Pre-Gondola and Trencher, Montana, Site

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Pre-Gondola and Trencher, Montana, Site

DOE Office of Legacy Management took responsibility for the Pre-Gondola and Trencher, Montana, Site in 2019. The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted site activities under the Plowshare Program  from the mid-1960s through 1969. During that time, they completed approximately 170 nonnuclear chemical high explosive detonations underground at the site. The purpose of the testing was to design nuclear applications for creating waterways, harbors, and reservoirs by observing cratering responses of large chemical explosives in various media. Support trailers and portable equipment were removed from the site in early 1970, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers conducted a limited site cleanup in 1972. LM performs minor maintenance and keeps records and histories for the site. For more information about the Pre-Gondola and Trencher site, view the fact sheet.