Lead azide discovered at IAAP

MIDDLETOWN - The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant remains under the temporary and precautionary pause initiated on March 12^th to allow experts to continue a safety review for the safe removal of lead azide currently at the plant.  
IAAP has lead azide that requires safe disposal. Lead azide is a chemical compound used in munitions production which is currently stored in earth‑covered, explosion proof magazines. 
“The Army will implement a multi-step plan to neutralize and dispose of the lead azide. There is no immediate danger to the public. The safety of our people and our neighbors is non‑negotiable,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse, commander of the plant. 
IAAP and its higher headquarters, the Joint Munitions Command, in coordination with federal and state partners, has assembled a team of the nation’s leading experts in munitions, engineering, and environmental safety to determine the safest course of action for removing the material. The Army is evaluating several options to minimize handling and risk. 
“We are taking proactive and responsible steps to ensure this material is safely and permanently addressed,” said Nosse. “We will communicate with our workforce, community leaders, and the public as the plan develops.” 
According to the National Institute of Health, lead azide is extremely explosive and poses acute health risks.
Lead azide appears as needles of white powder. Explodes at 350 °C. is insoluble in water and may explode from shock, heat, flame, or friction when dry. The primary hazard is the blast effect of an instantaneous explosion and not flying projectiles and fragments.
As the Army determines the safest removal method, IAAP will maintain close coordination with local emergency management, first responders, environmental regulators, and elected officials. The community will be informed in advance of any potential impacts, such as noise or temporary road closures. 
There is no estimated date when the plant will resume operations.