The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWC Dahlgren) has released the Potomac River Test Range and Explosive Experimental Area (Pumpkin Neck) schedule for August 2-8, 2025, detailing operations that may impact Southern Maryland residents. The Potomac River Test Range, used for military munitions testing, will have active testing days with potential noise and river restrictions, particularly affecting communities near Dahlgren and downrange areas in Maryland and Virginia.
From August 4 to August 6, the Potomac River Test Range will see significant activity. On August 4 and 5, operations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. may produce “very loud” noise at the northern “C” gate and southern areas of NSF Dahlgren, including Building 101 on August 5. Downrange communities in Southern Maryland and Virginia may also experience “very loud” noise. River restrictions will extend approximately 10,000 yards from NSF Dahlgren, from the yellow “O” buoy in Maryland to the yellow “N” buoy in Virginia. On August 6, testing continues with “very loud” noise potential across northern, southern, and eastern areas of NSF Dahlgren, including the Main Range and Terminal Range. River restrictions will expand to 20,000 yards, from the yellow “K” buoy in Maryland to the yellow “J” buoy in Virginia.
On August 7 and 8, the Potomac River Test Range operations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will generate “moderate” noise at the northern “C” gate and southern areas on August 7, and only the northern “C” gate on August 8. Downrange communities may also hear “moderate” noise, but no river restrictions are planned for these days. The weekend of August 2 and 3 will have no noise or river restrictions, with operations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but no specific impacts noted.
Southern Maryland residents can stay informed about Potomac River Test Range activities through the Range/Weapons Testing Hotline at 877-845-5656 for daily updates. Noise or vibration concerns can be reported to NSF Dahlgren at 540-653-8153. Additional details are available on the NSWC Dahlgren Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NSWCDahlgrenDivision or by contacting the NSWC Dahlgren Public Affairs Office at 540-653-8152. The Potomac River Test Range and Explosive Experimental Area are critical for military testing, and NSWC Dahlgren advises avoiding the area during active operations to ensure safety.
This schedule reflects NSWC Dahlgren’s commitment to transparency with Southern Maryland communities, balancing military operations with public safety. Residents near the Potomac River Test Range should plan for potential noise disruptions and adhere to river restrictions to avoid hazardous areas during testing.
