Accession Number:

ADA587497

Title:

Copper-Based Torpedo Guidance Wire: Applications and Environmental Considerations

Descriptive Note:

fINAL REPT.

Corporate Author:

SPACE AND NAVAL WARFARE SYSTEMS CENTER PACIFIC SAN DIEGO CA

Personal Author(s):

• wope, B.
• McDonald, J.

Report Date:

2013-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

76.0

Abstract:

Military expended materials MEM are items abandoned in the marine environment after use during Navy training and testing exercises. A better understanding of the potential environmental impacts of these materials is needed to ensure regulatory compliance required for continued and uninterrupted training and testing in support of the Navy warfighter. Copper-based guidance wire identified as a MEM of concern. The goal of this study was to define and evaluate potential environmental impacts related to copper-based guidance wire left at sea. This report focuses on potential impacts due to copper-based torpedo guidance wire, although results and recommendations hold true for additional guidance wire with similar specifications. Copper based torpedo guidance wire presents little to no environmental risk at the Navy training ranges currently using them. The potential impacts of previously expended guidance wire should have no near or long term negative affects to marine water and sediment quality, as well as marine animals found within the training ranges. The continued use of guidance wire in similar scope and formulation as evaluated herein should not present any future deleterious environmental impacts.

Descriptors:

• *AQUATIC ANIMALS
• *COPPER
• *ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• *WIRE
• ABRASION
• CHEMICALS
• DEGRADATION
• HAZARDS
• IN SITU ANALYSIS
• LEACHING
• MATHEMATICAL MODELS
• PLASTIC COATINGS
• SINKING
• STRENGTH(MECHANICS)
• THREATS
• TORPEDOES
• TOXICITY

Subject Categories:

• Biological Oceanography
• Properties of Metals and Alloys
• Environmental Health and Safety

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE