DSHW-2006-012151 - 0901a06880425b58

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I
Launch Systems Group
P.O. Box 707
Brigham City, Utah 84302
www.atk.com
September 29, 2006
8200-FY07-052
Dennis R. Downs
Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Department of Environmental Quality
P. 0. Box 144880
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4880
HAND DEL~VERED
Ob .03~...19
SEP 2 9 2006
UTAH DIVISION OF
SOLID & HAZARDOUS WASTE
RE: Subject: Request for Emergency Permit to Burn Aircraft Dropped or
Ground Launched Flares in Place at the Kosmo Test Range, ATK Thiokol-
Promontory
Dear Mr. Downs,
ATK Thiokol-Promontory requests a 90-day emergency permit to bum aircraft dropped
and ground launched flares in-place ifthey fail to ignite, partially ignite or are otherwise
deemed unsafe after deployment.
A TK Thiokol currently has contracts in place with the Department of Defense to
manufacture flares over the next two years, and possibly longer. This contract includes
regular testing of flares. The test requirements mandate flare deployment in the method
they were designed. This means they must be ground launched or dropped from aircraft,
to simulate actual field conditions. A small percentage of these flares do not deploy as
designed, and may land partially or completely un-burned. As a result ofthis anomaly,
the ignition system may become compromised, making it un-safe to move the flare. A TK
Thiokol's Test Services and the Safety Department have determined that the only safe way
to handle these un-burned flares is to bum them in-place.
Testing of these flares is conducted between Salt Wells Flat and Monument Point in Box
Elder County, in an area commonly called Kosmo. ATK Thiokol has an agreement issued
by the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands to perform these tests. The special use
lease agreement number is 30000038.
The flares to be tested and covered under this permit include the LUU-19, LUU-1, LUU2-
C/B, M257, M278. These flares range in weight from 5 to 30 lbs. and contain various
combinations of the following ingredients:
• sodium nitrate
• magnesium powder
·:-· ..
• potassium nitrate
• cesium nitrate
• silicon
• hexamine
• polyester binder
After the tests or burning in-place is complete, the flare residue and debris is collected and
transported to our Promontory facility for proper disposal.
A TK Thiokol will notify the following agencies prior to each use ofthis permit, or as
directed by the agency:
• Box Elder Fire Marshall's Office
• Bear River Health Department
• Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands
Upon expiration of this emergency permit, ATK Thiokol will prepare a report of our
activities, and request a new permit for an additional 90 days to allow continued testing at
the Kosmo range. To help simplify tracking of the expiration date of this permit, we
request that it become effective on October 1, 2006 and run on a calendar quarterly basis
or as close to the quarter as possible.
Thanks for your help and cooperation in enabling us to manage these un-burned flares in a
safe and responsible manner. If you have any question or need additional clarification,
please contact Gene Curtis ofmy staff at [phone].
Sincerely, ~-:1--
Director, Environmental Services
c: JeffVandel, DSHW