HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – Residents across Utah may hear occasional loud booms over the next several months as Hill Air Force Base carries out a series of planned detonations in the state’s west desert.
The Utah Test and Training Range, located roughly 80 miles west of Salt Lake City, will serve as the site for these controlled explosions, which are part of an ongoing effort to safely dispose of outdated Department of Defense rocket motors. According to base officials, the detonation season is set to begin this month and will continue through September.
Planned Detonations and Sound Management
Typically, one or two detonations per week will be scheduled, though this may change based on weather conditions, workload, and other logistical factors.
While necessary for defense operations, these large-scale detonations can generate powerful sound waves that may be heard or even felt along the Wasatch Front. To minimize disturbances, Hill Air Force Base closely monitors atmospheric conditions before each event, considering factors such as wind speed, wind direction, and temperature. If conditions suggest that the resulting noise will exceed acceptable limits, the detonation is postponed.
However, environmental specialists note that weather patterns can shift unexpectedly, which may occasionally lead to louder-than-anticipated explosions. In past cases, residents from Davis County to Utah County have reported feeling vibrations from the blasts.
Environmental Considerations
Amanda Burton, the Environmental Branch Chief for Hill Air Force Base’s 75th Civil Engineer Group, emphasized that detonation is the most environmentally responsible method of disposal. The Utah Test and Training Range is the only site in the U.S. permitted for this type of operation, ensuring that disposal follows strict safety and environmental protocols.
“Our goal is to conduct these operations while minimizing any impact on surrounding communities and the environment,” said Burton.
Residents concerned about potential noise disturbances can monitor updates from Hill Air Force Base as the detonation schedule progresses .
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