CWMDS 1 An annotated map of chemical weapon munition dump sites (beta edition). Last updated on (31-May-11).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

Chemical Weapon Munitions Dumped at Sea:
Annotated Map of Sites β

Overview

In the decades following World War I, and even more so after World War II, at least three major powers disposed of massive quantities of captured, damaged, and obsolete chemical warfare (CW) material by dumping them in the oceans. According to U.S. Department of Defense reports, the U.S military alone dumped CW agents in waters worldwide on at least 74 occasions between 1918 and 1970.[1,2] The jettisoned material consisted either of munitions containing chemicals (such as artillery and mortar shells or bombs) or chemicals encased in some manner in, for example, bulk containers made out of metals or cement. Shells and bombs some were jettisoned unfettered, but more often were loaded as cargo into ships that were sunk by opening sea cocks or holed by artillery fire or torpedoes. Sunken ships tended to settle on the ocean floor largely intact, with the result that the CW material they contained remained within a small area. Unfettered material could settle within a small area, but also might become widely dispersed by currents, tides, and other forces. As can be realized, not much consideration was given at the time to the safety and environmental implications of employing ocean-dumping disposal techniques.

Some dumping operations were carefully undertaken, including the keeping of records of where the dumping occurred, a listing of the material that was dumped, and the quantities of dumped material. Other dumping was done haphazardly with no or minimal records being written and kept. In particular, the USSR (and now Russia) has provided hardly any records to the international community of its sizeable chemical dumping activities. The potentially enormous problem posed by Soviet ocean-dumped chemical material is demonstrated by Russia having admitted that "at least 160,000 tons of chemical weapons may be buried in Russian seas, posing a grave threat to ecology and the health of man."[3] For these reasons, the total quantity of CW material discarded at sea will never be known precisely, but most likely is on the order of several hundreds of thousands of tons.[4] To demonstrate the quantities involved, after World War II 302,857 tons of CW ammunitions were left over in just Germany and the United Kingdom, most of which were eventually dumped in the oceans.[5]

As public environmental concerns rose in the 1960s, national and international environmental protection legislation emerged causing the disposal of CW agents at sea to become increasingly rare. A major development in this regard occurred in 1969, when the U.S. National Academy of Science recommended that ocean dumping be discontinued as a method of chemical agent and munition disposal.[6] However, legal CW ocean dumping did not end until after the "Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972", a multilateral treaty concluded in 1972, banned the practice of ocean-dumping of CW materials.[7]

CW agents present three types of threats to the world. First, many contain energetic material for explosive dispersion that can self-detonate without warning. Second, by design chemical weapons can cause human casualties, thus some human activities, such as fishing, dredging, and pipe-laying in areas laden with dumped CW agents, may result in humans being exposed to chemicals whose powers to burn skin, injure the naso-pharyngeal and gastrointestinal tracts, and close down the nervous system are very high (see below). Third, CW agents and their degradation products can cause direct and indirect damage to the environment. There is little data on how and to what extent CW agents may cause environmental harm, though it appears likely that CW agents would be able to maim and kill marine organisms in a similar fashion to terrestrial beings. If so, the damage to primary producers in the marine environment, as well as the food webs of which they are members, could be very high.

CW agent disposal sites have created a latent public health hazard with unknown but potentially serious environmental consequences. In areas of substantial dumping, such as off the coast of Japan and in the Baltic and Adriatic Seas, a large number of injuries have resulted from exposures to accidentally recovered CW agents. In most cases, CW materials are ensnared in fishing nets or accidentally disturbed during dredging operations. For example, Italian scientists have documented 232 instances of mustard -related injuries, including five deaths, suffered by Italian fishermen in the waters off Molfetta (near Bari) between 1946 and 1997.[8] Bioaccumulation of hazardous levels of arsenical chemicals in the local fish population, likely derived from the World War I-era blister agent Lewisite, has also been observed as recently as 2005.[9]

The Italian experiences in the Adriatic demonstrate that a better understanding of the locations of the dumpsites, as well as the status of the materials within them, is needed to gauge the risk posed by undersea CW munitions. Due to decades of advances in ocean science and technology, human oceanic activity is increasing and expanding to deeper waters. Consequently, CW dumpsites once thought impossibly remote are becoming increasingly accessible and dangerous to unaware explorers and workers. The issue has drawn considerable attention, and concern, by both the public and its elected representatives, resulting in the commissioning of research activities and the publication of official reports documenting the extent of dumping activities undertaken in the 20th century and their potential for causing harm. For example, in 2006 the U.S. Congress enacted legislation requiring the Secretary of Defense to review historical records and report annually on "the number, size, and probable sites where the Armed Forces disposed of military munitions in coastal waters."[10]

Always keeping in mind that information about most ocean dump sites is incomplete and that many dump sites, especially Russian ones, there is information about an unknown percentage of them; we estimate between 40 and 50%. The sites that are best known, and mapped, are those located in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic, mostly because those who undertook the dumping did record their actions and, more recently, these areas have been surveyed for such reasons as natural products exploitation and the laying of cables and pipelines. Chemical dump sites in the rest of the oceans, particularly the Pacific Ocean, are hardly known at all, so we think of this project as one that will continue with new information being continually unearthed and periodically used to update the global map.

Chemical Arms Control and Disposal

Major powers, including the US, UK, USSR, Germany, and France, manufactured massive quantities of CW agents throughout much of the 20th century. Their widespread use in World War I resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties. The horrors of CW use during the war stimulated diplomats to negotiate the 1925 Geneva Protocol, a multilateral treaty banning the use of CW agents in armed conflict. However, the Geneva Protocol has since its inception been considered a weak arms control treaty since it has no provisions for verification or levying sanctions. Further, it makes no mention whatever of eliminating chemical weapons.

In the 1980s, countries began to draft a stronger chemical arms control convention, which was realized in 1993 as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, more generally known as the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997. One of its main provisions requires its State Parties (currently 184 with and an additional 4 signatories) to destroy all existing CW stockpiles and renounce any future development, production, stockpiling, or use of chemical weapons.[11] Notably, the CWC is silent with respect to the remediation of CW agents and munitions dumped at sea prior to 1972.

With few exceptions, nations that in the past possessed a CW program now belong to the CWC and thus are faced with the problem of disposing the remnants of their programs. As this is written, only one CW-possessing country, Albania, has declared complete disposal of its chemical weapons. The major possessors, Russia and the United States, are not likely to be in Albania's position until the early 2020s. All chemical weapons and related facilities in current and former possessor countries are located on terrestrial sites, hence are relatively easy to access. (Japanese chemical weapons buried in China are the major exception to this statement.)

The situation regarding marine dump sites is completely different. These sites are dealt with in CWC's Article III, which gives State Parties the option of declaring and/or destroying chemical weapons "dumped at sea" before January 1, 1985. Further, State Parties are obligated to declare chemical weapons "dumped at sea" on or after January 1, 1985. John Hart notes that as of January 2000, "no formal declaration of dumping of CW in the high seas or in territorial waters have been submitted to the OPCW [Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapon].[12] As far as we know, no such declaration has been made as of January 2008.

Nevertheless, the countries that in the past chose to take the "easy" way out by disposing their CW material by ocean dumping are now realizing the unpleasant fact that this material, although out of sight, is not out of mind because it presents threats to public health and the environment as discussed above. Therefore, countries responsible for past disposals of CW material in the oceans must now consider how they might act to undo the damaging actions authorized by past leaders that from hindsight appear foolish. By publishing the maps [13] containing information about chemical dump sites in the ocean, we hope to alert the world community about the large scope and seriousness of the problem and make clear that it is indeed global. While it is beyond the scope of our consideration, we note that options for approaches for addressing the problem of CW materials resting on ocean floor has been discussed by Hart.[12]

Conclusion

Most of the information present in the open literature regarding the location of CW agent dumpsites in the oceans is specific to a unitary actor (e.g. the U.S. military) or a particular geographic region.[14] No comprehensive database encompassing all available marine disposal information has been compiled. Data on casualties due to accidental exposure to chemicals populating these dumpsites is even more fragmentary and data on environmental damage is almost entirely lacking. In view of this lack of information, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies is attempting here to make available all-inclusive information regarding the locations of undersea CW dumpsites and the contents they hold in order to facilitate the analysis of public health risks and environmental hazards posed by such sites, including the determination of susceptible human populations, coastal industries, and marine ecosystems. Further, a readily accessible database hopefully will serve to call public attention to a poorly understood yet significant issue, and also highlight knowledge gaps (such as incomplete or inaccurate geographic coordinate data) that require further study. Because the CWC is virtually silent with respect to the issue of undersea CW dumpsites, the opportunity exists for the initiation of a new multilateral effort to address the problem outside the treaty. This project thus seeks to provide a unified, nonpartisan data source to stimulate and support the efforts of national and international endeavors to address the serious threats posed to public health and the environment by CW material resting on the ocean floor in locations throughout the world.

References
[1] K.J. Flamm, Q. Kwan and W.B. McNulty, Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program: Chemical Agent and Munition Disposal. Summary of the U.S. Army's Experience, Program Executive Officer, Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization, Report: SAPEO-CDE-IS-87005, (Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, 1987).

[2] U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, Off-Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States (Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 2001).

[3] Interfax, "Ministry: 'Tonnes' of Chemical Weapons 'Buried' at Sea," Moscow, December 7, 1995.

[4] David M. Bearden, U.S. Disposal of Chemical Weapons in the Ocean: Background and Issues for Congress (Washington, D.C.: Congressional Research Service, May 24, 2006).

[5] Fredrick Laurin, "Scandinavia's underwater time bomb," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 47, no. 2, (March 1991), p. 11.

[6] National Academy of Sciences, Disposal Hazards of Certain Chemical Warfare Agents and Munitions (Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press, 1969).

[7] "London Convention 1972" International Maritime Organization, <www.imo.org>.

[8] G. Assennato, D. Sivo and F. Lobuono, "Health Effects of Sulfur Mustard Exposure among Apulian Fishermne," Noblis Inc. (1995), <www.noblis.org>.

[9] E. Amato, L. Alcaro, I. Corsi, C. Della Torre, C. Farchi, S. Focardi, G. Marino, and A. Tursi, "An Integrated Ecotoxicological Approach to Assess the Effects of Pollutants Released by Unexploded Chemical Ordnance Dumped in the Southern Adriatic (Mediterranean Sea)," Marine Biology, Vol. 149 (2006), pp. 17-23.

