The history of the Dolly Sods Ordnance project was discussed along with enrollment into the FUDS program and conception and implementation of the unexploded ordnance (UXO) removal action. A presentation of geographic information system (GIS) application to the project was held which demonstrated its benefits to the Dolly Sods area, such as mapping trails and ordnance location. The public awareness and educational campaign for Dolly Sods was discussed and its importance was reiterated by presenting public use statistics for the area and risks involved with UXO.
Minutes of the Public Information Meeting
Concerning the Dolly Sods Area
Blackwater Falls Lodge, Davis, West Virginia
June 2, 2004
6:00pm – Setup for meeting begins, including preparing room, arranging handouts, and
setting up projector and computer.
7:10pm – Rick Meadows introduces meeting presenters and introduces project.
7:15pm – Frank Albert presents the history of Dolly Sods ordnance project. Frank
discusses the history of the area, enrollment in the FUDS program, and
conception and implementation of the unexploded ordnance (UXO) Removal
Action.
7:30pm – Erich Guy demonstrates the application of geographic information system
(GIS) data to the Dolly Sods project, showing examples of mapping trails and
ordnance locations with a possibility of finding firing ranges or locations. Erich
then gives a presentation on Ordnance and Explosives (OE) Recurring Review,
outlining the Aug. and Nov. 2003 field inspections. These inspections yielded
minimal erosion problems, but provoked some concerns about properly marking
trails. Some suggestions were made to mark some trails better and remove
markings on trails that had not been cleared for ordnance. The review
concluded that the 1997-98 ordnance removal action at Dolly Sods is still
protective of human health and the environment. Recommendations for
improving certain institutional controls and public awareness/education efforts
were presented. Carol Whetsell asks for a new copy of the updated UXO
warning sign, and for specific information on signs to be added and removed,
which Erich was able to provide after the meeting.
8:10pm – Nick McHenry presents advocating public awareness and education on the
Dolly Sods area. Nick discusses statistics of public use of the area and what
risks the site presents to the public. A public awareness campaign had begun in
2003 for Dolly Sods.
8:15pm – Open forum was opened for questions and statements to be made
• Rick Meadows states that the contractor has been given the go-ahead to make
informational video and area maps, but they will not be released until final
assessment. 10,000 hard copies of the maps will be distributed. A digital
version of the map will also be available for download from the USACE website.
• Rodger Ozburn asks whether Forest Service offices will get copies of map.
• Rick Meadows assures that all interested parties will receive copies of map.
• Erich Guy states that a hard copy of the “Draft Final Recurring Review Report,”
of which a digital copy has already been provided on the USACE FTP site, is
available. A hard copy is also available in the public repository located at the
USFS office in Elkins, WV, or by contacting USACE Huntington District.
• Rick Meadows inquires whether everybody received a copy of the Public
Awareness Plan. Meeting attendees reply affirmatively, but Rick gives John
Safstrom a copy, just in case. Rick then asks if anybody would like a copy of
the Recurring Review, and also gives John a copy of the Recurring Review.
• Nick McHenry passes out CDs of the May 25th 2004 version of the West
Virginia Maneuver Area Dolly Sods Region Administrative Record.
• Rick Meadows passes out promotional items, such as whistles and water bottles
with warning messages, designed as part of the public awareness/education campaign.
8:25pm – Meeting Adjourned