Impacts on soil and groundwater and best practice recommendations for shooting ranges
Abstract
Soil and groundwater contamination caused by anthropogenic activities is a complex and costly issue, particularly in shooting ranges, where ammunition residues, upon fragmenting, can pollute the soil and aquifers. Growing awareness of the environmental responsibility of shooting training centers demands the development of strategies to mitigate this pollution and ensure the safety of users and the environment. However, prevention and control measures for this activity remain limited. Facilities using wooden backstops, tires, and earthen berms fail to comply with safety standards, increasing the dispersion of contaminants in the environment, especially heavy metals. The high costs and lengthy recovery times for these areas, particularly when groundwater contamination occurs, underscore the importance of prevention. This study aims to highlight the environmental impacts associated with shooting ranges, particularly on soil and groundwater, and propose best practice recommendations to mitigate these impacts and improve the safety and sustainability of these facilities.
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