Background
In 2001, DoD established the Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP). The MMRP addresses munitions response sites (MRSs) at active installations, Formerly Used Defense Sites, and Base Realignment and Closure locations. MRSs are sites that are known or suspected to contain unexploded ordnance, discarded military munitions, or munitions constituents (MC). Through the MMRP, DoD complies with environmental cleanup laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also known as Superfund.
To prioritize funding and cleanup of MRSs that pose the greatest threat to safety, human health, and the environment, DoD uses the Munitions Response Site Prioritization Protocol (MRSPP). The MRSPP consists of three separate modules to evaluate hazards associated with explosives, chemical warfare materiel, MC, and other incidental environmental contaminants. The MRSPP scores affect how DoD sequences MRSs for cleanup. In addition to relative risk, DoD considers other factors such as economic, programmatic, and stakeholder concerns, as well as reuse and redevelopment plans, when prioritizing sites for cleanup.