[10] 109th US Congress, "John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007," Public Law 109-364, Section 314, October 17, 2006.

[11] The text of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) may be read online at: <www.opcw.org>.

[12] John Hart, "A Review of Sea-dumped Chemical Weapons," paper presented to "The Environment and the Common Fisheries Policy, Threats to and Constraints on Sustainability" forum, January 27, 2000, The Royal Society, United Kingdom.

[13] The mapping relies on a Keyhole Markup Language (KML) file; it utilizes features and programs created by Google™.

[14] J. Beddington and A.J. Kinloch, Munitions Dumped at Sea: A Literature Review, (London: Imperial College Consultants, June 2005).

]]> -35 25 0 15100098 0 0 James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies normal #cwmdsnorm highlight #cwmdshigh Northwest of Zeebrugge, Belgium #cwmds 3.126946 51.358801 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 3.126946, 51.358801,0

Northwest of Zeebrugge, Belgium

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Allied Forces.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

The dumping probably took place in 1920.

WW1 allies dumped an estimated 35,000T of munitions near these coordinates. One third of the dumped munitions were chemical weapons and/or weapons agents. Of these, the majority were 77mm (~3in) German mustard shells.[1]

[1] Jean Pascal Zanders, "Belgium and the Question of Sea–Dumped Chemical Munitions," paper delivered to EASTLANT Coastal Maritime Operations Seminar, Riga, Latvia, October 17–19, 2000.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Sydney, Australia #cwmds 151.6 -34 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 151.6, -34,0

East of Sydney, Australia

Producing country: Australia.
Disposing country: Australia.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Two recorded scuttling operations within ~6mi radius of these coordinates.

(1) On September 24, 1946, the SS Bantam was sunk in ~6,000ft of water. This vessel carried 27,500 CW rockets, 8,000 4.2in CW mortars, along with high explosive shells and smoke curtain bombs.

(2) On December 11, 1946, the Binngarra was sunk in ~6,600ft of water. This vessel was loaded with chemical weapons of an undisclosed type and quantity.[1]

[1] CW Agent Sea Dumping off Australia 2ed. Australian Department of Defence (Australia: Defence Publishing Service, 2003).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Mourilyan Harbor, Australia #cwmds 146.633333 -17.600833 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 146.633333, -17.600833,0

Off Mourilyan Harbor, Australia

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Australia (suspected).

Dump site reported by an eye witness.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Exact date unknown, incident occurred during WWII.

An unspecified quantity of mortar shells containing mustard agent were fired experimentally on a test site during WWII. Approximately fifty percent of the unexploded munitions were sea dumped to avoid further mustard gas contamination of the test site.[1]

[1] CW Agent Sea Dumping off Australia 2ed. Australian Department of Defence (Australia: Defence Publishing Service, 2003).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of Vancouver Island, Canada #cwmds -129.229871 48.995453 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -129.229871, 48.995453,0

West of Vancouver Island, Canada

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Canada.

Suspected dump site.

Suspected dump site is located ~100mi west of Vancouver Island. The depth is ~8,000ft.

Reports indicate the dumping took place in 1947.

An unspecified quantity of mustard gas and phosgene were dumped near this area by Canadian government.[1,2]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

[2] Kim Westad, "DND: Toxic Dump Rumor is True," Times–Colonist, November 15, 2005, p. B1.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Norwegian Sea #cwmds -1.6 64.7 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -1.6, 64.7,0

Norwegian Sea

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: Federal Republic of Germany.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping occurred near these coordinates at a depth of approximately 10,000ft.

Disposal took place in 1964.

462 shells loaded with tabun that had been previously stored at the Wolgast harbor in Germany were set in concrete blocks and dumped at this location.[1]

[1] Report to the 15th Meeting of Helsinki Commission 8 to 11 March 1994, report delivered to the Ad–Hoc Working Group on Dumped Chemical Munitions by Danish Environmental Protection Agency, March 8–11, 1994

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Skagen, Denmark #cwmds 10.973095 57.67 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 10.973095, 57.67,0

East of Skagen, Denmark

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: France (suspected).

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping was done almost directly east of Skagen, Denmark at an unknown depth.

Probably under French orders, crews scuttled 2 vessels that carried a total 1,500T of chemical munitions.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Nemuro Strait, Japan #cwmds 145.323885 43.697283 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 145.323885, 43.697283,0

Nemuro Strait, Japan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Japan.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident unconfirmed, but the activity is thought to have occurred following WWII.

Four sea-dumped chemical agent related accidents have occurred in the vicinity. The incidents resulted in 6 casualties.[1]

[1] H. Kurata, "Lessons learned from the destruction of the chemical weapons of the Japanese Imperial Forces," in Chemical Weapons: Destruction and Conversion, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, (1980), pp. 77–93.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Odawara, Japan #cwmds 139.250337 35.235781 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 139.250337, 35.235781,0

Off Odawara, Japan

Producing country: Japan.
Disposing country: Japan.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

The dumping is thought to have occurred immediately following WWII. The quantity and contents of chemical munitions are unknown.

There have been 4 CW agent related accidents near these coordinates. None of these have resulted in casualties.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Tateyama, Japan #cwmds 139.663316 35.040571 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 139.663316, 35.040571,0

Off Tateyama, Japan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Japan.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

The dumping is thought to have occurred immediately following WWII. The quantity and contents of chemical munitions are unknown.

There have been 4 CW agent related accidents near these coordinates. None of these have resulted in casualties.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Near Chiba, Tokyo Bay, Japan #cwmds 140.044016 35.589957 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 140.044016, 35.589957,0

Near Chiba, Tokyo Bay, Japan

Producing country: Japan (suspected).
Disposing country: Japan (suspected).

Suspected dump site.

Japanese chemical munitions are believed to have been dumped here near to the coast near Chiba. The depth of the dumping site is undetermined.[1]

Date of incident is undetermined.

Seven incidents of exposure to chemical weapons agents near Chiba, resulting in 5 casualties. It remains unclear if the incidents resulted from U.S. assigned dumping operation or from the secret dumping operations conducted by the Japanese Imperial forces at the end of WWII.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Fukuoka, Japan I #cwmds 130.555164 33.965576 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 130.555164, 33.965576,0

Off Fukuoka, Japan I

Producing country: Japan (suspected).
Disposing country: Japan (suspected).

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumpings by Japanese forces are suspected to have occurred near the end of WWII. It is not know what or how much was dumped.

Thirteen sea-dumped CW agent related accidents have occurred in the vicinity of these coordinates. No casualties are known to have resulted.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Fukuoka, Japan II #cwmds 130.114896 33.683886 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 130.114896, 33.683886,0

Off Fukuoka, Japan II

Producing country: Japan (suspected).
Disposing country: Japan (suspected).

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumpings by Japanese forces are suspected to have occurred near the end of WWII. It is not know what or how much was dumped.

Three sea-dumped CW agent related accidents have occurred in the vicinity of these coordinates. These incidents resulted in 3 casualties.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Little Belt #cwmds 10.222778 54.806111 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 10.222778, 54.806111,0

Little Belt

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: Nazi Germany (suspected).

Confirmed disposal(s).

At southern entrance of Little Belt, about 8mi southeast of Pols Huk in 100ft of water.

Shortly before the end of World War II.

Two German vessels carrying 750T of CW agents and 5,000T of conventional munitions were scuttled near these coordinates. CW agents included tabun and phosgene; the vessels may have contained some other CW munitions.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Bari Harbor, Italy #cwmds 16.890426 41.149033 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 16.890426, 41.149033,0

Bari Harbor, Italy

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: Not applicable.

Confirmed incident.

Munitions dispersed in Bari harbor.

Release occurred on December 2, 1943.

The SS John Harvey exploded and sank in the Bari harbor due to a German air raid. The ship carried 2,000 M47A1 bombs, each filled with 60 to 70lb of sulfur mustard. Some of the mustard gas dispersed throughout the harbor due to the explosion.[1]

[1] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis (2005) <www.noblis.org>.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> North of Murmansk, Russia #cwmds 34.893131 71.949754 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 34.893131, 71.949754,0

North of Murmansk, Russia

Producing country: Soviet Union (suspected).
Disposing country: Soiet Union.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Mustard and lewisite, as well as tabun and sarin were dumped near this location by the former Soviet Union. Exact quantities of agent disposed remain undetermined.[1]

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Askold Island #cwmds 132 42.780176 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 132, 42.780176,0

Askold Island

Producing country: Soviet Union.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred in July 1951.

Munitions dumped include between 5,000 and 7,000 adamsite smoke-pots.[1]

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Barentsz Sea #cwmds 42.155626 74.609763 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 42.155626, 74.609763,0

Barentsz Sea

Producing country: Soviet Union.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Dumping reported by an eye witness.

Munitions dumped near Spitsbergen, Svalbard Island at an unknown depth.

Dumping conducted from 1945 to 1982.

Soviet Union dumped ~150,000T of chemical weapons in the Barentsz and Kara Seas. Agents include one or more of the following: Levinstein mustard gas, Zaikov mustard gas, varied forms of lewisite, mustard mixtures, viscous solutions of mustard gas and lewisite, hydrocyanic acid, phosgene, adamsite and diphenylchlorarcine.[1]

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Black Sea #cwmds 34.54371 43.097143 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 34.54371, 43.097143,0

Black Sea

Producing country: Soviet Union.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Dump reported by an eye witness.

Disposal conducted in the area of Zmeiny Island and vicinity of Crimea.

Date of incident is undetermined.

In this area, the Soviet Union disposed of one or more of the following chemical agents: Levinstein mustard gas, Zaikov mustard gas, viscid solutions of mustard gas and lewisite, hydrocyanic acid, phosgene, adamsite and/or diphenylchloroarcine.

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Border of the Barentsz and Kara Seas #cwmds 70.033331 77.5001 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 70.033331, 77.5001,0

Border of the Barentsz and Kara Seas

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Dump reported by an eye witness.

Disposal took place near Novaya Zamlya, close to cape Zhelanie, at an unknown depth.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Dumped munitions include: unknown amount of Levinstein mustard gas, Zaikov mustard gas, varied forms of lewisite, mustard mixtures, and an unknown viscous solution.[1]

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Kara Sea #cwmds 67.323348 74.603189 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 67.323348, 74.603189,0

Kara Sea

Producing country: Soviet Union.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Incidents occurred between 1945 and 1982.

