The DND UXO and Legacy Sites Program: Introduction
The DND UXO and Legacy Sites Program, created in 2005, works to reduce safety risks posed by unexploded explosive ordnance (UXO) at all
"legacy sites" across Canada. A legacy site is any property not owned by DND that contains UXO, regardless of the origin of
the UXO.
As Canada's population increases, it is expected that people will come into more frequent contact with UXO on properties
that were at one time remote, and therefore presented little risk.
The Program identifies and catalogues such sites, assesses risks, and works to reduce UXO risk through property controls,
assessment surveys, UXO clearance operations, and public education.
At some sites where the potential risk is great, public safety must be ensured by restricting access to the sites. In other
locations where the risk is minimal, signage and information campaigns to alert the public to potential hazards may be the
preferred action.
It is important to understand that the limits of existing UXO detection technology means that no UXO legacy site can ever
be declared completely hazard-free.
In recent years, there have been several deaths and serious injuries caused by UXO explosions in Canada. Caution is
always required when entering UXO legacy sites.
|