Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division has issued the weekly schedule for operations at the Potomac River Test Range and Explosive Experimental Area, alerting Southern Maryland residents and boaters to potential noise and river restrictions from August 12 through 14, 2025. The facilities support military munitions testing, with activities confined to weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. No operations are set for weekends or holidays unless specified.
Monday, August 11, has no scheduled testing, meaning no noise on the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren grounds, no noise extending down range and no restrictions on the Potomac River. Tuesday, August 12, includes operations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with potential moderate noise in the eastern main range and terminal range areas of the facility. Moderate noise may reach down range and into surrounding communities. River access will be restricted about 10,000 yards down range from Dahlgren, below the yellow O buoy on the Maryland side and to the yellow N buoy in Virginia.
Wednesday, August 13, follows the same operating hours, but with potential very loud noise in the southern and eastern areas of the base. Very loud noise could extend down range and affect nearby communities. Restrictions match Tuesday’s, limiting access approximately 10,000 yards down range to the same buoy markers.
Thursday, August 14, maintains the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. timeframe, potentially producing very loud noise in the northern C gate, southern and eastern sections. Similar very loud noise is anticipated down range and in adjacent areas. Restrictions increase to roughly 20,000 yards down range, below the yellow K buoy in Maryland and to the yellow J buoy in Virginia.
Friday, August 15, has no activities planned, resulting in no noise or river closures.
Southern Maryland communities, especially in Charles County and St. Mary’s County along the Potomac River, may experience these noise levels during the active days. Moderate noise typically involves audible disturbances that do not overwhelm daily activities, while very loud noise can sound like explosions or artillery, sometimes causing vibrations in homes. Operations at the Potomac River Test Range generate sound and shock waves that travel along the river, affecting residents on both Maryland and Virginia sides.
To address compatibility between military testing and local land use, joint land use studies have been conducted for areas around Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and related installations, aiming to minimize operational impacts on surrounding communities while protecting the testing mission.
Boaters must heed the restrictions to ensure safety, as the Potomac River Test Range serves as a danger zone during testing. Yellow buoys mark the boundaries: O and N for the 10,000-yard zone, and K and J for the 20,000-yard area. Range control vessels patrol with red flags to warn of active status. Violating these zones can pose risks from munitions testing. For real-time updates, call the toll-free hotline at 877-845-5656. Noise or vibration concerns can be reported to 540-653-8153, and the NSWCDD Public Affairs Office at 540-653-8152 provides further details.
The Potomac River Test Range spans the lower Potomac River, enabling over-water testing essential for naval systems. Environmental assessments guide operations to reduce long-term effects, including noise propagation across the water. Communities can use mapping tools from Maryland’s military compatibility initiatives to understand noise zones extending into Southern Maryland.
Residents in areas like Colonial Beach in Virginia or near the Maryland shore may notice these effects more acutely due to the river’s acoustics. Procedural steps for reporting include noting the time, location and description of the disturbance when calling the hotline. This week’s schedule follows standard protocols, with no extended hours indicated.