The Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) Program is focused on the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites that were utilized as sites for training military personnel, and testing of new weapons to ensure military readiness. However, over time these former military used sites were later returned back to public and private uses. The Department of Defense (DOD) is now responsible for the investigation and environmental restoration (cleanup) of properties that were formerly owned by, leased to or otherwise possessed by the United States, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spearheading the FUDS program.
With the CNMI being heavily involved during World War II, the islands have been utilized as defense sites. As part of the FUDS program, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers works with DEQ providing oversight during all remedial actions. As the CNMI served as a battleground throughout World War II, so much military munitions were left behind after the end of World War II, and till this day, military munitions are still being discovered and unearthed around the islands. As a way to spread awareness on the Explosives Safety and educating the community on what to do when coming across military munitions, we encourage the community to follow the "3Rs' of Explosives Safety". In addition, the "3Rs' of Explosives Safety" are made readily available at the Department of Defense website. What are munitions? Munitions are designed to be dangerous. Military personnel use our lands and waters across the United States for live-fire training and testing to defend our nation. As a result, ammo may be present on both land and in the water. No matter what you call it — ammo, explosives, UXO, duds or souvenirs — remember munitions are dangerous and can explode if approached, touched, moved or disturbed. |
RECOGNIZE - Recognize, meaning that you are seeing something, especially if you know it might potentially be a bomb, bullet, hand grenade, etc.
RETREAT - Retreat, meaning to move away. Once you recognize that you are looking at a bomb, bullet, hand grenade, or any other form of metal, move away to a safe distance. REPORT - Report, meaning to tell or respond to. Once you retreat away from the suspected bomb, bullet, hand grenade, or any other form of metal, call the BECQ-DEQ, DFEMS, or DPS. |