Training FacilityDrainage Solutions

UFC 4-179-02 covers small arms range design including drainage requirements. UFC 3-230-03 addresses water treatment systems relevant to range runoff. EPA Best Management Practices for Lead apply to firing range stormwater. State regulations may add additional requirements for metals containment. Coordinate with installation environmental office for site-specific requirements.

Lead containment involves multiple strategies: engineered berms with impermeable liners, vegetated filter strips, sediment basins with settlement time, and stormwater treatment systems. Avoid direct discharge of range runoff to surface waters. Collect first-flush runoff for treatment. EPA recommends maintaining pH above 6.5 to reduce lead solubility. Regular soil testing and remediation may be required.

Outdoor ranges need drainage that controls runoff while containing lead and copper. Design berms with proper drainage to prevent erosion while retaining bullets. Swales and filter strips slow runoff and capture particulates. Sediment basins provide settlement for metals-laden runoff. Avoid concentrated flows that cause erosion in impact areas. Consider covered or indoor alternatives for highest containment.

Military Operations Urban Terrain (MOUT) sites simulate urban environments requiring realistic drainage infrastructure. Include street drainage, building floor drains, and stormwater collection. Systems should be rugged for simulated combat training. Consider removable grates for scenario flexibility. Heavy-duty materials withstand pyrotechnics and blank fire effects. Connect to base stormwater system with appropriate treatment.

Obstacle courses need drainage that handles heavy foot traffic and maintains safe surfaces. Trench drains at low points prevent ponding. Permeable surfaces reduce runoff in some areas. Grade away from obstacles to prevent water accumulation. Slip-resistant grates essential where trainees may step. Class B-C ratings typically sufficient. Consider mud management in wet weather training areas.

Field training areas experience erosion from vehicle traffic, foot traffic, and earthwork exercises. Install check dams and grade stabilization structures in drainage channels. Vegetated swales slow runoff and capture sediment. Armored low-water crossings at stream intersections. Temporary erosion controls during active training. Revegetation of disturbed areas after exercises. UFC 3-210-10 provides LID guidance.

Training facilities expose drainage to heavy use, impacts, and minimal maintenance access. HDPE channels resist corrosion and impacts. Ductile iron grates handle vehicle crossings and equipment. Polymer concrete withstands chemical exposure and loads. Avoid fragile materials that could create debris hazards. Consider field-replaceable components for expedient repair.

Demolition ranges and EOD training areas require blast-resistant drainage. Flush-mounted systems resist overpressure effects. Heavy-duty frames and grates withstand debris impacts. Position drainage to avoid concentrating explosive effects. Consider sacrificial covers that can be replaced. Coordinate drainage design with range safety officer. Document all subsurface infrastructure for safety.

Range stormwater may contain lead, copper, antimony, and other metals from ammunition. Treatment options include: vegetated filter strips for particulate capture, sediment basins for settlement, constructed wetlands for biological treatment, and engineered treatment systems for high-concentration flows. First-flush diversion captures most contaminated runoff. Effluent monitoring ensures permit compliance.

Remote training areas require low-maintenance, field-serviceable drainage. Specify simple, robust systems with minimal moving parts. Size generously to reduce cleaning frequency. Include sediment traps that can be cleaned with available equipment. Use modular components for field replacement. Document locations and maintain repair parts. Consider solar-powered monitoring for remote treatment systems.