12/18/2015

Spurwink Rod and Gun Club certified to operate at 25-yard range

The Spurwink Rod and Gun Club has met conditions for its license to operate at the 25-yard range, and the suspension of live fire imposed on the club on July 24, 2015 has been lifted.

"Therefore, the Spurwink Road and Gun Club now has a license to use their 25-yard range for firing per your license approval," Town Manager Michael McGovern said in an email announcement to the Town Council.

Town Code Enforcement Officer Ben McDougal on Dec. 18 certified that the club had met the conditions placed on the Oct. 14 approval of its license application by the Town Council. McDougal based his findings on a Dec. 18 report submitted by firing-range architect Rick LaRosa, hired by the town to evaluate conditions at the club as part of its license application. It was LaRosa's evaluation that led to the closing of the shooting range pending compliance with standards for shot containment and other standards.

In his findings, McDougal ruled that the club had met sections of the town's shooting-range ordinance pertaining to access to the facility, maintenance and shot containment at the 25-yard range. The 50- and 100-yard ranges have not met standards for shot containment, his memo says.

McDougal also certified that the club's lead-management plan meets federal guidelines and the town's ordinance, based on a June 8 vote by the town's Firing Range Committee and a Dec. 11 report from Richard A. Sweet, certified geologist, stating that the plan meets requirements. Sweet's recommendation that the outlet pipe for the underdrain be sampled and tested for lead every two years is included in the plan.

LaRosa's Dec. 18 report noted four items still needing attention, including nighttime lighting, an exit sign with a battery backup, signage prohibiting prone-position shooting, and fastening of ballistic rubber material. McDougal, in his memo, said the rubber material has been secured, signs are in place, and that no one will be allowed in the shooting area after dark until the lighting and exit sign are installed.