October 13, 2009 - Outdoor shooting ranges are a community asset when done properly. We know that lead is toxic to all life. Many products in our lives contain lead. Regulators have set standards for acceptable levels to minimize its toxic potential to us and our environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s “Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges” (BMP) provides details on federal regulations and guidelines for siting and maintaining a quality outdoor shooting range. The U.S. Forest Service has closely worked with the Index group at the same time addressing lead contamination and other concerns at the property. I applaud their efforts and the plan that they have chosen to provide an opportunity for those who value this outdoor range to continue its use.

Restrictions and regulations must be met to reopen this site. Some are required by federal law, i.e. the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), to ensure owner/operators clean up contaminated sites such as this gun club area. If others do the cleanup, the club is held liable. Otherwise, taxpayers are on the hook for clean-up costs which, as reported, are substantial.

The BMP guidelines are designed to reduce further lead contamination at the range. Allowing the use of a toxic substance to be spread widely on public lands without safeguards for containment and cleanup must be prohibited. Several states have laws for siting new ranges to ensure environmental safeguards, including lead recovery/recycle as a revenue source.

Through a sound lead management program, shooting sports enthusiasts can reduce the potential of lead exposure and contamination to humans, wildlife, domestic animals and the environment, including ground water resources.