LEONARDTOWN, Md. (January 6, 2011)—Several instances of military ordnance have been discovered over the last week on the beach areas of the Potomac River River in the Newtowne Neck, Compton, Breton Bay, Colton Point, and Medleys Neck areas of St. Mary's County. Government representatives believe the explosives are being unearthed by the tides in the river or washed ashore. Residents are urged not to handle or touch the ordnance, as it may be dangerous.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently working with the Maryland Park Service (MPS) and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, at the Newtowne Neck State Park. The three agencies are conducting a sweep of the shoreline along the
state park to locate and render safe any additional ordnance that may be in the area.
The Fire Marshal's Office Bomb Squad has been disposing of the ordnance by detonation. Citizens are advised that the detonations may occur irregularly as the ordnance are identified over the next several weeks.
Due to the danger to the public, the Maryland Park Service has closed Newtowne Neck State Park, and it will remain closed until the agencies determine the area is safe for public use.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is advising the public that military ordnance can be extremely dangerous and suspected findings should be reported to the police immediately.