Camp Chaffee Area 4 North FUDS Site

The former Camp Chaffee is located southeast of Fort Smith and south of the town of Barling in Sebastian and Logan Counties, Arkansas. Construction of the camp began in 1941 at the site of a Civil War training camp.

During World War II, several Armored Combat Divisions trained at the camp, using 67 Training Areas and 153 Artillery Positions.

Historical map of former Camp Chaffee military installation

Post-War Status

After World War II, Camp Chaffee was placed on inactive standby status. Area 4 North was declared surplus by 1949, with a Certificate of Clearance noting that there were "no signs of any military activity within the area."

Current Risk Assessment

While no munitions or explosives of concern have been recovered during remedial activities since the early 1980s, and the area is considered safe, there is still a risk of potential munitions debris that may become exposed through erosion or encountered in the ground during construction activities.

World War II Era (1941-1945)

The former Camp Chaffee is located southeast of the city of Fort Smith and south of the town of Barling in Sebastian and Logan Counties, Arkansas.

• 1941: Construction of Camp Chaffee began at the site of a Civil War training camp
• Training Units: The 6th, 14th, and 16th Armored Combat Divisions trained at Camp Chaffee during World War II
• Training Infrastructure: 67 training areas and 153 artillery and mortar positions

Post-War Period (1945-1980s)

• Post-WWII: Camp Chaffee was placed on inactive standby status
• 1949: Area 4 North was declared surplus with Certificate of Clearance noting "no signs of any military activity within the area"
• 1956: Camp Chaffee renamed to Fort Chaffee
• Ongoing: Has served as a U.S. Army training facility off and on from 1941 through today

Modern Era (1984-Present)

• 1984: Fort Chaffee was designated a semi-active installation supporting active and U.S. Army National Guard units
• 1986: Selected to host the Joint Readiness Training Center
• 1997: U.S. Army transferred 65,000 acres to Arkansas Army National Guard; remaining 7,000 acres given to local communities for redevelopment
• Current Use: Installation utilized by all military branches for maneuver training, live fire exercises, river crossing operations, and urban combat training

Area 4 North Today

Today, Area 4 North consists of approximately 644 Acres of rural, privately owned lands used for agricultural and residential purposes.

Investigation Timeline

Investigation, cleanup, and removal activities have occurred at Area 4 North, including:

• Archive Search Report (ASR): 1997
• Engineering Evaluation (EE)/Cost Analysis (CA): 2008
• Remedial Investigation (RI): 2011

Historical Discoveries

• 1997 ASR: Documented historical discoveries from the 1980s of four 4.2-inch mortar rounds on private property south of Catfish Road and east of Rattlesnake Canyon Road
• EE/CA Period: 19 munitions debris items consisting of fragmentation and fuze material were recovered throughout Area 4 North
• RI Period: 50 munitions debris items were recovered

Current Safety Status

No munitions and explosives of concern were recovered during remedial activities at Area 4 North, and none have been discovered in the area since the early 1980s.

Selected Remedy (2016)

The selected remedy in the 2016 Decision Document for Area 4 North is to inform the public of these risks and educate them on procedures to avoid and report munitions and munitions debris if they are discovered.

Remediation Activities Documentation

Remediation Marking Flag

Marking flags used to identify areas during remedial investigation activities

Remedial Trail Marking

Trail marking system used during systematic investigation of Area 4 North

Trail Clearing Operations

Vegetation clearing activities to ensure thorough investigation of potential munitions areas