Every year, the Alberta RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) recovers a substantial amount of unused commercial explosives from rural properties.
Historic rules gave Albertans easy access to commercial explosives and, as a result, there is a large quantity of explosives that remain forgotten in rural Alberta.
Last week, RCMP EDU attended and disposed of 154 sticks of dynamite, approximately 50 electric detonators and a full roll of B-Line detonating cord at a rural property.
The owner of these explosives and detonators retired from the construction industry and subsequently passed away.
“Please remember that no matter how old an explosive is, it is still extremely dangerous,” says Cpl. Paul Zanon. “We want Albertans to be safe and the safest thing to do is to call us.”
Anyone who finds explosives or detonators should contact their local police immediately. Citizens are reminded not to move or touch explosives. Photos of the item(s) and approximate age is helpful. RCMP EDU is trained to safely dispose of explosives and detonators and there is no cost to the public for this service.
This holiday season, talk with your family members and ask questions about what might be stored in the barn, the bins out back or the basement. You might be surprised by what you’ll find.
RCMP EDU recovered and safely disposed of the following explosive materials between November, 2018 and November, 2019 - 39 of geogel, 167 sticks of dynamite, five rolls of detonator cord, 20kg of smokeless and black powder, 72 railway torpedoes and 146 detonators.
-Submitted