptive properties, and marking each target with waterproof paint. In addition, Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates were logged and digital photos were taken of each target/fragment. Upon completion of fieldwork and data reduction, AMEC submitted the data to Fort A.P. Hill staff. AMEC prepared an overlay of the data with existing drawings to prioritize targets for removal. Prior to each day s fieldwork, a tailgate safety meeting was conducted to review safety policies and procedures. Additionally, on-site personnel were required to meet at Range Control each day to sign out, receive keys for the range, and to retrieve a hand-held radio to establish communications with Range Control personnel. At the close of each working day, a daily report was filled out and signed by the Fort A.P. Hill POC. DATA ACQUISITION: Data acquisition was done using a handheld computer equipped with a GPS receiver. Data relating to discovered targets, along with geographic coordinates, were recorded into an established data format as shown in Table 1. The data workflow is depicted in Figure 2. GPS DATA COLLECTION: Submeter accuracy is required for target/fragment locations. Therefore, an onsite base station was utilized to provide more accurate reference data for the differential correction of the target/fragment locations. A Palm Tungsten T3 handheld computer, equipped with a mobile GPS receiver, was used to store coordinate data associated with the Tracking Number. Survey Hard Targets Data Acquisition ESTABLISH DATA FORMAT: The target/fragment data were collected into a database with the attributes shown in Table 1 (at end of document). Pre-defined data fields were used to quickly characterize each Data Reduction Data Plot Figure 2: Data Workflow Client Assessment for Target Removal EDMS Deployment For UXO Support And Management 3

4 target/fragment based on such pertinent items as UXO, asbestos, batteries, tires, and fluids that require special handling during the removal process. TARGET DATA ENTRY: The descriptive target data, as shown in Table 1, were then entered into the handheld computer through a customized electronic form. All required data fields in the data structure were populated while conditional fields were populated only when the condition was met. Data fields that required valid values only accepted approved values that were contained in the valid value lists established for the project. DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS: Each target was photographed using a digital camera and logged in accordance with an associated Tracking Number. The photograph file name was entered into the customized electronic form and was associated with the Tracking Number. DATA REDUCTION: The data collected in the field were transferred from the handheld computer to a database, and all photographs and GPS data were post-processed and stored daily. Data were removed from the handheld each day to free up disk space on the handheld computer. GPS DOWNLOAD/DIFFERENTIAL CORRECTIONS: The GPS data were downloaded to the database and differential corrections applied based upon the base station data. Differential corrections ensured the positional accuracy to within +/- one meter. DATA DOWNLOAD: The data format within the data recorder is transferable directly into Microsoft Access, and the GPS coordinates were matched to each unique identifier. PHOTOGRAPH PROCESSING: Default camera file names were renamed to match the Tracking Number. The photograph-naming format used was Tracking Number_Photo Number, for example, 0001_1.jpg. DATA PLOT: All field collected and corrected data were converted into a geographic information system (GIS) format. A standard GIS format speeds the process of creating overlays for the Fort A.P. Hill staff. Figure 3 represents a plot of all of the targets overlaid on a site map of Range 33. GIS FORMAT: All preliminary plotting and GIS data conversion was performed using ESRI s ArcGIS 8.3. DATA DELIVERY: A sample of the tabular summary of the target inventory is included as Table 2. DATA QA/QC: To ensure data quality during collection, the field team was divided into two (2) field crews. Crew 1 initiated the inventory by assigning target numbers, maintaining a field log with Figure 3 Range/Target Overlay EDMS Deployment For UXO Support And Management 4

