Lead distribution at a Public Shooting Range

A detailed study has been made of the distribution of lead on a public shotgun range in the George Washington-Jefferson National Forests in southwestern Virginia. Sampling of more than 100 sites has yielded data on the distribution pattern of the lead shot. Since opening in 1993 through 2000, 11.1 metric tons of lead has accumulated over an area 220 by 300 m (66,000 m2) with an average rate of accumulation of 1.4 metric tons per year. More than 85 % of the total dispersed lead lies scattered in the forest that surrounds the approximately 60 by 60 m cleared shooting surface. Lead is irregularly distributed because of the use of stationary targets and the general trajectory of launched clay targets. Maximum concentrations occur at distances of about 28 m about 80 m, and at about 180 m reach a maximum value of more than 5000 g per m2. Significant amounts of fine particulate lead, generated during shooting and as a result of impact occur close to the shooting box but absent at distances beyond 50 m.