The Soviet Union allegedly dumped ~150,000T of mustard gas and other CW agents in the Barentsz and Kara Seas.[1]

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Northeast of Solovetsk Islands, Russia #cwmds 36.248002 65.297222 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 36.248002, 65.297222,0

Northeast of Solovetsk Islands, Russia

Producing country: Soviet Union.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Agent type(s) and quantities are not known.

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off the Caucasus #cwmds 39.809645 43.213607 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 39.809645, 43.213607,0

Off the Caucasus

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Suspected dump site.

Dump site is between 12 and 19mi from the Russian and/or Georgian shores. Dumping was conducted by the former Soviet Union in between 230 and 265ft of water.

Materiel dumped includes one or more of the following chemical agents: Levinstein mustard gas, Zaikov mustard gas, several variation of lewisite, mustard mixtures, viscid solutions of mustard gas and lewisite, hydrocyanic acid, phosgene, adamsite, and diphenylchloroarcine (blister agent).[1]

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Ostrovnoy Seamount, Sea of Japan #cwmds 134.112823 41.870225 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 134.112823, 41.870225,0

Ostrovnoy Seamount, Sea of Japan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Suspected dump site.

In May 1953, the Former Soviet Union dumped 1,618 mustard-filled mines between 12 and 20mi south of Cape Povorotny. Depth of the dump site is unknown.[1]

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of Sevastopol, Ukraine #cwmds 32.568184 44.535085 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 32.568184, 44.535085,0

West of Sevastopol, Ukraine

Producing country: Soviet Union.
Disposing country: Soviet Union.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

The former Soviet Union dumped one or more of the following material into the Black Sea, west of Sevastopol: Levinstein mustard gas, Zaikov mustard gas, lewisite, varied forms of lewisite, mustard mixtures, viscid solutions of mustard gas and lewisite, hydrocyanic acid, phosgene, adamsite, and diphenylchloroarcine.[1] The amounts and container or munition types are unknown.

[1] Lev Alexandrovich Fedorov, "The Undeclared Chemical War in Russia: Politics versus Ecology," Center for Russian Ecological Policy (Moscow, 1995).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Bornholm, Denmark #cwmds 15.385661 55.2730259999999 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 15.385661, 55.2730259999999,0

East of Bornholm, Denmark

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: Soviet Union (suspected).

Confirmed disposal(s).

Disposal(s) took place east of Bornholm, at a depth between 230 and 345ft.

Date of disposal is undetermined.

Munitions dumped near this location include: 5,920 mustard bombs, 591 adamsite bombs, 479 CN (chloroacetophenone) bombs, 671 mustard gas artillery shells, 61 adamsite artillery shells, 36 CN artillery shells, 314 mustard filled high-explosive bombs, 42 mustard gas mines, and 65 adamsite smoke grenades.

Bulk chemical agents dumped near this location include: 80 mustard gas encasements, 693 adamsite encasements, 74 other chemical filled encasements (unspecified type) and 18 adamsite filled drums. In addition, unknown amount of viscous mustard gas, Clark I, Clark II, chloroacetophenone and possibly phosgene, nitrogen mustard, and tabun were dumped near these coordinates.[1]

Sometime after 1952, an additional 200 to 300T of chemical weapon residues were dumped near this location. A further 8,000T of unspecified chemical munitions may have been dumped here as well.[2]

[1] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

[2] Report to the 15th Meeting of Helsinki Commission 8 to 11 March 1994, report delivered to the Ad–Hoc Working Group on Dumped Chemical Munitions by Danish Environmental Protection Agency, March 8–11, 1994.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Gotland Basin, Baltic Sea #cwmds 19.070135 55.799419 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 19.070135, 55.799419,0

Gotland Basin, Baltic Sea

Producing country: Soviet Union (suspected).
Disposing country: Soviet Union (suspected).

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of disposal is undetermined.

Dumping near these coordinates includes 2,000T of chemical munitions and 1,000T of chemical agents. The munitions dumped consisted of
a) CW aerial bombs: 512 mustard, 51 adamsite and 41 CN (chloroacetophenone);
b) CW artillery shells: 58 mustard, 5 adamsite and 3 CN;
c) 27 mustard gas high explosive bombs and 4 mustard gas mines
d) 6 adamsite smoke grenade
Additionally, bulk weapons agents were dumped near here, including 2 drums of adamsite, 7 mustard gas encasements, 60 adamsite encasements, and 6 other encasements of unspecified type.

The dumping occurred while this area was under the control of the Soviet Union.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Beaufort's Dyke #cwmds -5.3 54.7 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -5.3, 54.7,0

Beaufort's Dyke

Producing country: Nazi Germany & United Kingdom.
Disposing country: United Kingdom.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Located ~6mi off the Scottish coast, Beaufort's Dyke is an underwater trench that is ~30mi long, ~3mi wide and ~820ft deep.[2] Dumping began in 1945, and continued here until 1976.[1,2,3] Scotland's Ministry of Defense reports that Beaufort's Dyke contains nearly 2 million tons of conventional munitions, 120,000T of mustard and phosgene gas, 25,000T of nerve gas, 330T of arsenic compounds and 1,890T of waste gases.[1]

Between July to October, 1945, ~14,000T of 5in artillery shells, loaded with phosgene gas were dumped in the trench; between 1945 and 1948, 135,000T of munitions were dumped; between 1949 and the late 1950s, ~20,000T/yr., were dumped; by the early 1970s, ~3000T/yr were being dumped into the trench. While most of these weapons were defused prior to disposal, some remained live. The last recorded dump at Beaufort's dyke took place in 1976, when crews performed an emergency dump of a small number of 40mm (1.58in) shells.[2]

Of special note, during 'Operation Sandcastle' (1954 to 1956) munitions loaded with tabun were transferred from a secret depot at RAF Llandwrog airbase near Caernarfon, Wales, then placed on merchant ships, which were then scuttled in Beaufort's Dyke and the Irish Sea.[3]

[1] V. Rodrick, "Sea Shells: Deadly Harvest of Munitions is Washed Up on Scotland's Beaches," Red Orbit, June 12, 2007.

[2] Rob Edwards, "Danger from the Deep," New Scientist, November 18, 1995, p. 1616.

[3] David Hencke, "Details Released of 71,000 Bombs Dumped at Sea; Operation Sandcastle in the Fifties Disposed of Nerve Gas and Chemical Weapons," Guardian, March 28, 1995, p. 2.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Irish Sea #cwmds -5.70148399999999 53.700313 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -5.70148399999999, 53.700313,0

Irish Sea

Producing country: United Kingdom & Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United Kingdom.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Multiple dumps occurred in the Irish Sea. Altogether, more than 71,000 bombs armed with nerve agents, unspecified chemical weapons, and "seed dressing" containing Bacillus anthracis spores have been dumped into the Irish Sea. (Dates and depths of the incidents are disclosed, when known.)

(1) In 1945, 25,000T of chemical weapons (nerve gas and arsenic bombs) and toxic seed dressings were dumped by the British.[1]

(2) Between 1955 and 1956, the U.K. dumped 17,000T of captured German CW munitions or agents.

(3) On July 27, 1955, the SS Empire Claire, which was sunk along with its cargo of 16,088 bombs at an unknown depth.[2]

(4) On May 31, 1956, the SS Vogtland, a captured German frigate, was scuttled with 28,737 bombs at an unknown depth.

(5) On July 23, 1956, 25,928 bombs, 330T of inert arsenic (in sealed drums) and ~50 containers of toxic seed dressings (from HM Norfolk Flax Establishment) were loaded on the DD Kotka, a Yugoslav Ship, which was scuttled at an unknown depth.[2]

(6) In 1956, a group of ships, embarking from Cairnryan, Scotland, carrying 700 to 800 bombs apiece were scuttled in the Irish Sea.[2,3]

(7) Between 1956 and 1957, the U.K. disposed of 8,000T of mustard and phosgene munitions. This represented the remainder of their stockpile of mustard and phosgene munitions.[3]

(8) On (an) unknown date(s), 263 drums of nerve gas, cyanide, phosgene and mustard gas were dumped in the Irish Sea.[4]

[1] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

[2] David Hencke, "Details Released of 71,000 Bombs Dumped at Sea; Operation Sandcastle in the Fifties Disposed of Nerve Gas and Chemical Weapons," Guardian, March 28, 1995, p. 2.

[3] "British Chemical Arms Found in Irish Sea," Plain Dealer (Cleveland, OH), March 30, 1995, p. 16A.

[4] Leader, "Beaufort's dump," The Scotsman, Wednesday, October 25, 1995, Pg. 12.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> North of Cornwall, England #cwmds -5.496412 50.530838 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -5.496412, 50.530838,0

North of Cornwall, England

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United Kingdom.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping of chemical munitions occurred multiple locations along the coast north of Cornwall. Depth of dumpings is unknown, as is what was dumped.

Date of incident is undetermined.

The U.K. Ministry of Defence acknowledged its dumping of high explosives and chemical weapons on a stretch of coast north of Cornwall.[1]

[1] Robert Mendick, "Ministry Admits Chemical War Dump," Independent (London), May 21, 2000, p. 12.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Bay of Bengal #cwmds 88 19 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 88, 19,0

Bay of Bengal

Producing country: United States & United Kingdom.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

U.S. crews dumped munitions over three separate days at this location. The crews were instructed to dispose of munitions at least 60mi from the nearest land. On May 10, 1945, part of a load was disposed of in 7,200ft depth; on the 11th the other part was disposed of in 7,800ft.[1] On the 12th, crews dumped munitions in 6,900ft.[2]

On May 10, 1945, the USS George Porter was loaded with 1180, 40ga drums of mustard gas and 16,000 M47A2 100lb mustard bombs. The crew dumped 572 of these drums and 4,693 munitions on the 10th and the remaining 608 drums and 4,500 munitions on the 11th.[1] On the 12th, the USS O.B. Martin disposed of a portion of 16,000 munitions formerly stored at Ondal Advance Chemical Park, India.[2]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 12.

[2] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Bay of Bengal II #cwmds 89 18 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 89, 18,0

Bay of Bengal II

Producing country: United Kingdom.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Disposals occurred in May and November of 1945.

The May dumping included: 37,957 M70 mustard bombs, 1,496 M78 CG bombs, 8,742 M79 CG bombs and 2,512 M79 CK bombs. The November dumping included: 2,672 M70 mustard bombs, 910 M78 CG bombs, 2,673 1T containers of mustard and 883 1T containers of lewisite.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 18.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Between Chincoteague, Virginia, and Assateague, Maryland #cwmds -73.556948 37.71759 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -73.556948, 37.71759,0

Between Chincoteague, Virginia, and Assateague, Maryland

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Munitions dumped ~100mi off the coast, in an area between Chincoteague, Va. and Assateague, Md., at a depth of ~2,000ft.