5 manual notations, and photo documenting each target. Crew 2 followed Crew 1, and entered all data into the database, including the target number and description of the target. At the end of each day, Crew 2 reconciled their data, matching electronic data to the digital photo file and field notes of Crew 1. In all cases, the files/inventory checked without variance. TARGET PRIORITIZATION: In order to accommodate pricing options for scrap removal and demilitarization, a twophase priority listing of hard targets was developed. Priority I targets are any targets that interfere directly with new targetry emplacement, or line of sight LOS to new targetry emplacement. To model this, azimuth lines were run from each firing point to each target location. These azimuth lines are shown on Figure 4. Any target falling within a 3- meter distance of these azimuth lines was categorized as Priority I; any additional targets were categorized as Priority II. Figure 4 Range/Priority I Overlay Summary The data acquisition was successful in that all work was completed safely, without incident. Coupling the technologies reduced the field time, and hence potential UXO exposure to about half of that for traditional field data collection, with a corresponding decrease in the cost for data acquisition. Additionally, the data was easy to manage, and enabled accelerated completion of bid documents for ultimate scrap/demil subcontractor pricing. Also, the data presented to contractors in electronic format was very thorough, resulting in lower than anticipated scrap/demil bids, and the prioritization of target removal allowed the work to be phased to match available funding. EDMS Deployment For UXO Support And Management 5

6 Table 1 Data Format Short Name VVL Req'd Description TRACKING_NO No Yes TRACKING NUMBER [AutoNumber] Unique number assigned to a Target discovery. FIELD_TECH Yes Yes FIELD TECHNICIAN [C10] Code for name of the field technician performing the target discovery. SURVEY_DATE No Yes SURVEY DATE [MM/DD/YYYY] Date that the target was discovered. RANGE/SECTOR_ID Yes Yes RANGE/SECTOR ID [C25] Unique value given to a range/sector on the installation. DISPOSAL Yes Yes DISPOSAL [C8] Place where target was disposed of. DESCRIPTION Yes Yes DESCRIPTION [C10] Description of the target material discovered. X_COORD No Yes X_COORD [N10,2] X Coordinate of target material obtained from the Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Coordinates are expressed in UTM NAD83 meters. Y_COORD No Yes Y_COORD [N10,2] Y Coordinate of target material obtained from the Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Coordinates are expressed in UTM NAD83 meters. ELEVATION No Yes ELEVATION [N6,1] Elevation of target obtained from the Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. Elevation expressed in UTM NAD83 meters. WEIGHT No Opt WEIGHT [N6,2] Estimated weight, in pounds, of the target material discovered. Enter a value only if material will be disposed of, leave blank otherwise. VOLUME No Opt VOLUME [N6,2] Estimated volume, in cubic yards, of the target material discovered. Enter a value only if material will be disposed of, leave blank otherwise. UXO_PRESENT No Yes UXO_PRESENT [Y/N] Whether the target had UXO present. Value of "Y" indicates that UXO material was found at target while a value of "N" indicates that no UXO material was found at target. ASBESTOS_PRESENT No Yes ASBESTOS_PRESENT [Y/N] Whether Asbestos was found at target. Value of "Y" indicates that asbestos was found at target while a values of "N" indicates that no asbestos was found at target. ASBESTOS_QUANT No Cond ASBESTOS_QUANT [N6,2] Estimated volume, in cubic inches, of asbestos found at target. BATTERIES_PRESENT No Yes BATTERIES_PRESENT [Y/N] Whether batteries were found at target. Value of "Y" indicates that batteries were found at target while a values of "N" indicates that no batteries were found at target. BATTERIES_QUANT No Cond BATTERIES_QUANT [N6,2] Estimated number of batteries found at target. TIRES_PRESENT No Yes TIRES_PRESENT [Y/N] Whether tires were found at target. Value of "Y" indicates that tires were found at target while a values of "N" indicates that no tires were found at target. TIRES_QUANT No Cond TIRES_QUANT [N6,2] Estimated number of tires found at target. FLUIDS_PRESENT No Yes FLUIDS_PRESENT [Y/N] Whether fluids were found at target. Value of "Y" indicates that fluids were found at target while a values of "N" indicates that no fluids were found at target. FLUIDS_QUANT No Cond FLUIDS_QUANT [N6,2] Estimated volume, in liters, of fluids found at target. COMMENTS No Opt COMMENTS [C100] Textual description to provide additional information about the target discovered, if necessary. PHOTO_NAME No Yes PHOTO_NAME [20] Name of the digital photo file. EDMS Deployment For UXO Support And Management 6

7 Table 2: Target Survey Data (Sample) Tracking_No Weight Volume UXO_Present Asbestos_Present Batteries_Present Tires_Present Fluids_Present FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE 3 FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE TRUE TRUE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE EDMS Deployment For UXO Support And Management 7