VERNON, BC, CANADA

Internet Search Keywords: OKIB, UXO, DND

Between 1943 and 1990, the Department of National Defence (DND) leased property on two ranges within Okanagan Indian Reserve No. 1 (OKIB) Lands, the Goose Lake Range and the Glenemma (Madeline Lake) Range. Part of their military training activities included live-firing exercises of explosive ordnance such as mortars and anti-tank rounds.

The DND committed to the cleanup of all military training areas on OKIB land including the safe removal of Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO). After nearly three decades of limited clean-up efforts through publically tendered contracts, the OKIB petitioned to move forward with managing the UXO clean up of all remaining areas internally.

MRS has partnered with the OKIB to assess the level of effort remaining for the clearance, and to assist with the clean up effort. It is anticipated that a full clearance of both ranges will span many years.