WASHINGTON — A portion of Fort Totten Park remains closed and fenced off to the public almost a year after World War I-era military munitions were found there. The National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Army continue to investigate the metal canisters found in April, and believe it is possible the park contains even more.
Officials say munitions, including their components (e.g., projectiles, fuzes, rocket motors), may contain high explosives, propellant or pyrotechnics. If you believe that you have encountered a munition, you should consider it dangerous. Learn and follow the 3Rs of explosives safety: Recognize—when you may have encountered a munition and the potential danger; Retreat—do not approach, touch, move or disturb it; Report—call 911 and notify local law enforcement of what you saw and where you saw it.
On April 18, a worker discovered two metal canisters, later determined to be WWI-era munitions, after unauthorized work conducted by a nearby property owner pushed 10 feet of soil onto NPS land. One munition was a 75-mm projectile, approximately 3 inches in diameter and 11 inches long. The other munition was a Livens projectile, approximately 6 inches in diameter and 19 inches long.
An initial assessment by Army experts indicated the 75-mm projectile did not pose a hazard and the Livens projectile contained an unknown liquid. After initial assessment, the items were transported to a nearby secure Federal facility. Both items were evaluated by the Army’s Materiel Assessment Review Board (MARB). Initial testing of the liquid in the Livens projectile was inconclusive, so it was taken to Aberdeen Proving Ground in Edgewood, Maryland, on Aug. 2, for additional testing. The additional testing indicated that the Livens did not pose a hazard.
The NPS and Army are seeking funding to conduct a comprehensive investigation at Fort Totten Park.
The park remains closed just east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street, and north of Brookland Ave NE and Farragut Street.
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