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Civil War Cannonball Found in Grand Rapids Raises Safety Concerns

A Civil War cannonball uncovered at a hazardous waste drop-off site, highlighting safety concerns in the community.

News Summary

A Civil War-era cannonball was discovered at a SafeChem drop-off site in Grand Rapids on April 23, prompting safety measures and public awareness regarding the disposal of hazardous military items. The cannonball was found by an individual attempting to dispose of it properly after owning it for over a decade. The Grand Rapids Police Department’s bomb squad responded quickly, emphasizing the need for caution in handling old military ordnance. This incident also serves as a reminder of past discoveries in the area and the importance of following proper disposal guidelines.

Grand Rapids, MI

A Civil War-era cannonball was unearthed at a SafeChem drop-off site on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids on April 23, raising public safety concerns about the proper disposal of potentially dangerous military items. The cannonball was reportedly discovered by an individual who had found it in a field and owned it for over a decade before attempting to dispose of it at the site dedicated to hazardous waste. The Grand Rapids Police Department’s bomb squad promptly responded to the situation to ensure the area was safe.

During the bomb squad’s assessment, the disposal site was evacuated as a precaution. Authorities utilized high-definition X-ray technology to examine the cannonball, although it remains undetermined if it contains any explosive materials. This recent incident is not isolated; a similar cannonball was discovered in 2020 at the Kent County Recycling Center, highlighting the ongoing risk of hidden explosives in the area.

Safety Precautions and Community Guidelines

Deputy Chief Mike Maycroft of the Grand Rapids Police Department, who is a certified bomb technician, underscored the critical need to treat old military items with caution. Individuals are advised against assuming these items are inactive and should avoid attempting to dispose of them through conventional means such as recycling, dropping them off at second-hand stores, or discarding them in regular trash.

For safe disposal of military ordnance, residents are encouraged to reach out to either their local police department or the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has stated that explosives are not accepted at SafeChem drop-off sites, which could pose a risk to staff and the broader community.

Further Analysis and Historical Significance

The cannonball will undergo further analysis to verify its age and origins, with authorities aiming to ensure it is rendered safe while maintaining its historical significance. Dar Baas, the director of the Kent County DPW, applauded the rapid response of first responders and reiterated the community’s safety priority in these situations.

Local Resources for Hazardous Waste Disposal

Kent County residents seeking to navigate the proper disposal of hazardous waste can contact the Department of Public Works at 616-632-7920 or visit reimaginetrash.org for further guidance on what materials are accepted at SafeChem drop-off locations. SafeChem provides an appropriate avenue for disposing of materials such as motor oil, paint, and pool chemicals, thereby protecting public health and the environment.

Additionally, the DPW operates a Swap Shop at the SafeChem sites, allowing residents to exchange gently used household items, promoting sustainability and waste reduction in the community.

With ongoing discoveries of military ordnance, public awareness and adherence to safety guidelines remain essential to ensuring the safety of Grand Rapids residents. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledgeable disposal practices concerning hazardous materials.