Dumping occurred in 1957.

Dumped munitions include: 77,000 mustard-filled mortar shells, 5,000 white phosphorous munitions, 1,500 1T canisters containing lewisite and 800 55ga barrels of radioactive waste.[1]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Between United Kingdom & North America #cwmds -28.639232 53.570488 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -28.639232, 53.570488,0

Between United Kingdom & North America

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Disposal took place in 1918.

Lewisite was disposed by U.S. forces in the Atlantic Ocean somewhere between England and the United States at the end of World War I. This is the earliest recorded off-shore disposal of CW agents or munitions.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 1.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Braithwaite, Louisiana #cwmds -89.985352 29.845872 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -89.985352, 29.845872,0

Braithwaite, Louisiana

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Munitions accidentally dropped into quicksand inside the canal. The accident occurred between 3 and 4mi from Braithwaite.[1]

Date of incident is undetermined.

Two bombs of an unspecified type accidentally sank into quicksand near these coordinates.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 15.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Cape Kennedy, Florida #cwmds -76 29.35 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -76, 29.35,0

East of Cape Kennedy, Florida

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Disposal by scuttling a ship was conducted 250mi east of Cape Kennedy. The ship lies at a depth of approximately 16,500ft.[1]

Scuttling took place on August 18, 1970.[3,4]

A large quantity of weapons were loaded on the ship called LeBaron Russell Briggs, which was then scuttled at this location.[1,4] This event is the last known occasion of the U.S. dumping chemical agents in the sea and was conducted as part of Operation CHASE (cut holes and sink 'em) 10.[1,4] The dumped munitions originated from stores at the Military Ocean Terminal in Sunny Point, North Carolina.[4] Munitions known to have been disposed of here included 416 vaults containing 30 rockets each, one vault containing 3 rockets and 3 projectiles, and one vault containing 25 rockets and a single VX landmine.[1,3,4]

Total weight of weapons agents disposed were 67T of sarin and 10.6lb of VX (inside of the landmine).[1,2,4] The wreckage was located, photographed, and sampled in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975. Analysis of samples revealed no contamination of the surrounding waters.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 51

[2] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

[3] Josh Schollmeyer, "Chemical Weapons Under the Sea," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 62 (September–October 2006), p. 11.

[4] V.J. Linnenbom, "Final Report on First Post-Dump Survey of the CHASE X Disposal Site," Naval Research Laboratory, Chemical and Biological Defense Information Analysis Center, Ocean Sciences Division, (1971).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Cape Moreton, Australia #cwmds 153.861898 -27.02853 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 153.861898, -27.02853,0

East of Cape Moreton, Australia

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The depth of the material dumped in 1945 lies at an unknown depth. The material dumped in 1970 is located ~25mi east of Cape Moreton at an estimated depth of 2,700ft.

First dumping operation conducted between October 2 and December 20, 1945. A second dumping occurred on January 23, 1970.

In 1945, over a period spanning two-and-a-half months a large quantity of munitions were dumped at this location including: 876 1T containers of mustard gas; 93 1T containers of lewisite; 314 55ga drums of CS (Corson and Stoughton formulation tear gas); 432 55ga drums of CNB (tear gas); between 3,500T and 8,000T of 75mm (~3in), 105mm (~4in), and 155mm (~6in) artillery shells; and 8,000 tons of adamsite smoke candles. These munitions originated from the Darra Ammunition Depot in Brisbane. Further, unconfirmed reports indicate that 6,396 tons of projectiles, 1,600 tons of small non-toxic arms and munitions were dumped at this location.

At an unknown date, an additional 8,900T of unspecified CW agents are likely to have been dumped near these coordinates. Various sources suggest that the CW agents may be mustard, lewisite, and/or a lachrymator.

In 1970, one-half-ton of mustard gas was dumped near this location.

In sum, U.S. forces have dumped a total of 32,000T of mustard gas, lewisite, and possibly other agents at this location.[1,2,3]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 14.

[2] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

[3] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Florida, ~300mi #cwmds -75.6403289999999 28.964075 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -75.6403289999999, 28.964075,0

East of Florida, ~300mi

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

U.S. crews dumped munitions and scuttled one ship approximately 300mi east of Florida at an unknown depth.[1,2]

Dumping and scuttling occurred between December 15 and 20, 1948.

As part of "Operation Geranium," crews dumped 3,711 bulk containers filled with lewisite, along with 60 M14 lewisite-filled mines.[1,2]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 38.

[2] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of South Carolina #cwmds -77.51288 31.846765 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -77.51288, 31.846765,0

East of South Carolina

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Disposal took place between March 20 and 27, 1958.

Originating from Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas, 1,507T of lewisite and 63T of HN (nitrogen mustard) were dumped near these coordinates.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 42.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey I #cwmds -71.026667 39.545 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -71.026667, 39.545,0

From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey I

Producing country: U nited States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The U.S. conducted four disposals near these coordinates, the depths of which range between 6,000 and 7,800ft.

(1) On June 19, 1968, 38 1T containers of sarin and VX, 120 drum canisters of arsenic and cyanide were loaded onto the SS Mormactern. The vessel was then sunk as part of Operation CHASE (cut holes and sink 'em) 11 in 6,390ft of water. In 1969, researchers sampled the site and found no contamination. In 1972 the site was located, photographed and sampled. Again, the sampling revealed no contamination of the surrounding area.

(2) August 7, 1968, 3,500 1T containers that contained mustard were loaded on a ship, along with an unspecified quantity of conventional explosives. The vessel was then scuttled as part of Operation CHASE 12. The recorded depth was 7,800ft. Similar to incident (1), this site was sampled in 1969 and 1972, though debris from the wreck could not be positively identified, no water contamination was found. The ton containers were minimally contaminated with mustard, many of them had stood open at Edgewood Arsenal for over a year prior to disposal.[1]

(3) On August 7, 1968, "miles" off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey, two ships loaded with VX rockets were scuttled as part of Operation CHASE 10. The VX rockets were encased in concrete before the ships were scuttled. The reported depth was 6,000ft.

(4) An additional ship, the SS Richardson, while being scuttled nearby exploded on its way to the ocean floor. That ship was filled with high-explosives and 3,500 1T containers of mustard gas mixed with water. It was on its descent toward the 7,800ft deep-bottom when a chain-reaction explosion scattered its cargo and destroyed the vessel. Presumably, the explosive reaction was begun by water pressure on one of the weapons, which in turn led to other munitions exploding.[2]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 49, 50.

[2] John M.R. Bull, "Decades of Dumping Chemical Arms Leave a Risky Legacy, U.S. Chemical Weapons Found in Delaware Driveway Pavement," Daily Press, November 3, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey II #cwmds -70.95 39.645 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -70.95, 39.645,0

From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey II

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Weapons and agents were dumped in 7,200ft of water.

On June 15, 1957, 4,577 1T containers of mustard and 7,380 M55 sarin rockets were encased in concrete vaults and loaded into the SS Corporal Eric G. Gibson. The Gibson was then scuttled as part of Operation CHASE (cut holes and sink 'em) 8. The wreck site was sampled in 1969. In 1972, it was located, photographed and sampled. No contamination of the surrounding area was detected in any samples.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 48.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey III #cwmds -70.616667 37.833333 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -70.616667, 37.833333,0

From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey III

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

On November 13 or 14, 1957, 48 1T containers of lewisite were dumped near these coordinates. The materiel originated from Colts Neck Naval Pier in New Jersey.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 41.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey IV #cwmds -70.95 39.65 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -70.95, 39.65,0

From Colts Neck Naval Pier, New Jersey IV

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Multiple dumpings at this location. Known dates include: June 15, 1947, June 19, 1948 and August 7, 1968.[1]

On June 15, 1967, dumping included 39T of sarin and 3,890T of mustard gas in bulk and rockets. On June 19, 1968, dumping included 38 1T containers of sarin and VX; 1,460 vaults holding M55 sarin and VX rockets; and 120 drums loaded with canisters of arsenic and cyanide. On August 7, 1968, 3,500 1T containers contaminated with mustard gas were dumped.[2]

[1] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

[2] Josh Schollmeyer, "Chemical Weapons Under the Sea," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 62 (September–October 2006), p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland #cwmds -73.485287 37.78124 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -73.485287, 37.78124,0

From Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Disposal took place between September 14 and December 21, 1945.

Materials originated from Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, included 1,154 55ga drums of arsenic trichloride, 375T of diphenylaminechloroarsine (adamsite) smoke candles, 75,852 4.2in distilled mustard shells, 924 M74 10lb white phosphorus cluster bombs, ~56,000 smoke canisters, and ~23,000 smoke projectiles.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 13.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland I #cwmds -72.166667 38.5 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -72.166667, 38.5,0

From Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland I

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Near these coordinates the U.S. dumped various types of munitions between 1945 and 1964.

(1) Between September 14 and December 21, 1945, 1,154 55ga drums of arsenic trichloride, 375T of diphenylaminechloroarsine smoke candles, 75,852 4-in distilled mustard shells, and 924 M74 10-lb white phosphorous cluster bombs were dumped.[1]

(2) On June 14 or 15, 1960, 2 1T containers of lewisite, 1 lewisite-filled cylinder, and radiological wastes amounting to 320T were dumped from a single barge.[1,2]

(3) On June 18, 1962, the following materiel was loose dumped from a single barge: 378 4in mustard projectiles, 341 6in mustard projectiles, a 1T container of lewisite, 20 drums of cyanide, 421,757lb of radiological waste, and 5,252 white phosphorus munitions.[1,2]

(4) Between August 6 and 7 1964, 1,700 3in mustard projectiles, 456 1T containers CNB (chloroacetophenone and benzene), 74 1T containers of mustard, 10 M78 CK (blood agent) bombs and 800 55ga drums of radiological waste were loose dumped from a single barge near these coordinates.[1]

[1] Josh Schollmeyer, "Chemical Weapons Under the Sea," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 62 (September–October 2006), p. 11.

