In support of a MMRP Preliminary Assessment (PA) for the Naval Support Activity South – Dahlgren, OHI was tasked with conducting an archival research effort to identify and map former / historic ranges within the Potomac River and its tributaries. Although the project was conducted for the Navy, the scope included all DoD Services / installations and Formerly Used Defense Sites with a history of munitions activities within the water. Installations included NSWC Indian Head, Naval EOD Technology Division, U.S. Army Blossom Point Research Facility, Newtown Neck State Park (FUDS) , Piney Point Torpedo Range (FUDS), and Dahlgren.

OHI’s scope included conducting research at the National Archives and the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C as well as researching available historical records at the various installations along the Potomac. OHI researchers also conducted interviews with persons who had knowledge of the history of munitions usage associated with the ranges including the MD State Police who conducted numerous dive operations and responses in and around Newtown Neck state park shortly after opening to the public.