Kriterier for utvelgelse av nedslagsområder for ammunisjon med hvitt fosfor

The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) has on commission from The Norwegian Defence Estates Agency (FB) established guidelines for selection and approval of impact areas for smoke ammunition containing white phosphorus. The existing guidelines for the use of white phosphorus ammunition require that the impact areas must consist of dry ground and be free of snow, and that white phosphorus shall not be spread to open water sources or wet areas. However, more detailed directions of how to select suitable impact areas for white phosphorus ammunition are required. The Army has announced an increasing need for practising with smoke ammunition and it is necessary to approve new impact areas for the use of white phosphorus ammunition. Prior to the firing of white phosphorous ammunition in Giskås firing range in 2015, an assessment was performed in order to select the most suitable area for white phosphorus ammunition in the impact area for mortars. The assessment consisted of a visual inspection of the proposed impact areas and detailed studies of maps and aerial photos. This procedure and an evaluation of the method used have been a base for the criteria that have been developed for further use. For the firings in 2015 a minimum distance between the impact areas to surface water was set to 120 meters. New safety distances have been recommended based on a new evaluation that considers the uncertainties related to the weapons system, the environmental conditions, and distribution of white phosphorus from the detonation point. A safety distance to surface water is now set to 220 meters, while the safety distance to marshland without surface water is set to 170 meters. For artillery ammunition the corresponding distances are 330 and 230 meters respectively. Prior to a recommendation of an impact area for white phosphorus ammunition, a risk assessment is necessary. The ground and soil in impact areas need to be characterized in order to assure good drainage. Visual inspection of the area is necessary, often several times and preferably after a period of heavy rain to evaluate the moisture content. After firings, it is recommended to monitor the area for contamination of white phosphorus. To warn people who occasionally visit the area, a sign should be set up to inform about possible pollution of the ground and water sources. Target markers should be placed in the center of the impact areas to make them visible from either the firing point or the observation point. Impact areas are not recommended as grazing areas. FFI recommends the use of proximity fuses with white phosphorus ammunition. This will prevent craters on the ground, reduce the amount of residues and increase the amount of smoke. It is strictly necessary to adjust the firings with high explosive (HE) shells.