[2] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 45–47.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland II #cwmds -71.166667 38.5 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -71.166667, 38.5,0

From Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland II

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Two known dumpings were conducted near these coordinates. The first was conducted between June 11 and June 18, 1962, while the second took place between August 2 and August 7, 1964.[1]

In 1962, crews dumped a total of 1T of lewisite, both as contained in projectiles and in bulk form.[1]

In 1964, crews dumped 65T of mustard gas in bulk and contained within projectiles. Along with this, crews dumped less than 1T of cyanogen chloride.[1]

[1] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> From Mukilteo Ammunition Pier, Washington #cwmds 146.484849 34.908453 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 146.484849, 34.908453,0

From Mukilteo Ammunition Pier, Washington

Producing country: United States (suspected).
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping took place on March 6, 1946.

While en route to Yokohama, Japan, crews on board the SS Eugene Skinner found that a 150lb chlorine-filled cylinder was leaking. Following an unsuccessful attempt to plug the leak, they threw the cylinder overboard.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 19, 22.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Gulf of Mexico #cwmds -94.288314 21.193655 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -94.288314, 21.193655,0

Gulf of Mexico

Producing country: United States & Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping occurred on multiple occasions, near these coordinates.

(1) Between March 1 and 7, 1946, originating from New Orleans Port of Entry, Braithwaite, Louisiana, 207T of H projectiles were dumped at an unknown depth.[2]

(2) On March 10, 1946, two leaking mustard bombs arrived at New Orleans Port of Entry (NOPE) from Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, and were carried away from shore by a barge and dumped.[2]

(3) Also on March 10, 1946, an unknown number of mustard gas-filled bombs were shipped out of New Orleans on the USS Akutar and dumped at an unknown depth.[3]

(4) In May 1946, 3 German phosgene bombs from NOPE were dumped.

(5) On July 13, 1946, 33 German mustard bombs were dumped in 200 to 600ft of water 20mi off the coast.

(5) On February 20, 1954, 1 barge, loaded with CNS projectiles taken from LST (tank landing ship) 694, dumped its cargo at an unknown distance from shore.

(6) Between January and February 1955, 1 or 2 barges carrying unspecified toxic munitions dumped their loads at an unknown depth.[2]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp.20, 23, 30, 39, 40.

[2] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

[3] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Manfredonia Bay, (accidental incident) #cwmds 16.002874 41.566671 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 16.002874, 41.566671,0

Manfredonia Bay, (accidental incident)

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed incident.

Crews unintentionally dropped an undisclosed number of mustard bombs into the Manfredonia Bay, while unloading a transport vessel. Some of these munitions were later recovered and intentionally dumped 54mi further from shore at undisclosed coordinates.[1]

The accidental submersions occurred in December 1945; the dumping took place 2-3 weeks later in January 1946.[1]

The munitions in question were 100lb mustard bombs, which were being transported by the U.S. Some of these bombs were reportedly floating near the location of the accident (indicating the munitions were sealed and empty when dropped).[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 12.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Manila Bay, Philippines #cwmds 120.766366 14.613133 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 120.766366, 14.613133,0

Manila Bay, Philippines

Producing country: United States and/or Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Munitions dumped at unknown coordinates in depths ranging between 55 and 120ft.

Dumping occurred in December 1941.

The crew of the USS Tilly disposed of an unknown quantity of 100lb mustard bombs by dropping them overboard in Manila Bay. Prior to disposal, the munitions were stored at Fort William McKinley, Rizal, Philippines.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 8.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Marvels Bay, Philippines #cwmds 120.501867 14.423339 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 120.501867, 14.423339,0

Marvels Bay, Philippines

Producing country: United States and/or Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred in 1942.

An unknown number of 4.2in mortar shells and 6 one-ton containers holding chlorine were loose dumped in the bay, along with 1/2T of live white phosphorous shells.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 8.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Mediterranean Sea #cwmds 19.051174 35.290619 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 19.051174, 35.290619,0

Mediterranean Sea

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Suspected dump site.

Location and depth unknown.

Possible dumping following the close of World War II.

Munitions suspected of having been dumped include an unknown number of M47 mustard bombs.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 18.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Near Aomori, Japan #cwmds 140.695347 41.246412 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 140.695347, 41.246412,0

Near Aomori, Japan

Producing country: Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Dumping of an Japanese chemical munitions of unknown number and composition was done at this location by U.S. authorities. Since then, seven incidents of exposure to chemical agents near this location have resulted in 15 known casualties and one ensuing fatality.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Near Asuncion, Philippines #cwmds 125.880674 6.934322 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 125.880674, 6.934322,0

Near Asuncion, Philippines

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Incident occurred in October, 1945.

Unknown quantity of leaking mustard bombs were loose dumped near Asuncion.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 9.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> New Orleans Port of Entry, Louisiana #cwmds -90.0170149999999 29.954583 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -90.0170149999999, 29.954583,0

New Orleans Port of Entry, Louisiana

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping conducted at port of entry at unknown depth.

Dumping occurred in 1944.

More than 20 M70 mustard bombs, along with other munitions, were loose dumped into the Mississippi River. Some of these munitions were leaking when dumped.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 10, 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Chichagof Harbor, Attu Island, Alaska #cwmds 173.26323 53.007671 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 173.26323, 53.007671,0

Off Chichagof Harbor, Attu Island, Alaska

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping carried out ~12mi from Chichagof Harbor, at an unknown depth.

Multiple dumpings occurred between June 30 and July 15, 1947.

The U.S. Army's Technical Escort Unit dumped 61 containers of mustard gas and 887 bulk containers of lewisite (volume of these containers was not disclosed).[1,2]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 11.

[2] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Choshi, Japan #cwmds 140.993355 35.713895 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 140.993355, 35.713895,0

Off Choshi, Japan

Producing country: Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown. The munition dumping guidelines instructed disposal units to release agents at depths of at least 1,000m (~3300ft).[1] What was actually dumped is not known.

Dumping occurred during Allied Powers occupation of Japan following WWII (1945-1952).

This location was among those designated by the occupation authority as a chemical munitions dump site. There have been 11 reported incidents of human exposure to chemical weapons agents. These incidents have resulted in at least 52 casualties.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Horn Island, Mississippi #cwmds -88.63291 30.181184 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -88.63291, 30.181184,0

Off Horn Island, Mississippi

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Munitions dumped near Horn Island, Mississippi. Exact location and depth are unknown.[1]

Dumping occurred on July 27, 1946.

On July 27, 1946, 124 German chemical bombs were dumped onto the Mississippi-Alabama Shelf. The bombs were probably thrown over the side of the SS Park Benjamin.[1] Some of these munitions were leaking mustard gas.[2]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

[2] John M.R. Bull, "Decades of Dumping Chemical Arms Leave a Risky Legacy, U.S. Chemical Weapons Found in Delaware Driveway Pavement," Daily Press, November 3, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Island of Ischia, Italy #cwmds 13.679345 40.706361 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 13.679345, 40.706361,0

Off Island of Ischia, Italy

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

In April, 1946, the U.S. Army disposed of an undisclosed quantity of Italian produced mustard and lewisite bombs near the Island of Ischia. Prior to their disposal the bombs were located at a facility in Auera, Italy.[1]

Between October 21 and November 5, 1945, unknown quantities of CG (carbonic dichloride), CK (cyanogen chloride), and AC (hydrogen cyanide) bombs were dumped near the island by U.S. forces. Additional dumping at that time were done near Naples and included 13,000 4.2in mustard-filled mortar and artillery shells, 438 55ga drums of mustard gas, and an unknown number of 1,000lb mustard bombs.[2]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

[2] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 13.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Karachi, Pakistan #cwmds 66.908689 24.776904 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 66.908689, 24.776904,0

Off Karachi, Pakistan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location unknown, munitions dumped in 250ft of water.

Dumping occurred in 1943.

An unknown number of mustard filled munitions were loose dumped by a vessel embarking from Karachi.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 13.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Mobile, Alabama #cwmds -87.429129 29.971659 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -87.429129, 29.971659,0

Off Mobile, Alabama

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Four dumpings were done at this location; the exact location and depth for three are unknown. Known dumping location is 20mi south of Alabama in between 200 and 600ft of water.[1]

On July 13, 1946, over 30 German mustard bombs were shipped by barge from Theodore Naval Magazine near Mobile, Alabama and dumped. One of these bombs later floated ashore.[1] Also on July 13, 1946, 30 500kg (~1,100lb) mustard bombs and 3 250kg (~550lb) mustard bombs were dumped at an unknown depth near these coordinates.

On February 20, 1954, the load of one "barge" containing riot-control agent projectiles was dumped at an unknown depth.

Between January and February, 1955, the contents of 1 or 2 "barges" loaded with toxic munitions were dumped at an unknown depth.[2]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

[2] Josh Schollmeyer, "Chemical Weapons Under the Sea," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 62 (September–October 2006), p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Muroto, Japan #cwmds 134.269624 33.125415 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 134.269624, 33.125415,0

Off Muroto, Japan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred during Allied Powers occupation of Japan, following WWII (1945-1952).

Dumping activity was assigned and supervised by U.S. forces. The quantity and type of munitions was not disclosed.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Nagoya, Japan #cwmds 137.58548 34.445507 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 137.58548, 34.445507,0

Off Nagoya, Japan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred during Allied Powers occupation of Japan, following WWII (1945-1952).

Dumping activity was assigned and supervised by U.S. forces. The quantity and type of munitions was not disclosed.[1]

Chemical agents and munitions in this area have been involved in 7 accidents. These accidents have resulted in 2 casualties, 1 of which was a fatality.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off New Orleans, Louisiana #cwmds -89.535262 28.262629 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -89.535262, 28.262629,0

Off New Orleans, Louisiana

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

On March 10, 1946, 2 leaking mustard bombs were dumped by vessel embarking from New Orleans.[1]

[1] Josh Schollmeyer, "Chemical Weapons Under the Sea," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 62 (September–October 2006), p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Norfolk, Virginia #cwmds -74.249443 36.929779 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -74.249443, 36.929779,0

Off Norfolk, Virginia

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred near the end of WWII.

Agent types and quantities remain unknown.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 7.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off North Carolina #cwmds -74.373776 34.79759 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -74.373776, 34.79759,0

Off North Carolina

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred in June 1958.

The U.S. dumped 70,180 pounds of DANC (non-corrosive decontamination agent) near these coordinates.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 5.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Noumea, New Caledonia #cwmds 165.385318 -22.623271 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 165.385318, -22.623271,0

Off Noumea, New Caledonia

Producing country: United States and/or Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred in September 1945.

