Iowa Army Ammunition Plant takes proactive steps for safe storage of hazardous material
The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant announced today that it is taking proactive measures to ensure the continued safety of its workforce and the local community by seeking a permit for the storage of lead azide.
The material was stored on-site for production purposes. However, as it is no longer needed for production, it has been reclassified as hazardous waste. In accordance with federal regulations, IAAAP filed a request with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for an emergency Resource Conservation and Recovery Act permit to formally manage the material under its new designation while a permanent, safe disposal method is developed.
To mitigate any potential risk, the material will continue to be stored in earth-covered magazines designed for the secure storage of explosive materials. The new emergency permit ensures the plant maintains regulatory compliance and continues to manage the explosive hazard safely.
“The safety of our personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment is our absolute top priority,” said Lt. Col. Daniel V. Nosse, commander of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. “This emergency permit action is a formal step in our ongoing commitment to managing this material responsibly. We are working closely with the EPA and adhering to safety protocols to ensure this situation is handled with the utmost care.”
IAAAP is committed to keeping the public informed on the path forward.