Mojave Gunnery Range “C” is in Kern County, California, and most of the property lies within the California City limits. The Army Corps of Engineers is monitoring the former training area through the Formerly Used Defense Sites, or FUDS, Program for munitions and explosive hazards that may remain from previous military activity. This page provides information on the APA Area C project area, which is also known as Munitions Response Site 08, or MRS 08.
MRS 08 encompasses 177 acres in the northwestern portion of the Mojave Gunnery Range “C” FUDS. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps are believed to have conducted bombing and other air-to-ground training at the project area between 1944 and 1951. Today the project area is owned by Kern County and private owners. It is largely undeveloped, which allow residents unrestricted access for off-highway vehicle recreation, recreational target practice and seasonal sheep grazing.
The Army Corps of Engineers began investigating the former Mojave Gunnery Range “C” FUDS in 1999. MRS 08 was not identified until an aerial photo analysis was performed in 2007. Based on the cratering seen in the photo analysis and the munitions used at other ranges, the Army Corps of Engineers identified that the following munitions items may still be present at the project area: small arms ammunitions, practice projectiles, practice rockets, practice bombs and high explosive bombs. However, the nature and extent of munitions risks at MRS 08 have not been completely identified.
In 2011 a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study Report for Mojave Gunnery Range “C" was completed. Because of the limited rights of entry, the Army Corps of Engineers recommended a separate Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study be performed on MRS 08 to determine if additional clearance activities are required.
As part of a Notification and Safety Education initiative for the FUDS Program, the Army Corps of Engineers mailed letters to landowners within the project area. The goal of the initiative is to raise awareness of the potential risks and hazards associated with FUDS properties and to reduce impacts to human health, safety and the environment until further response activities are initiated at the sites. For more information, call the FUDS Information Center toll-free number 1-855-765-3837 or review the safety guides and maps located in the menu on the left.
An Administrative Record containing project documents and reports for Mojave Gunnery Range “C” is available at the Kern County Library, California City Branch, 9507 California City Blvd., and at the Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District office.