Near these coordinates, 4,243T of artillery shells with toxic contents were dumped. The shells originated from Guadalcanal.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 8.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Oahu, Hawaii #cwmds -157.800769 21.61 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -157.800769, 21.61,0

Off Oahu, Hawaii

Producing country: United States and/or Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dump site is located ~5mi from the coast of Oahu. Exact depth and coordinates undisclosed.

The incident occurred in 1944.

Near these coordinates, 16,000 M47 A2 100lb mustard bombs were dumped by U.S. forces.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 8

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Oita, Japan #cwmds 131.902744 33.329586 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 131.902744, 33.329586,0

Off Oita, Japan

Producing country: Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred during Allied Powers occupation of Japan, following WWII (1945-1952). Dumping near these coordinates was assigned and supervised by U.S. authorities.[1] The quantity and contents of dumpings are unknown.

Near these coordinates, there have been 14 sea-dumped CW agent related accidents and 3 casualties.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Pearl Harbor, Hawaii #cwmds -158.002968 21.238137 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -158.002968, 21.238137,0

Off Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Three dump sites are located near these coordinates.

(1) In October 1944, 5mi south of Pearl Harbor, 16,000 M47A2 100lb bombs filled with mustard gas, were dumped at depths between 1,000 and 1,500ft.[1]

(2) On an undisclosed date, in 1944, 4,220T of unspecified toxic materiel, including hydrogen cyanide, was dumped near these coordinates.[2]

(3) In December 1945, 29 tons of mustard gas were dumped at a depth of 10,000ft.[1]

[1] G. Kakesako, "UH, Army to Scour for Bombs in Ocean," Star Bulletin, June 5, 2007, <starbulletin.com>.

[2] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 6.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Sable and Nova Scotia Islands, Canada #cwmds -61.6812129999999 44.416891 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -61.6812129999999, 44.416891,0

Off Sable and Nova Scotia Islands, Canada

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown. This dump site may span a 35 square mile area.

Date of incident is undetermined.

The U.S. may have dumped chemical agents and/or munitions near these coordinates.[1]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Saint Raphael, France #cwmds 6.78283099999999 43.36829 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 6.78283099999999, 43.36829,0

Off Saint Raphael, France

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Dumping occurred between July and October, 1946.

U.S. forces dumped 3,400 bombs filled with lewisite and mustard near these coordinates. The munition size and exact type are unknown.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 25.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off San Francisco, California #cwmds -125 37.666667 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -125, 37.666667,0

Off San Francisco, California

Producing country: United States.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Multiple dumps occurred near these coordinates.

(1) On April 19, 1958, 301,000 M70 mustard bombs and 1,479 1T containers of lewisite were dumped near these coordinates. These munitions were loaded into the SS William Ralston. The Ralston was then scuttled in 13,542ft of water. The materiel originated from the Navajo and Tooele Army depots.

(2) Between April 8, 1958 and May 25, 1958, crews dumped 1,542T of lewisite (bulk and encapsulated in munitions), 9,030T of mustard (bulk), and 9T of nitrogen mustard (bulk).[2]

(3) On May 25, 1958, the following weapons were loose dumped near these coordinates: 6 M47 mustard bombs, 11 1T containers of HN (nitrogen mustard), 335 1T containers of lewisite, and 2 mustard projectiles. These weapons originated from Tooele Army Depot in Utah, United States.[1]

(4) May 1958, an unknown number of chemical munitions that could not fit into the Ralston were loaded onto a barge and towed to sea by the tug Sea Lion, where they were thrown over the side at an undisclosed location. [3]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 43–44.

[2] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

[3] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Tosa-shimizu, Japan #cwmds 133.181015 32.638391 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 133.181015, 32.638391,0

Off Tosa-shimizu, Japan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Townsville, Australia I #cwmds 148.083333 -18.5 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 148.083333, -18.5,0

Off Townsville, Australia I

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping near these coordinates was conducted in ~3,600ft depth.

Dumping occurred on October 12, 1945.

U.S. crews aboard the tugboat "Keera" dropped 320 mustard-filled M47A2 100lb bombs over the side. Prior to dumping the munitions, members of the crew ensured the bombs had a low buoyancy by attaching a single bomb to a 10 fathom (60ft) line and dropping it over the side.[1]

[1] CW Agent Sea Dumping off Australia 2ed. Australian Department of Defence (Australia: Defence Publishing Service, 2003).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Townsville, Australia II #cwmds 148 -18 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 148, -18,0

Off Townsville, Australia II

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping near these coordinates was conducted in ~3,600ft depth.

Dumping occurred on October 14, 1945.

U.S. personnel aboard the tugboat "Keera" dropped 700 mustard filled 65lb bombs into the water near these coordinates.[1]

[1] CW Agent Sea Dumping off Australia 2ed. Australian Department of Defence (Australia: Defence Publishing Service, 2003).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Virginia Beach, Virginia #cwmds -74.924053 36.784765 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -74.924053, 36.784765,0

Off Virginia Beach, Virginia

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

In 1957, the U.S. Army dumped 48T of lewisite near these coordinates, at a depth of 41,000ft.[1]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "Decades of Dumping Chemical Arms Leave a Risky Legacy, U.S. Chemical Weapons Found in Delaware Driveway Pavement," Daily Press, November 3, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Site Baker #cwmds -79.603769 32.57353 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -79.603769, 32.57353,0

Site Baker

Producing country: United States & Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

(1) Between March 21 and 25, 1946, an unspecified quantity of 4in mustard filled projectiles and M70 115lb bombs were taken from a facility in Charleston, South Carolina and dumped at Site Baker.

(2) Between August 1 and October 17, 1946, an unspecified quantity of German produced mustard and tabun bombs, along with quantities of U.S. produced mustard, lewisite, and CG bombs, as well as containers and projectiles were dumped near these coordinates. Most of this materiel was captured stockpiles transported from Europe following WWII.[1]

(3) Between August 8 and 22, 1946, portions of 2 barge loads of GA bombs and mines were dumped near this location.

(4) Between August and October 1946, over 7T of mustard bombs, projectiles, mines, and bulk containers, along with ~1,200T of lewisite in bombs, bulk, projectiles, and mines were dumped near this location.

(5) Between March 21 and 25, 1946, 13T of mustard-filled projectiles originating from the Naval Mine Depot in Yorktown, Virginia were dumped at Site Baker.

(6) In August 1946, 3 barge loads of phosgene contained in bombs, mines, and in bulk were dumped.[2]

(7) In March 1946, four railroad cars filled with mustard gas bombs and mines were conveyed over the side of the USS Diamond Head ammunition ship.

(8) In either 1946 or 1947, an estimated 23 barges full of German-produced nerve gas bombs and U.S. made lewisite bombs were dumped at an unknown depth. A single barge carried up to 350T of munitions.[3]

(9) Between March 21 and 25, 1946, 4 "carloads" of mustard projectiles were dumped.

(10) Between August 1 and October 17, 1946, unspecified quantities of German mustard, tabun, lewisite, and phosgene bombs were dumped.

(11) Between March 20 and 27, 1958, 1,507 1T containers of lewisite and 63 1T containers of nitrogen mustard were dumped.[4]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 4, 21, 31.

[2] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

[3] John M.R. Bull, "Decades of Dumping Chemical Arms Leave a Risky Legacy, U.S. Chemical Weapons Found in Delaware Driveway Pavement," Daily Press, November 3, 2005.

[4] Josh Schollmeyer, "Chemical Weapons Under the Sea," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 62 (September–October 2006), p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> South of Quarry Heights, Panama #cwmds -79.491434 8.856649 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -79.491434, 8.856649,0

South of Quarry Heights, Panama

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping took place south of Quarry Heights, near the Panama Canal, at an unknown depth.

Sometime between February 1940 and January 1942, 6 4.2-inch mustard shells were found to be leaking and were loose dumped.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 7.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Tenkai Knoll, east of Okimo-shima, Japan #cwmds 134.166667 32.5 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 134.166667, 32.5,0

Tenkai Knoll, east of Okimo-shima, Japan

Producing country: Japan.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Large portions of the captured Japanese chemical stockpile were dumped near these coordinates at an unknown depth.

(1) In November 1945, 3,200T of unspecified Japanese chemical weapons/agents were dumped near these coordinates.[1]

(2) Between May 8 and November 30, 1946, captured Japanese mustard and lewisite stocks were dumped by U.S. forces.

(3) In 1946, the U.S. 58th Chemical Service Company disposed of 14,485 type 94 floating smoke candles, 3,364 type 94 large smoke candles, 113T thiodiglycol (in containers), ~60T of hexachloroethane, along with other non-chemical material, all of which previously belonged to the Japanese. These weapons had been removed from Okuno, Japan by the 58th.

(4) Also in 1946, the 58th removed and prepared for sea-disposal a large cache of Japanese weapons from Tadanoumi, Japan. These weapons included: 8,339 T-99 large vomiting gas candles, 1,670 T-93 medium vomiting gas candles, 29,953 Y-98 small vomiting gas candles, 45,814 T-100 vomiting gas candles (self propelled), 17,460 T-100 medium vomiting gas candles, 7,210 T-100 large vomiting gas candles, 6,735 T-94 large smoking candles, 35,949 T-94 floating smoke candles, 207,210 T-94 small smoke candles, 245,220 T-94 substitute smoke candles, 9,156 T-94 signal smoke candles, 11,020 T-97 smoke candles, 542,389 T-99 smoke candles and 191,906 cans of imitation mustard gas. Documentation of the actual disposal is not available because the 58th was dissolved on January 30, 1946. Thus, exact coordinates of this disposal are not known.[2]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 12, 24.

[2] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of Norway I #cwmds 1.533333 62.95 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 1.533333, 62.95,0

West of Norway I

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location of the incident is unknown. Munitions were disposed of in 3,400ft of water.

On July 24, 1948, U.S. forces dumped 2,240T of captured German chemical weapons and agents.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), p. 37.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of Waianae, Hawaii #cwmds -158.336849 21.451323 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -158.336849, 21.451323,0

West of Waianae, Hawaii

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States.

Confirmed disposal(s).

