Municipal firing ranges, including those used for law enforcement training and not open to the public, need to have a lead remediation plan.
While the Environmental Protect Agency (EPA) doesn’t approve shooting ranges or lead management on the ranges, the agency is concerned about it. The federal agency created the report, “Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges,” to discuss how to handle lead on ranges. The report spells out procedures and processes range operators should follow. At the same time, the report cautions it is not the final word on lead and shooting ranges.
“Following the steps set forth in this guidance should result in compliance with applicable regulations. EPA does not make any guarantee or assume any liability with respect to the use of any information or recommendations contained in this document,” the report’s opening statement reads. “This guidance does not constitute rulemaking by the EPA and may not be relied on to create a substantive or procedural right or benefit enforceable, at law or in equity, by any person.”
Any municipal government that’s had dealings with the EPA knows the difficulty in managing permits, meeting the requirements and understanding the regulations. Regulations are also subject to change, especially when the administration changes in Washington.
Just following the recommendations in this EPA report may be more than small municipalities can handle. With tight budgets and employees in the public works department already stretched thin, finding the time to handle lead at a firing range is next to impossible. Add to this the fact that lead is a heavy metal. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has a list of safety regulations for people who do handle lead.
That’s a lot of rules and regulations to understand and implement.
MT2 offers firing range remediation services to the federal government agencies all the way down to small rural cities. If you are part of a local government with firing range, whether open to the public or not, contact us to discuss EPA-accepted remediation plans. Avoid the problems with lead and a firing range by letting the experts handle it.
Environmental Firing Range Services
Environmental awareness permeates every part of modern life. From pollution to excessive waste of precious resources, there are systematic ways to ensure that we, as human beings, are doing our part to cut down on our contribution to environmental adversity. Environmental firing range services are important for companies providing people with the space they need to practice self-defense. Sustainability and best practices will not only strengthen your business brand, but it can also save money, and prevent inefficiency within the company. We offer a wide range of Firing Range Services for indoor and outdoor shooting sites.
Lead reclamation and indoor range maintenance are two very specific methods that help ranges achieve lower expenditures. Reclaimed lead can be recycled, and depending upon the state you’re located, even earn credits with sustainability programs. Reduction of airborne lead and general lead waste can cut down on potential health problems for employees. MT2 is experienced in offering these services and more.
Outdoor gun range maintenance is especially important due to potential soil contamination from fired bullets. We have a high rate of lead recovery from soils in outdoor ranges, and expertise in off-site lead handling due to our highly specialized equipment. Keeping soils in healthy shape not only benefit the environment, but the employees and customers of the range as well. Our relationships with lead recycling facilities allow us to recycle your lead for a great price. We know OSHA, NRA, NSSF regulations and best businesses practices that will keep your firing range, whether inside, outside, up to environmental and safety standards, so contact us for consulting on environmental shooting range services.
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