COLUMBIA, S.C. — Residents of neighborhoods in the northeast corner of Richland County might be interested in an upcoming meeting hosted by the US Army Corps of Engineers. On May 1, the Corps will answer questions from residents who live on the former Pontiac Bombing Range -- an area of land along Summit Parkway that was once used by the Army Air Force in World War II as a practice range.
The former bombing range area runs along Summit Parkway/Bombing Range Road, and is roughly bounded by Hardscrabble Road to the west, Rice Creek to the north, Bridgecreek Drive to the east, and Clemson Road to the south.
The Corps of Engineers is periodically required to notify landowners in the area of the military's previous use of the land, even if the land has been in private use for years. The meeting, scheduled for 6-8 p.m. May 1 at Spring Valley High School cafeteria, 120 Sparkleberry Lane, will be informal with Corps officials there to answer questions.
During WWII, the munitions used in training missions were inert practice bombs containing sand and a small spotting charge similar to the explosive power of a common shotgun shell, without pellets. The Corps says the risk to human safety is very low, but there is always a chance of discovering ordinance. Should a resident come across ordinance, the Corps recomments using the "3Rs" for safety:
- Recognize: Realize that the item is out of place or does not belong in the area.
- Retreat: Note the location but do not handle the item, play with it, carry it home or disturb it further.
- Report: Contact local law enforcement authorities to report the item and let the experts handle it.