In a period covering October and December 1945, as well as December 1948, 1,525T of mustard gas, 204T of cyanogen chloride, 2T of hydrogen cyanide, and an unknown quantity of lewisite were dumped ~10mi west of Waianae, Hawaii, at a depth of 10,000ft.[1]

In addition, between October 17 and November 2, 1945, the U.S. military (branch unknown) dumped large quantities of CW weapons and agents near this location. The dumped materiel included: 20 M70 1,000lb hydrogen cyanide bombs, 1,100 M79 1,000lb cyanogen chloride bombs, 125 (28T) M78 500lb cyanogen chloride bombs, 14,956 (800T) M70 114lb mustard bombs, 30,917 (510T) 4.2in mortar mustard shells, 1,038 1T containers of mustard gas, and 190 1T containers of lewisite. The exact location and depths were not recorded.[2]

[1] G. Kakesako, "UH, Army to Scour for Bombs in Ocean," Star Bulletin, June 5, 2007, <starbulletin.com>.

[2] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Bay of Biscay #cwmds -4.16989 45.419771 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -4.16989, 45.419771,0

Bay of Biscay

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States & Federal Republic of Germany.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact depths undetermined.

Between February 1940 and September 1941, the U.S. dumped 5 30lb mustard bombs.[1] Between 1954 and 1972, the U.S. disposed of ~900T of various munitions. During this period, crews placed each munition in an individual metal case, then batched the cases and encapsulated them in concrete.[2]

Between 1959 and 1960, the U.S. dumped Nazi produced tabun shells recovered from a site south of Little Belt, Denmark. Disposers encased the shells in concrete blocks and released them at unknown depth.[3]

In November 1980, ~250T of munitions loaded with an undisclosed toxic substance were dumped. This final disposal was conducted under Article 9 of the Oslo Convention.[1]

[1] Off–Shore Disposal of Chemical Agents and Weapons Conducted by the United States, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Historical Research and Response Team (2001), p. 12.

[2] Jean Pascal Zanders, "Belgium and the Question of Sea–Dumped Chemical Munitions," paper delivered to EASTLANT Coastal Maritime Operations Seminar, Riga, Latvia, October 17–19, 2000.

[3] Report to the 15th Meeting of Helsinki Commission 8 to 11 March 1994, report delivered to the Ad–Hoc Working Group on Dumped Chemical Munitions by Danish Environmental Protection Agency, March 8–11, 1994

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> North Sea #cwmds 4.469188 57.489674 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 4.469188, 57.489674,0

North Sea

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States & United Kingdom.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

In parallel endeavors, the U.S. and U.K. performed multiple dumping and scuttling operations in this area.[1,2]

Brankowitz reports that the U.S. disposed of approximately 22,000T unspecified chemical munitions at an undisclosed time.[1]

A Noblis report discloses that the U.S. scuttled approximately 32,000T of captured German chemical munitions between 1945 and 1957. Noblis also reports that the U.K. dumped 100,000T of chemical weapons that was stored in Scotland, along with 75,000T from captured German stockpiles, over the same period.[2]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 26–35.

[2] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Skagerrak #cwmds 9.76284899999999 58.152906 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 9.76284899999999, 58.152906,0

Skagerrak

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: United States & United Kingdom.

Confirmed disposal(s).

On many occasions the U.S., and U.K. scuttled ships filled with CW munitions in the Skagerrak strait (depths listed next to incidents, when available). The disposals were carried out as part of Operation Davy Jones Locker.

(1) On July 1, 1945, the Sperrbrecher was carrying ~1,350T of chemical weapons and/or agents, when it was scuttled in ~2,100ft of water. In addition, a ship called T65 was scuttled in 2,100ft of water, while carrying 1,526T of captured chemical munitions.[1]

(2) In December 1945, Allied forces dumped 11,000T sarin, 4,000T mustard, 35,000T CN/DM (tear gas and adamsite) and 66,000T CG/HS (phosgene and mustard), all of which were captured German materiel.[2]

(3) On July 2, 1946, the UJ-305 (a German war ship) was carrying ~670T of unidentified chemical munitions, when it was scuttled in 2,100ft of water.[1]

(4) On July 14, 1946, the Alco Banner was carrying ~3,000T of captured German chemical weapons/agents, when it was scuttled in 2,100ft of water.

(5) On August 30, 1946, the James Otis was carrying ~4,100T of captured German chemical weapons or agents, when it was scuttled in 2,100ft of water.[1]

(6) On June 6, 1947, the James Sewell was carrying ~4,500T of captured chemical weapons/agent, when it was scuttled in ~2,400ft of water.

(7) On June 20, 1947, the James Harrod carried 3,360T of captured chemical weapons and/or agents, when it scuttled at a depth of ~2,200ft.

(8) On June 30, 1947, the George Hawley carried 1,120T of captured chemical weapons and/or agents, when it was scuttled at a depth of ~2,250ft.

(9) On July 18, 1947, the Nesbit carried 6,720T of captured chemical weapons and/or agents, when it was scuttled at a depth of 1,900ft.

(10) On August 24, 1948, the Marey carried 2,800T of captured German chemical weapons and/or agents, whe it was scuttled in ~3,850ft of water.[3]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

[2] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 19, 22.

[3] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Unknown location, Pacific Ocean #cwmds -142.660182 35.17643 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -142.660182, 35.17643,0

Unknown location, Pacific Ocean

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: United States (suspected).

Confirmed disposal(s).

Location and depth undetermined.

Dumping took place in August 1944.

At an unknown location in the Pacific Ocean, 36 M47A2 mustard bombs and 15,000 other unspecified bombs were dumped.[1]

[1] William R. Brankowitz, "Meeting Notes–Summary of Some Chemical Munitions Sea Dumps by the United States," U.S. EPA Office of Water (1989), pp. 16, 26–29

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Brisbane, Australia #cwmds 153.558232 -27.263991 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 153.558232, -27.263991,0

East of Brisbane, Australia

Producing country: United States (suspected).
Disposing country: United States (suspected).

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Approximately 30,000T of chemical weapon agents have been dumped near this location.[1]

[1] John M.R. Bull, "U.S. Didn't Dump Chemical Arms off just its own Shores," Daily Press, October 31, 2005.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Atlantic #cwmds -29.955522 50.841448 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -29.955522, 50.841448,0

Atlantic

Producing country: Nazi Germany.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Munitions dumped between 1945 and 1957.

Twenty-four ships carried 137,000T of chemical weapons, 17,000T of which were captured German stockpiles of tabun, sarin, phosgene, tear and mustard gas.[1]

[1] Rob Edwards, "Danger from the Deep," New Scientist, November 18, 1995, p. 1616.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Beaufort's Dyke II #cwmds -5.26 54.76 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -5.26, 54.76,0

Beaufort's Dyke II

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

This dump site is located inside Beaufort's Dyke, ~8mi west of Dumfries & Galloway. Exact location and depth are undetermined.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Near Beaufort's Dyke, 1,367T of chemical and conventional loose and/or incased munitions were dumped.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Bornholm Basin, Baltic Sea #cwmds 15.651608 55.318744 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 15.651608, 55.318744,0

Bornholm Basin, Baltic Sea

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Disposal included mustard gas, Clark I and II, adamsite, chloroacetophenone and phosgene. The dumped agents may have also included tabun and nitrogen mustard.

A significant amount of mustard tolerant microbiota found at this site indicates that some mustard gas was included in the disposed materials. CW agents may have remained unchanged and potentially dangerous due to a low rate of shell corrosion as a result of low aeration. The materiel may have been spread over a large area by natural forces.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Bougainville Reef #cwmds 147.35 -15.968056 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 147.35, -15.968056,0

Bougainville Reef

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Exact location and depth are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Agent type(s) and quantities were not disclosed.

[1] CW Agent Sea Dumping off Australia 2ed. Australian Department of Defence (Australia: Defence Publishing Service, 2003).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Donegal Fan #cwmds -10 56 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -10, 56,0

Donegal Fan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Site is located ~25mi southeast of Hebrides Seamount, inside Donegal Fan. Exact coordinates and depth are undetermined.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Dora Oldendorf #cwmds -9.37 48.67 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -9.37, 48.67,0

Dora Oldendorf

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The Dora Oldendorf was scuttled near these coordinates and lies at a depth between 11,000 and 13,000ft.

The Dora Oldendorf was scuttled in February 1947.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Hebrides Seamount #cwmds -9.45 56.37 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -9.45, 56.37,0

East of Hebrides Seamount

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Site is located ~25mi east of Hebrides Seamount, between Donegal and Barra fans. Exact coordinates and depth are undetermined.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> East of Viking Trough #cwmds -1.6 64.7 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -1.6, 64.7,0

East of Viking Trough

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

This dump site is located ~100mi east of Viking Trough. Exact coordinates and depth are undetermined.

Date of incident is undetermined.

After being recovered from Wolgast harbor, Germany, 462 Tabun shells were set in concrete and dumped near these coordinates.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Empire Connyngham #cwmds -8.85 47.87 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.85, 47.87,0

Empire Connyngham

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Empire Connyngham was scuttled near these coordinates in ~6,500ft of water. She carried chemical weapons of unknown composition and quantity.

The Empire Connyngham was scuttled in June 1949.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Empire Lark #cwmds -8.26 47.92 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.26, 47.92,0

Empire Lark

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Empire Lark was scuttled near these coordinates at a depth of ~2,500ft.[1] She carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

The Empire Lark was scuttled in July 1947.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Empire Nutfield #cwmds -8.15 48.05 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.15, 48.05,0

Empire Nutfield

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Empire Nutfield was scuttled near these coordinates in ~1,640ft of water.

The Empire Nutfield was scuttled in September 1946. She carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Empire Peacock #cwmds -8.56 47.95 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.56, 47.95,0

Empire Peacock

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Empire Peacock was scuttled near these coordinates, at a depth between 2,300 and 2,600ft.

The Empire Peacock was scuttled in August 1946. She carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Empire Success #cwmds -9.4 47.28 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -9.4, 47.28,0

Empire Success

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Empire Success was scuttled near these coordinates in ~14,000ft of water.

The Empire Success was scuttled in August 1948. She carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> English Channel #cwmds -3.57 49.5 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -3.57, 49.5,0

English Channel

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

The dump site is located ~40mi west of the Bailiwick of Guernsey inside the English Channel. Exact location and depth are undetermined.

Date of incident is unknown. It is unknown what the dump site contains.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Harm Freitzen #cwmds -8.97 47.92 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.97, 47.92,0

Harm Freitzen

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Harm Freitzen was scuttled near these coordinates in ~8,000ft of water.[1]

The Freitzen was scuttled in March 1948. Its carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Ireland Trough #cwmds -11 55.5 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -11, 55.5,0

Ireland Trough

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Site is located inside the Ireland Trough ~60mi south-southwest of Hebrides Seamount.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Kindersley #cwmds -8.35 47.9 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.35, 47.9,0

Kindersley

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Kindersley was scuttled near these coordinates in ~3,300ft of water.

