MOBILE, Ala. — Parsons Employees under contract to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers unearthed a partial 4.2 inch mortar as part of the ongoing former Camp Sibert Formerly Used Defense Site cleanup. The mortar was unearthed early yesterday morning and does not contain explosive filler.
The unexploded ordnance contractor personnel performed the initial identification. The safety plan went into effect immediately, and state and local officials were notified when the item was found. The mortar will be destroyed on site.
“We will use engineering controls such as placing sandbags over the item to ensure that the blast pressure will not be felt and that fragments will not be released in the area,” E. Patrick Robbins, Public Affairs Officer said.
The area will be protected with a 24-hour armed guard until the round is detonated.
“The public is reminded to practice the 3Rs: Recognize that any suspicious objects found in the area should not be touched; Retreat -- carefully leave the area; and Report immediately what was found and its approximate location to the police,” Robbins s aid.
Release no. 12-026