2018 Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RAAP)
Radford Army Ammunition Plant: Perceived and real hazards
About the RAAP Project
In Fall 2018, faculty at Virginia Tech taught APS 4094: Appalachian Community Research as part of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Teaching Project. Nine undergraduate students worked in cooperation with the Boards of Supervisors in Montgomery and Pulaski Counties to research community concerns about the Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RAAP, commonly referred to as “the Arsenal”). Lieutenant Colonel James Scott, RAAP’s commander from July 2017 – July 2019, welcomed the study.
The goals of the course and related research were to gain a better understanding of:
- Community concerns regarding RAAP and existing published knowledge regarding potential environmental health effects.
- Levels of air and soil pollutants in areas near RAAP.
- Potential next steps.
Our study consisted of seven components: contextualizing our project within an environmental justice framework; a literature review of available data; an online survey and series of interviews; a description of recent changes at the Arsenal that may reduce emissions; three pilot studies conducted by Virginia Tech faculty; and our summary and recommendations.
The Global Systems Science Destination Area at Virginia Tech hosts this website as a means for us to share our findings with the community and connect with those who may have questions.
Use the buttons in the right sidebar to learn more about all aspects of the project.