Coast Guard Life Fire Drills Shot Down!!

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Coast Guard Life Fire Drills Shot Down!!

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Coast Guard's Great Lakes Gun Practice Plans Dropped

By Peter Slevin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, December 18, 2006; 3:06 PM

CHICAGO, Dec. 18 -- The U.S. Coast Guard announced Monday it is dropping plans to conduct live-fire machine gun practice in 34 zones in the Great Lakes, yielding to widespread complaints about dangers to the environment and humans alike.

An organization of 80 Great Lakes mayors opposed the plan to establish the target practice sites where the Coast Guard would practice firing M-240B machine guns, which can fire hundreds of 7.62mm bullets as far as 2.3 miles downrange.

Each zone would have been used two to three times a year. Boaters and fishermen worried about stray bullets while environmental groups asked for more studies about the effect on the lakes' water from lead in the bullets.

Rear Admiral John E. Crowley Jr., announcing the move, described the proposal for 34 zones "unsatisfactory." He did not rule out a future proposal for live fire zones, however.

"I intend to reconsider the number, frequency of use, and location of water training areas as well as other concerns raised by the public," Crowley, the Cleveland-based commander of the Coast Guard district that includes the Great Lakes, wrote in an e-mailed statement. "I am also committed to pursuing environmentally-friendly alternatives to the lead ammunition we currently use."

Describing himself as a native son of the region, Crowley also said, "We are committed to addressing the concerns that training be safe, preserve the diverse uses of the Lakes, and protect the environment."

The Coast Guard held 24 live-fire exercises on the lakes earlier this year before a public outcry forced a suspension and prompted the Coast Guard to hold a series of nine public hearings.

"While the Coast Guard's process at first ignored public concerns, I am pleased that the Coast Guard ultimately decided to take into account the public's views," said Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), who has been vocal on the issue. He promised to help look for ways to help the training mission "but in a way that does not threaten the Great Lakes or the safety of those who use them for recreation or commerce."
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