Yesterday evening (August 2), the Peterborough County OPP was called to the Buckhorn Waste Transfer Station on Dump Road after a citizen brought a mortar round into the hazardous waste disposal area.
The mortar round is believe to be from the World War II era.
Municipal employees and the Trent Lakes Fire Department were able to isolate the munition in a safe area. Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit from Canadian Forces Base Trenton were called in to destroy the device.
The OPP is reminding the public that unexploded or live military explosives (bombs, shells, grenades, land mines, mortar shells) still pose a risk of detonation and can be highly unstable. If you find military ordnance:
- Do not touch, move or transport the item
- Record any numbers that might appear on the device (this will assist with identification of the item)
- Be prepared to describe its shape and size
- Call your local police agency for proper disposal
The OPP and the Canadian Armed Forces have trained experts who will attend the location of the explosive device and can decide the safest method for its removal and disposal.
