EVALUATION OF LEAD MIGRATION AT A PUBLIC SHOOTING RANGE IN ARKANSAS

One of the primary criticisms of shooting sports is the detrimental impact of lead on the environment and human health. An approach to reduce the impact of lead more broadly on the environment is to use specific areas to concentrate and sequester the lead (i.e., shooting ranges). The Environmental Protection Agency has published a brochure (last updated 2005) outlining the ‘best management practices’ that can be used to mitigate lead erosion from shooting ranges. While there are many practices and mitigation approaches included in the brochure, it is necessary to adapt principles to each specific shooting range location. In typical surface conditions lead generally oxidizes quickly to hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO)3(OH)2), which tends to be insoluble. While insoluble, the lead can still be transported via mechanical transport as water erodes surface materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lead migration in the soil at a shooting range. The study site is a public shooting range, that has adapted the EPA management strategies. Soil samples (n=100) were collected in a grid pattern at the base of the soil berms, additional samples were taken of the drainage/erosion channels, catchment pond and beyond. Lead concentrations were measured using a portable X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer. Preliminary results indicate that lead had been carried beyond the shooting range and catchment pond.