What is MEC?
MEC stands for munitions and explosives of concern. MEC includes military munitions such as unexploded ordnance, discarded military munitions, or munitions constituents, like TNT.
History of MEC at New Boston SFS
From 1942 to 1956, portions of New Boston Space Force Station were used as a bombing range for a variety of munitions including bombs and small rockets. Over the years, most of the munitions have been removed. While most of the munitions dropped during that time period were practice bombs and inert rockets, there were some that actually contained explosive materials and could present a hazard today.
What if I find MEC?
Follow the 3Rs of explosives safety if you find any MEC or suspicious items:
RECOGNIZE
MEC is dangerous. Recognizing when you may have encountered MEC is the most important step in reducing the risk of injury or death. MEC may be on land or in the water. MEC may be easy or hard to identify. To avoid the risk of injury or death:
- Never move, touch, or disturb MEC or something you suspect may be MEC.
- Beware that MEC may become more dangerous with age, not safer.
- Do not be tempted to take or keep MEC as a souvenir.
RETREAT
Do not touch, move, or disturb it. Carefully and promptly leave the area.
If you encounter what you believe is MEC:
- Do not touch, move, or disturb it.
- Immediately and carefully leave the area by retracing your steps – going out the same way you entered.
- Once safely away from the MEC, mark the path (such as with a piece of clothing) so responders can find the MEC.
REPORT
Call New Boston SFS Security at (603) 471-2285. Provide as much information as possible about what you saw and where you saw it in order to help responders find, evaluate, and address the situation. If you believe you may have encountered MEC, report the following:
- The area where you encountered it.
- Its general description. Remember, do not approach, touch, move, or disturb it.
- When possible, provide its estimate size, its shape, and visible markings and coloring.
Additional Safety Information
Non-motorized boating and shoreline fishing permitted only in dedicated areas. To reduce the risk of injury or death, please:
- No digging anywhere on New Boston SFS without approval.
- No motorized boating in bodies of water.
- No anchors in bodies of water.
- No magnetic fishing in bodies of water.
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