DSHW-2006-006192 - 0901a0688015975a

ATK
ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS
ATK Thiokollnc. Tel [phone]
P.O. Box 707 Fax [phone]
Brigham Cily. UT 81302-0707
September 18, 2006
8200-FY07-044
Dennis R. Downs SEP 1 8 2006
Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste 0^-03^10/
Department of Environmental Quality ^I^^ ^'yi^E^^^f ^
P. O. Box 144880 SOLID & HAZARDOUS WASTE
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4880
Attention: Bill Walner, Jeff Vandel
Subject: Emergency Permit #UT054-2006, to Detonate an Unearthed Container of
Suspected HP2(hydrazine di perch lorute), at T-75. EPA ID #UTD009081357
ATK Thiokol-Promontory contacted the State (Mr. Bill Walner) on Friday September 15
10 request an emergency permit to detonate in-place, one container of potential explosive.
The container was uncovered during construction of a control bunker in the T-75 area on
September 13, 2006. The control bunker will be designated as T-75E when complete.
A 30 gallon metal drum was discovered while excavating footings for the bunker. The
backhoe aceidenlally knocked off the lid, which was setting loose over the drum. Inside
the drum was what appeai-ed to be a 5 gallon metal bucket with two wires coming out of
the lid. Upon discovery of this container, all work was halted, while an investigation took
place.
The investigation uncovered a 1964 report which discussed thermal testing performed in
this area, and inside containers configured similar to what was discovered. Based on this
report, there was likely another smaller container inside the 5 gallon bucket, which could
contain HP2. HP2 is a shock sensitive 1.1 explosive. If the inner can contained the HP2,
it could have been as much as 35 lbs.
The permit to detonate this container in-place, was issued by the State on September 15,
and was based on our recommendation that this was the only safe method to manage the
container which might contained the HP2 explosive. Treatment of this container was
conducted on September 15 at about 11:00 am, and was successful. Soil samples were
taken near the 30 gallon drum before and after treatment, in an effort to identify the
possible contents of the container.
Thanks for your help and cooperation in issuing this emergency permit to allow us to
safely treat the potential explosive waste. If you have any question or need additional
clarification, please contact Gene Curtis of my staff at [phone].
Smcerely, ^^
David P. Gosen, P.E.
Director^ Environmental Services