Hampshire defence firm set to burn leftover mortar waste on-site

Next week, Hampshire County Council will vote on plans for an explosives waste burning facility at Hirtenberger Defence Systems (HDS) in Craydown Lane, Middle Wallop.

HDS supplies state-of-the-art ammunition and explosives to defence forces, manufacturing 60mm, 81mm and 120mm calibre smooth-bore mortars.

Currently, the waste is simply being stored, but HDS plans to dispose of it on-site rather than risking public safety by transporting it elsewhere.

It is expected that this facility would only be used once a month, dealing with less than one tonne of waste per year.

In a report for the regulatory committee, assistant director of waste James Potter said: 'The waste disposed of at the site would consist of small amounts of explosive waste and waste contaminated by explosives.

'The applicant has indicated that currently there is no way of disposing of explosive waste on site. Over time, this has the potential to generate a more hazardous environment due to chemical degradation of the explosives leading to increased sensitivity.

'If the site continues to operate without a disposal facility, this waste will eventually have to be moved on public roads through Hampshire to another third party (as yet unidentified) specialist disposal facility, somewhere in the UK.

'The construction of the on-site disposal facility removes the need to use the public highway for the future transportation of waste explosives.'

Within a 300m radius of the proposed site there is only one property, with Danesbury Hill Fort - a nature reserve - also 3km down the road.

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HDS mortars boast high combat effectiveness and have custom ammunition for paratroopers and commando units, with options for smoke, illumination and more.

The heavier 81mm and 120mm mortars also feature digital fire-control systems.

Mr Potter also reported that this burning facility is likely the most environmentally-friendly way to deal with the waste.

He said: 'Alternative methods of disposal include demolition - structural damage through ground-shock and hazards associated with blast and fragmentation - and neutralisation by chemical breakdown which require the manufacture of those chemicals and their transportation and later disposal, usually by burning.

'The disposal of explosives by burning causes the least damage to the environment.’

A decision will be made by the regulatory committee next Wednesday.