Undersøkelse av ammunisjonsrelatert forurensning i Halkavarre skyte- og øvingsfelt

In 2008 and 2009, the munitions-related contamination in sediments, water and fish in three selected lakes in Halkavarre firing range were assessed. The studies were conducted in the Store Russevann, Nedre Bejavann and Melkevann, all located in or in close proximity to target areas for shells with WP. There were no traces or low concentrations of the analyzed compounds. Based on the results, it was concluded that the levels of white phosphorus, metals and explosives are low, and no risk to humans using these areas for recreation were identified. As a follow up of this study, the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency (Forsvarsbygg) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) in collaboration have collected and analyzed samples from five other locations in Halkavarre firing range during 2010 for munitions-related compounds. The five sites were: Røyevann north of Melkevann, Unnamed lake 1 km west of Melkevann, Røyevann with outlet to the Store Russevann, inlet creek to the Store Ikkasvann and the lower part of the river Brennelva. The sites were selected to assess munitions related contamination. In addition, samples from sheep that had grazed in Halkavarre firing range were collected. The studies of munitions-related contamination in the five locations show that there is evidence of different types of pollution in water, sediment and fish. The level is so low that they are considered insignificant in terms of human risk. Assessments include risk as a result of human ingestion of soil, sediment, water and fish. The contents of copper and lead are increased in water samples from Røyevann north of Melkevann, probably due to a high natural content of these elements in the bedrock. The concentration of metals in fish was nevertheless normal. Fish condition factor is normal, and there was no evidence of abnormal conditions at the dissection of the fish, except in two fishes. Two large fishes had deformations, but according to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute are such deformations common in a population, and may have other causes than exposure to contaminants. The results show that the two selected sites Røyevann nord for Melkevann and Navnløst vann 1 km vest for melkevann only to some extent are influenced by munitions related contamination, while Røyevann med utløp til Store Russevann, tilløpsbekk til Store Ikkasvann and Brennelva nedre del do not seem to be influenced by munitions related contamination. It was found normal concentrations of metals in sheep and there were no traces of white phosphorus or explosives. It is therefore considered to be a low risk associated to grazing animals in this area.