Constructing a BMP or best management practices plan for their lead reclamation plan is essential for any shooting range. This plan will differ from range to range and depend upon patrons. Gun ranges where children will periodically be present, for example, must keep their lead levels down to a specific level that is lower than adult-only ranges. A best management practice is based on use of readily available equipment and/or technology. The EPA has guidelines to follow and gun ranges should stick to providing the best possible facilities for their patrons while leaving lead reclamation to a third-party. MT2 has been using the right tools and resources for effective and thorough lead reclamation for fifteen years!
Why lead reclamation? This dense and corrosion-resistant semi-soft metal has been historically been used to make everything from pipes to plates, however it is toxic. It is known that high levels of lead in soils damage the central nervous system and devastate soils. While shooting ranges will usually not accumulate enough lead to pose any sufficient danger to individuals, the possibility for lead build-up is still very real. Consistent and thorough lead remediation efforts will often produce enough lead for re-use. Lead is a nonferrous metal, meaning that it can be recycled many times.
MT2 offers free firing range audits and project assessments for firing ranges in addition to other innovative services that most lead reclamation companies don’t provide. Our recent efforts to further protect environmental resources have improved water resources in addition to providing a more sustainable reputation for the range making use of these services. Lead shot reclamation for water surrounding ranges will not only boost management practices for ranges, but also protect from future liability issues such as citizen lawsuits, for example.
Let Us Get the Lead Out of Your Firing Range
A few characteristics of lead: abundant, multi-purpose, inexpensive. However, “used” or “spent” lead allowed to remain on a firing range? Dangerous! What possible danger does used lead present if not removed?
- Environmental hazard. The danger of lead contamination for humans, warned about by the media, prompted legislation which outlaws its presence in common applications, notably paint. At gun ranges the lead slug remaining after a gun discharges will leach its toxins into the area. Allowed to remain there, it provides the environment (and hence the community) no benefit.
However, the greatest danger causes harm instantly:
- Bullet ricochet. Unremoved lead at a gun range is a surface that a bullet in motion can use to bounce off and head for unintended targets. Like people. This possibility can harm or kill a person immediately, as opposed to gradual lead poisoning. Quick and thorough removal of these lead remnants will go a long way to help prevent bullet ricochets at gun ranges. A bullet can ricochet off of numerous objects at a gun range and elsewhere. If you’d like a brief refresher course about firearm safety as it relates to ricochets go to this webpage.
Lead removal from a gun range protects not only the general public, but also law enforcement personnel whose life and livelihood depend on firearm expertise. That needed skill comes from numerous visits to gun ranges. We recognize the value to society of a well-trained and healthy law enforcement community. Our full line of lead removal services for gun ranges includes lead fragment removal, range maintenance, improvements, and airborne lead abatement.
We’ve also developed relationships with lead recyclers so the lead we reclaim and recycle receives a premium financial return for you. For the sake of public safety and your own bottom line, please contact us today for immediate information on our industry-leading gun range services!
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