Ammunition StorageDrainage Solutions

DoD 6055.09-M Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards is the primary regulation covering ammunition storage facilities. UFC 4-420-01 provides design criteria for ammunition and explosives storage magazines. NFPA 495 covers explosive materials storage. These standards address drainage requirements for fire suppression water routing, containment, and safety distances. State and installation-specific requirements may add additional criteria.

Explosive Safety Quantity-Distance (ESQD) requirements establish minimum distances between explosives and other facilities based on net explosive weight. Drainage infrastructure within ESQD arcs must not provide fragment paths or increase blast effects. Underground drainage is preferred within inhabited building distance (IBD). Drainage must route fire suppression water away from explosives without creating flooding that could affect adjacent storage.

Non-sparking materials prevent ignition sources in areas where explosive dust, vapors, or sensitive materials may be present. Aluminum, brass, bronze, and certain plastics are considered non-sparking. Steel and iron grates require evaluation for specific explosive sensitivities. HDPE and polymer systems are inherently non-sparking. Magazine floor drains should use approved non-sparking materials throughout.

Fire suppression systems in ammunition storage can release large water volumes that must be routed away from explosives. Design drainage for maximum suppression flow rates. Route water away from magazine doors and ventilation. Avoid ponding that could affect adjacent storage. Consider contaminated water containment if fire involves hazardous materials. UFC 4-420-01 provides specific fire suppression drainage guidance.

Magazine interior drainage prevents water accumulation that could damage ammunition or affect stability. Floor drains should be non-sparking and positioned to collect water from leaks, condensation, or fire suppression. Trench drains along walls capture infiltration. Connect to exterior drainage that routes water away from the magazine. Include backflow prevention to avoid external water entry.

Igloo (earth-covered) magazines require special drainage consideration for the earth cover and interior. Crown drainage prevents water infiltration through the soil cover. French drains around the perimeter intercept groundwater. Interior floor drains handle condensation and suppression water. Drainage must route water away from the headwall and access. Consider freeze protection in cold climates.

Lightning protection systems in ammunition areas may include grounding that affects drainage infrastructure. Metal drainage components may need bonding to the lightning protection system. Avoid creating paths for lightning current through drainage. Non-metallic systems reduce grounding concerns. Coordinate drainage design with the lightning protection engineer. UFC 4-420-01 addresses lightning protection requirements.

Ammunition storage requires regular inspection of all safety systems including drainage. Provide accessible cleanouts and inspection points. Design for visual inspection without confined space entry where possible. Document drainage infrastructure locations for inspection planning. Include drainage in facility inspection checklists per DoD 6055.09-M requirements.

Some explosives are sensitive to electrostatic discharge requiring static dissipative construction. While drainage is generally passive, grounding of any metallic components may be required. Non-metallic systems like HDPE do not accumulate static charges. Coordinate material selection with ammunition compatibility requirements. The ammunition storage officer can provide guidance on specific sensitivity concerns.

Ammunition storage areas have security and safety restrictions that limit maintenance access. Design for minimal maintenance with generous sizing and sediment traps. Schedule maintenance during ammunition movements when areas are accessible. Use modular components that can be replaced quickly. Maintain spare parts inventory. Document drainage locations for emergency access planning.