Abandoned explosives found in Crystal Cave, CA

[Caverdale]

From the National Park Service Morning Report

Monday, May 19, 2008

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (CA)
Abandoned Historic Explosives Found In Crystal Cave

Park employees working in Crystal Cave late last Thursday afternoon found what appeared to be live explosives left over from the 1930s. All visitors and employees were evacuated from the area. Park officials also contacted the chief regional blaster, who is certified by the NPS in the handling of abandoned explosives and who also happens to work in the park. On Friday, the chief blaster and a cave specialist assessed the situation and found three drilled holes which may contain unexploded charges. The CCC opened up trails in the cave in the 1930s using small explosive charges to widen passages and increase head space where they deemed it appropriate. The discovery of the abandoned explosives was made while the cave specialist was planning a new lighting system for the cave. Efforts will begin this week to remotely remove the wires and any attached explosives. There’s a distinct possibility, however, that the explosives used to develop the cave included nitroglycerin, which becomes unstable over time. The safest course of action therefore may entail detonation. In preparation for that possibility, park staff will install temporary blasting mats and blankets to protect cave formations and features. The area remains closed. [Submitted by Alexandra Picavet, Public Affairs Specialist]

[cavedoc]

By Susie Pakoua Vang/The Fresno Bee05/21/08 17:22:36
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Crystal Cave, a popular tourist attraction in Sequoia National Park, reopened at noon today after park employees removed old explosives found last week, park officials said.

Officials said visitors and employees were evacuated from the area after workers made the discovery May 15. The next day, Chief Regional Blaster, a group certified to abandon explosives for the National Park Service, found three drilled holes that potentially contained unexploded charges dating back to the late 1930s.

On Tuesday, the explosive group removed wires from the three holes and tried to set off seven small charges to ignite the old explosives. However, none exploded and they were later removed from the holes, officials said.

http://www.fresnobee.com/updates/story/618666.html

[cavedoc]

The next day, Chief Regional Blaster, a group certified to abandon explosives for the National Park Service, found

Why the NPS needs someone certified to abandon explosives I do not know.

[shibumi]

The next day, Chief Regional Blaster, a group certified to abandon explosives for the National Park Service, found

Why the NPS needs someone certified to abandon explosives I do not know.

These things must be done properly you know. It's not like abandoning kittens or puppies or children. Careful thought and planning must be done in order to prevent psychological problems years later causing the explosives to become unstable and go postal some day.

Anmar <----- tongue planted firmly in cheek.