NSWC Dahlgren Divison

This page provides daily information about the operations and scheduling of activities at the Potomac River Test Range and the Explosive Experimental Area (Pumpkin Neck). These facilities are used by our military to conduct munitions testing and should be avoided while testing is in progress. Click on any of the areas of interest to the right for additional information.

Range / Weapons Testing Hotline: 877-845-5656 (toll-free) for daily updates on range operation and test schedules.

Noise Questions & Comments: 866-359-5540 (toll-free) to comment or ask a question about noise or vibrations you think are being caused by operations at Dahlgren.

For more information on NSWC Dahlgren’s range schedule, contact the NSWCDD Public Affairs Office, (540) 653-8152.Range Schedule for the week of Mar. 2-6

Monday, Mar. 2

Testing at: EEA

  • Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Noise on Station: Potential to create “Moderate” noise in the southern (Building 101) area of NSF Dahlgren.
  • Noise Down Range: None
  • River Restrictions: None
  • Roads Closed on Station:
  • Barricades Closed on Station: Harris Range
  • EMCON Conditions: Condition 2 in Buildings 995/948/1122/455, Condition 1 in Buildings 1180/1186, Condition 4 in Buildings 102/161/943, Condition in Building 200
  • MR Shelter Condition:
  • Other Notifications: None

Tuesday, Mar. 3

Testing at: EEA

  • Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Noise on Station: Potential to create “Some” noise in the southern (Building 101) area of NSF Dahlgren.
  • Noise Down Range: None
  • River Restrictions: None
  • Roads Closed on Station:
  • Barricades Closed on Station: Churchill Range
  • EMCON Conditions: Condition 2 in Buildings 995/948/1122/455, Condition 1 in Buildings 1180/1186, Condition 4 in Buildings 102/161/943, Condition in Building 200
  • MR Shelter Condition:
  • Other Notifications: None

Wednesday, Mar. 4

Testing at: EEA/Shock Tube Road

  • Operating Times: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Noise on Station: Potential to create “Loud” noise in the northern “C” gate, southern (Building 101) and eastern (Main Range and Terminal Range) areas of NSF Dahlgren.
  • Noise Down Range: Potential to create “Moderate” noise downrange and in communities surrounding NSF Dahlgren.
  • River Restrictions: Restricted approximately 20,000 yards downrange from NSF Dahlgren below the yellow “K” buoy (Maryland) and to the yellow “J” buoy (Virginia).
  • Roads Closed on Station: Tisdale Road/Shocktube Road/Blue Stone Road
  • Barricades Closed on Station: Harris Range/Lower Gambo Creek Gate/Upper Gambo Creek Gate/Middle Gate/1470 Gate/1410 Back Gate/Blue Stone Road Barricade
  • EMCON Conditions: Condition 2 in Buildings 995/948/1122/455, Condition 1 in Buildings 1180/1186, Condition 4 in Buildings 102/161/943, Condition in Building 200
  • MR Shelter Condition:
  • Other Notifications: None

Thursday, Mar. 5

  • No testing today. 

Friday, Mar. 6

  • No testing today. 

David M. Higgins II is an award-winning journalist passionate about uncovering the truth and telling compelling stories. Born in Baltimore and raised in Southern Maryland, he has lived in several East...