The Environmental and Readiness Center (EandRC) at the MMR was created in January 2001 by the Massachusetts National Guard in order to provide the expertise and resources necessary to follow through on an important commitment - to provide realistic training for National Guard soldiers while protecting the natural and cultural resources at Camp Edwards .
The E&RC employs professionals working in the areas of natural resources management, environmental compliance, cultural resources, community outreach, hazardous waste handling and reduction, and training asset improvements.
|
The Annual State of the Reservation Report is now available on our Publications page. The report details military and environmental protection activity in the training area at Camp Edwards during the 2009 training year.
Camp Edwards Gains Approval for Grenade Simulator
A new simulated hand grenade has been approved for use at Camp Edwards. 
These devices are the closest simulation to the real thing available and will help create the confusion associated with realistic battle conditions. The Massachusetts National Guard is committed to providing the best pre-mobilization training available to ensure its soldiers are well prepared for combat missions and as part of that commitment, the Guard announced in 2008 its intent to pursue the use of newly-reformulated pyrotechnic simulators in training at Camp Edwards. These new pyrotechnics will enhance the realism of pre-mobilization training at Camp Edwards
In 1997, the use of artillery and grenade simulator devices at Camp Edwards was suspended after the Environmental Protection Agency issued an Administrative Order due to concerns regarding impacts to the environment. The Camp Edwards training area sits over an underground drinking water supply for the communities surrounding the base. One of the constituents in the pyrotechnics, perchlorate, was of particular concern due to its solubility and its potential effects on human health.
The M116A1 Hand Grenade Simulator has been reformulated by the Dept of the Army and is now perchlorate free. The basic reformulation is primarily composed of environmentally benign, biodegradable constituents. Camp Edwards will be the first base in the country to use the new grenade simulator.
The Guard's Environmental & Readiness Center and Headquarters Camp Edwards worked with state and federal environmental regulatory agencies, the Environmental Management Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency through an approval process with the goal for grenade simulator use approval in time for Annual Training this spring. The Guard's expert technical review confirm that training can be done while protecting the drinking water supply and wildlife habitat. Approval for the use of the grenade simulators was issued by both environmental agencies on March 24th, 2010.
