As Single Manager for Conventional Ammunitions, the U.S. Army is responsible for demilitarizing excess, obsolete, or unserviceable conventional munitions. Munitions that cannot be recycled are disposed of by open burning and open detonation (OBOD) which is regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and requires permitting under Subpart X. Due to the cost of permitting and managing OBOD units, the Army is seeking to reduce Subpart X permits. This report evaluates the cost effectiveness and feasibility of consolidating Army OBOD operations. A cost comparison assessed two alternatives during the FY98-FY03 budget. The no-action alternative considered costs for completing the permitting process and operations and maintenance (O&M) for OBOD units at 32 installations. The consolidation alternative considered O&M and permit costs at 22 installations and costs for transporting and receiving munitions. The analysis concluded that consolidation could save an estimated $33.1 million; these savings would offset some costs for closure of units; and noncost factors must be considered in implementing consolidation. It was recommended that the Army environmental strategic action plan working group continue educating on the costs and liabilities of Subpart X permits; develop a strategy for implementing OBOD consolidation; and, lead the tri-Service OBOD consolidation efforts.

Final rept.,