NSWC/WOL/TR 75-35 



I 

 INTRODUCTION 



1 . 1 BACKGROUND 



The U. S. Navy is engaged in an intensive effort to minimize 

 or eliminate pollution of all kinds. This overall effort to combat 

 undesirable environmental effects extends to the manufacture and 

 testing of explosives and of weapons. The aspect of the work of 

 concern here is underwater testing, which is vital to the mission 

 of the Navy. 



The majority of people with expert knowledge of underwater 

 explosion phenomena believe that the effects of any test on the 

 environment are localized and short-lived and cause no 

 irreversible changes in the general ecology of a natural body of 

 water. Longer range effects are minimal and can be estimated on 

 the basis of existing information, but these estimates are 

 qualitative because most of the previous work has been directed 

 toward the predictions of the early-time, close-in phenomena of 

 military interest. 



In order to assess the probable environment impact of the 

 underwater explosion tests, it is necessary to assemble a body 

 of factual information regarding the effects of the tests on the 

 marine environment. Based on this information standards and guide- 

 lines can be implemented for future underwater explosion test 

 programs . 



