Remediation of shooting ranges

Why lead and antimony have become a site management issue today

Many shooting ranges in Switzerland have a long history. For decades, shooting took place using natural bullet traps. As a result, projectile residues accumulated in the target area. Lead in particular, but also antimony, built up in the soil over time.

For a long time, the focus was primarily on soil contamination. Contaminated material was identified, assessed and, depending on the situation, either removed or secured. However, as investigations increased, it became clear that the issue could extend further. Pollutants do not always remain where they were originally deposited.

CHEMIA BRUGG is working on a solution for contaminated water streams originating from the surroundings of shooting ranges. At the centre of this approach is the specially processed iron oxide Sb51. It is not just any iron oxide, but a material with specifically engineered properties for the removal of antimony and other metals from contaminated water.

When soil contamination becomes a water problem

Rainwater infiltrates through the bullet trap and comes into contact with contaminated soil. In the process, substances from projectile residues can be dissolved and transported further. Antimony is of particular concern because it can be more mobile than lead.

This creates contaminated seepage water. Depending on the site conditions, soil composition and water flow patterns, this water may migrate towards groundwater or be carried away through drainage systems.

As a result, historical soil contamination also becomes a matter of water protection. Shooting ranges must therefore be assessed as an integrated system. Not only the soil is relevant, but also the water pathway.

Pressure for remediation is increasing

Many shooting ranges are already listed in the register of contaminated sites. Numerous sites have been investigated or remediated in recent years. More will follow.

The Swiss Confederation has set a clear timeframe. In order for remediation measures to continue benefiting from VASA funding, they must be completed by the end of 2045 at the latest.

For municipalities, this provides planning certainty but also creates pressure to act. Remediation projects require preliminary investigations, coordination with specialist authorities, technical concepts and careful implementation. Those who wait too long risk bottlenecks in planning, permitting, execution and cost control.

Remediation does not automatically mean excavation alone

At shooting ranges, remediation is often associated with the excavation and replacement of contaminated soil. In many cases, this is both appropriate and necessary.

At the same time, it is worth taking a closer look at the water pathway.

When contaminated water can be collected or controlled, an additional technical treatment option becomes available. In this case, contamination is not addressed solely through large-scale earthworks, but directly within the affected water stream.

On-site water treatment does not fundamentally replace soil excavation. However, it can be a valuable component of a remediation strategy where the water stream is technically accessible.

Why on-site treatment is an option

On-site treatment addresses contaminated water streams at the point where they originate or can be captured. This may include seepage water, drainage water, sludge water or other aqueous media.

The key advantage is its proximity to the source of contamination. This allows the water pathway to be integrated directly into the remediation concept. Depending on the situation, transport requirements, material handling and downstream efforts can be reduced.

A site-specific assessment remains essential in every case.

Also relevant for waste management and treatment companies

Not every remediation project ends at the shooting range itself. When contaminated soil is excavated, it must, depending on the level of contamination, be disposed of, treated or processed.

During wet processing, lead and antimony may transfer into the process water. This creates an additional water stream that must be assessed and, where necessary, treated.

Here too, targeted treatment can be beneficial. Not as a replacement for soil treatment, but as an additional treatment stage for contaminated wash water or process water.

CHEMIA BRUGG offers a solution

CHEMIA BRUGG supports customers in the technical assessment of contaminated water streams. At the centre of this approach is the specially processed iron oxide Sb51, which can bind antimony and lead within the water stream.

Field trials have confirmed the effectiveness of the approach. Various universities of applied sciences independently reached comparable conclusions.

This approach is not a standard solution for every site. It is a technical option that should be evaluated within the context of each individual project.

When an assessment may be worthwhile

An initial assessment may be worthwhile where contaminated water plays a role in a project and can be technically captured. The key consideration is whether the water stream can be treated in a targeted manner and meaningfully integrated into the existing remediation concept.

Relevant questions include, for example:

Is antimony or lead detectable within the water pathway?
Can the contaminated water stream be captured or controlled?
What volumes are involved?
What is the composition of the water stream?
How can a treatment stage be integrated into the existing remediation or treatment concept?
What requirements are imposed by authorities, specialist planners and other project stakeholders?

The next step

CHEMIA BRUGG supports municipalities, remediation contractors, planners, as well as waste management and treatment companies in the initial technical assessment.

Together, it can be evaluated whether the treatment of seepage water, drainage water, sludge water or wash water can be meaningfully integrated into the respective project.

The aim is a realistic assessment. Not every facility and not every site is equally suitable. However, where the water stream can be technically captured, treatment using the specially processed iron oxide Sb51 may represent an attractive option for managing lead and antimony.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shooting Range Remediation

Lead and antimony originate from projectile residues that have accumulated in bullet traps over decades. Lead accounts for the largest share of the contamination. Antimony is particularly relevant because it can be more readily mobilised under certain conditions.

Rainwater can percolate through contaminated soil and, over time, dissolve substances from projectile residues. Depending on the soil conditions, site characteristics and water flow patterns, contaminated seepage water may reach groundwater or surface waters.

Shooting ranges can constitute contaminated sites. This is particularly relevant where they are located directly above groundwater resources. If lead or antimony pose a risk to soil, groundwater or surface waters, remediation measures must be assessed and implemented where necessary.

Remediation measures at shooting ranges must be completed by the end of 2045 at the latest in order to remain eligible for VASA funding provided by the Swiss Confederation.

Not necessarily. On-site treatment is a potential complementary element within a remediation strategy. It is particularly beneficial where contaminated seepage water, drainage water or sludge water can be captured and treated in a targeted manner.

Yes. Remediation contractors can consider this approach as an additional option within their projects. Waste management and treatment companies may also find it relevant where the processing of contaminated soil generates wash water or process water containing lead and antimony.

CHEMIA BRUGG offers a solution based on the specially processed iron oxide Sb51 and provides support with the initial technical assessment to determine whether treatment of the contaminated water stream can be meaningfully implemented within the specific project.