The Kindersley was scuttled in October 1946. It carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Lanark #cwmds -8.35 48 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.35, 48,0

Lanark

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Lanark was scuttled near these coordinates in 2,500-3,000ft of water.

The Lanark was scuttled in November 1946. It carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Margo #cwmds -9.52 47.5999999999999 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -9.52, 47.5999999999999,0

Margo

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Margo was scuttled near these coordinates in ~13,500ft of water.

The Margo was scuttled in November 1947. She carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Maseskar, Sweden #cwmds 10.751889 58.168417 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 10.751889, 58.168417,0

Maseskar, Sweden

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Munitions dumped at eight locations near this point. Depth estimated at ~650ft.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Swedish authorities confirm that ~22,000T of chemical munitions within eight scuttled naval vessels rest on the sea floor. Investigators found a significant quantity of mustard gas tolerant microbiota, indicating the presence of mustard gas. Due to a low aeration rate, the munitions may be corroding at a slower than normal pace, thus maintaining the potency of the mustard gas within and the explosive charges designed to release the mustard.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Miervaldis #cwmds -9.4 47.38 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -9.4, 47.38,0

Miervaldis

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Miervaldis was scuttled near these coordinates in ~13,000ft of water.

The Miervaldis was scuttled in September 1948. It carried chemical munitions of unknown quantity and composition.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> North of Anton Dohrn Seamount #cwmds -11 58 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -11, 58,0

North of Anton Dohrn Seamount

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Site is located ~35mi north of the Anton Dohrn Seamount. Exact coordinates and depth undetermined.

Suspected Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> North of Ireland in Atlantic #cwmds -7.982186 58.475333 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -7.982186, 58.475333,0

North of Ireland in Atlantic

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping occurred 225mi north of Ireland beyond the edge of the continental shelf, in waters west of the Hebrides. Munitions were disposed at depths ranging between 3,000 and 8,000ft.

Operations conducted between 1945 and 1957.

Part of a cache of 200,000T of mustard, phosgene, and bromobenzyl cyanide was loaded onto ships that were then scuttled.[1]

See North of Ireland, 85mi for dump location of the other part of cache.

[1] "Deep Trawlers Warned of Chemical Weapon Dumps," Herald (Glasgow), April 8, 1993, p. 7.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> North of Ireland in Atlantic #cwmds -8.047558 56.450289 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.047558, 56.450289,0

North of Ireland in Atlantic

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dumping occurred 85mi north of Ireland beyond the edge of the continental shelf, off the Western approach. Munitions were disposed at depths ranging between 3,000 and 8,000ft.

Operations conducted between 1945 and 1957.

Part of a cache of 200,000T of mustard, phosgene, and bromobenzyl cyanide was loaded onto ships that were then scuttled.[1]

See North of Ireland, 225mi for dump location of the other part of cache.

[1] "Deep Trawlers Warned of Chemical Weapon Dumps," Herald (Glasgow), April 8, 1993, p. 7.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> North of Keflavik, Iceland #cwmds -22.59 64.17 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -22.59, 64.17,0

North of Keflavik, Iceland

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Crews found mustard filled munitions while dredging ~10mi north of Keflavik.

Date of dumping is not known.

Two mustard gas-filled bombs were discovered during dredging operations near these coordinates.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Northwest of Northern Ireland #cwmds -7.75 55.8 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -7.75, 55.8,0

Northwest of Northern Ireland

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

This dump site spans a large area beginning ~62mi northwest of Northern Ireland and southwest of Rockall Trough. At this location, 8 ships carrying chemical agents and munitions were scuttled at depths of less than ~6,600ft. The shallowest point, at which a vessel was scuttled, near these coordinates, was ~1,600ft.[1]

The dates on which the vessels were scuttled are unknown.

Agent type(s) and quantities have not been disclosed.

[1] Rob Edwards, "Danger from the Deep," New Scientist, November 18, 1995, p. 1616.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Northwest of the Isles of Lewis, Scotland #cwmds -7.67 59 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -7.67, 59,0

Northwest of the Isles of Lewis, Scotland

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

This dump site is located ~50mi northwest of the Isles of Lewis. Its exact coordinates and depth are not known. Neither is its contents.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Off Galloway, Scotland #cwmds -4.156543 54.621683 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -4.156543, 54.621683,0

Off Galloway, Scotland

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Dump site located ~6mi off the coast of Galloway, Scotland. Exact depth and coordinates unknown.[1]

Date of incident is undetermined.

The sea floor 6mi off the Galloway coast contains more than 1 million tons of explosives and chemical weapons. The chemical agent types are unknown.[1]

[1] Nic Outterside, "Renewed Call for Arms Dump Survey," Scotsman, February 5, 1996, p. 3.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Rockall Trough, Atlantic Ocean I #cwmds -12.08 56.52 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -12.08, 56.52,0

Rockall Trough, Atlantic Ocean I

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Site is located ~55mi west of Hebrides Seamount, inside of Rockall Trough. Exact coordinates and depth undetermined. Contents of site are unknonw.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Rockall Trough, Atlantic Ocean II #cwmds -12 56.5 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -12, 56.5,0

Rockall Trough, Atlantic Ocean II

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Site is located ~60mi west of Hebrides Seamount, inside of Rockall Trough. Exact coordinates and depth undetermined. Contents of site are unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> South of Arendal, Norway #cwmds 9.5 58.2899999999999 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 9.5, 58.2899999999999,0

South of Arendal, Norway

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Approximately 29mi southeast of Arendal at unknown depth.

Date of incident is undetermined.

The site contains 130,000T of chemical and conventional munitions. Agent type and the proportion of chemical, relative to conventional, remains unknown.[1]

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> South of Helgoland, Germany #cwmds 7.88 54.13 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 7.88, 54.13,0

South of Helgoland, Germany

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

This dump site is located ~3mi south of Helgoland, at an unknown depth. Its contents is unknown.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> South of Seto Naikai, Japan #cwmds 133.410711 34.145547 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 133.410711, 34.145547,0

South of Seto Naikai, Japan

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth of the site are unknown, as is its contents.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Near a dump site used by the Allied occupation force dumped CW agents has resulted in 11 accidents, which generated 32 casualties, one of which was fatal.[1]

1 resulting death.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Southeast of Norway #cwmds 9.46 58.25 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 9.46, 58.25,0

Southeast of Norway

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Site is located ~25mi southeast of Norway. Exact coordinates and depth undetermined. The dump site contains 20,000T of unknown weapons type, contained within scuttled vessels.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Southwest of Bornholm, Denmark #cwmds 14.314253 54.772314 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 14.314253, 54.772314,0

Southwest of Bornholm, Denmark

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Exact location and depth are unknown.

An eyewitness indicates that dumping occurred in 1946 and 1956.

There are up to 15,000T of chemical munitions and 2,250T of chemical agents dumped near this location. A study of the microbiota in this area revealed a significantly high level of mustard tolerance indicating the that mustard was among the agents dumped near this location.[1]

An eyewitness reports that in 1946, ~15,000T of chemical munitions were dumped by crews on board 4 separate ships. The same witness reports that in 1956, 4 decommissioned East German coastal patrol vessels were loaded with ~50T of chemical munitions and then scuttled.[2]

[2] "Ocean Dumping of Chemical Weapons," Noblis Inc. (1996) <www.noblis.org> (acessed on May 15, 2008).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Southwest of Vest-Agder, Norway #cwmds 6.26 57.51 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 6.26, 57.51,0

Southwest of Vest-Agder, Norway

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed munitions disposal site. Contents of site are unknown.[1]

Site is located ~45mi southwest of Vest-Agder, Norway. Exact coordinates and depth undetermined.

Date of incident is undetermined.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> Thorpe Bay (a scuttled vessel) #cwmds -8.31 47.79 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -8.31, 47.79,0

Thorpe Bay (a scuttled vessel)

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

The ship Thorpe Bay was scuttled near these coordinates in ~5,000ft of water. Its contents are not known.

The Thorpe Bay was scuttled in September 1947.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of Barra, U.K. #cwmds -10.185829 56.9898329999999 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -10.185829, 56.9898329999999,0

West of Barra, U.K.

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Suspected dump site.

Exact depth unknown. Three ships were scuttled between 50 and 100mi west of the island.

Date of incident is undetermined.

The Herald notes that three ships were loaded with mustard, phosgene and tabun munitions, then scuttled in the area.[1]

[1] "MoD Rejects Plea to Survey Chemical Weapons Dump," Herald (Glasgow), November 5, 1997, p. 9.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of Gurskoya, Norway #cwmds 1.46 62.97 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 1.46, 62.97,0

West of Gurskoya, Norway

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

This dump site is located ~150mi northwest of Gurskoya, Norway. Exact location and depth are undetermined.

Date of incident is unknown.

Vessels carrying 4,500T of munitions were scuttled near these coordinates. The type of weapons was not disclosed, but the Oslo-Paris Commission reports that at least some of these were CW munitions.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 10.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of King Island, Australia #cwmds 142.566667 -39.75 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround 142.566667, -39.75,0

West of King Island, Australia

Producing country: Australia.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

All of the dumping was carried out within a 3mi radius of these coordinates. Depths at which the weapons were disposed are unknown.

Dumping took place between August 24 and September 10, 1948.

1,634T of unspecified CW munitions originating from an Australian Army depot were dumped at this location. An additional 522T of CW agents may have been dumped here as well.[1]

[1] CW Agent Sea Dumping off Australia 2ed. Australian Department of Defence (Australia: Defence Publishing Service, 2003).

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]> West of Shamrock Canyon #cwmds -10.5 47.63 0 400000 0 0 relativeToGround -10.5, 47.63,0

West of Shamrock Canyon

Producing country: unknown.
Disposing country: unknown.

Confirmed disposal(s).

Munitions were dumped in ~16,000ft of water ~60mi west of Shamrock Canyon.

In 1980, 70T of CW weapons were encased in concrete and dumped near these coordinates.

Chemical munition disposal at this location reported by the Oslo-Paris Commission.[1]

[1] Overview of Past Dumping at Sea of Chemical Weapons and Munitions in the OSPAR Maritime Area, Oslo–Paris Commission, 2005, p. 11.

James Martin Center for
Nonproliferation Studies

]]>