Following prior investment, SERDP and ESTCP have developed emerging technologies to detect, classify, and localize unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the underwater environment. This includes both three-dimensional electromagnetic induction (3DEM) advanced geophysical classification (AGC) sensors and miniaturized atomic magnetometers. After testing these technologies across established demonstration sites, ESTCP is interested in transitioning them for application at live sites where UXO are believed to be present. This project focuses on implementation of autonomous magnetometer and 3DEM AGC sensors at nearshore sites within the Former Vieques Naval Training Range (FVNTR).

This project will integrate and demonstrate key technologies required for configuring and deploying autonomous and amphibious 3DEM systems to detect and classify munitions along shoreline and offshore areas of the FVNTR. The 3DEM AGC technology is based on a successful configuration demonstrated in prior studies (e.g., ESTCP MR-201422 and MR-201712) and will be enhanced to improve its overall cost effectiveness using lessons learned and technical enhancements. Aerial magnetometer data in the form of magnetic anomaly maps and associated target densities may be utilized and fused with aerial imagery data to bound the concentration of munitions within the site. Crawler-based 3DEM technology will be implemented to support the detection and provide full classification of individual anomalies.

This project will provide several direct technological benefits including the demonstration of new UXO survey systems suitable for overcoming many of the gaps in conventional sensing platforms in nearshore and very shallow-water environments. The overarching benefit of these technologies to the Department of War is accelerated cleanup of the estimated 10+ million acres of underwater munitions contamination areas by significantly reducing the cost of shallow water remediation operations. The cost reductions enabled by classification technologies have been well documented and demonstrated on land. It can be argued that these cost savings will be even greater for underwater sites given the challenges associated with reacquisitions and intrusive investigations are much more costly to implement underwater. The integrated crawler-based sensing capability is expected to shorten survey times by as much as 10x relative to divers equipped with hand-held sensors while also providing complete coverage of offshore munitions contamination areas. Finally, this combination of technologies will enable a greater operating envelope in terms of the type of environments that can be surveyed and remediated of harmful munitions or munitions debris. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)