News

Remediation of Unexploded Ordnance at the "Zīverti-Slokas II” Quarry

Unexploded wartime ordnance is not an uncommon find in Latvian forests, especially in the areas where battles have taken place or where trenches and support positions have been created in the past. When performing various excavation works at mineral extraction sites, as well as forest infrastructure facilities, dangerous wartime evidence is often to be found; such discoveries are immediately reported to the responsible services by the employees of JSC “Latvia's State Forests” (LVM).

After deforestation at the mining site “Zīverti-Slokas II” in the South Kurzeme region, upon inspecting the area in Priekule Rural Territory, evidence of wartime ammunition was found there. State Police officers were immediately reported to the scene and later the National Armed Forces arrived to dispose of the dangerous charges.

Finding and disposing of explosive objects or remediating the territory is a time-consuming and very responsible job. This can only be done by a few companies licensed to do so. Aware of the potential risks that this type of explosive objects may be located elsewhere in the territory of the deposit, in order not to endanger the performers of the excavation works, LVM organized remediation works for the search of the territory and utilization of the ammunition found there. In total, remediation works were carried out in an area of 2.3 ha.

LVM reminds that when finding any explosive objects, in no case you should take them in your hands; you should stop the equipment, retreat to a safe distance, find a cover, and contact the State Police (by calling 110 or 112).