Revision 4. 11/6/2015
GIBBS COMMUNITY CLUB &
NEWBERG RIFLE AND PISTOL CLUB
15955 QUARRY ROAD
NEWBERG, OREGON
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ITEM
* INTRODUCTION
1 ABOUT GIBBS COMMUNITY CLUB
2 ABOUT NEWBERG RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB
3 CLUB ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES
4 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND MITIGATION
5 SIGNIFICANT MITIGATION AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS
6 ONGOING AND PLANNED MONITORING AND MITIGATION
7 PERMITS, REPORTS & OTHER ATTACHMENTS
INTRODUCTION
During the year 2004 Newberg Rifle & Pistol Club (NRPC) members attended
various meetings and seminars sponsored and advanced by the Oregon Association of Shooting Ranges. The Oregon Association of Shooting Ranges (OASR) was formed to be a Forum of Oregon Shooting Ranges for the promotion of:
- Firearms safety and training.
- Best Management Practices for Shooting Ranges.
- Preservation of existing ranges and development of new ranges.
- Communication between ranges on common issues.
- Shooting Sports.
- A favorable public image of shooting Ranges.
As an outgrowth of the participation in the OASR meetings NRPC enacted a policy of Club participation in OASR-through membership and to follow through with a written policy of Best Management Practices regarding issues of Safety, Community and Environment.
A separate written NRPC policy exists regarding Range Safety and will not be addressed in this document. Community activities and issues are covered herein to the extent of describing the mission and purposes of the Newberg Rifle & Pistol Club and Gibbs Community Club.
This document is intended to outline the Club’s policy regarding community and environmental concerns that have risen or are potential issues to confront in the future. Gibbs Community Club is the Sponsor of NRPC and manages the Gibbs Community Center where most NRPC activities take place. The Community Club manages the affairs of the property and is therefore a partner in this document.
ABOUT GIBBS COMMUNITY CLUB and COMMUNITY CENTER
The Gibbs Community Club (GCC) is a not for profit organization formed in 1955 to promote the social, educational, and character development of the community’s young people. Between 1955 and 1992 GCC met in the original Gibbs School which had not been used for school sil1ce 1947. Many of the GCC members were involved with shooting and hunting activities so sponsorship of Newberg Rifle and Pistol Club (NRPC) began in 1971 with shooting activities taking place in the adjacent Gibbs Gymnasium where a safety range was established. NRPC was originally founded in 1947.
The original school building was constructed in 1886 to house the Chehalem
Mountain School. Its name was eventually changed to Gibbs School in honor of Oregon’s second Governor who resided nearby. Regular classes ended in 1947 due to school district consolidation. The facility continued in use for Community based activities. In 1970 Yamhill County granted the land and buildings to Gibbs Community Club with the condition that they remain in use for community activities. The school site and present facility is located about 3.5 miles Northeast of Newberg, Oregon at the intersection of Bell and Quarry Roads.
In 1988 GCC reorganized with the added goals of restoration of the original schoolhouse and rebuilding the gymnasium. The old gymnasium was razed in the 1980’s due to safety concerns and the building’s aging state of disrepair. Construction of the present facility was begun in 1992 with a multi-purpose ground level story which was to become the foundation on which the upper story, the restored school house, would be placed.
Restoration was completed in 2004 and is now known as Gibbs Community Center (Center). This is the last one-room schoolhouse in Yamhill County remaining on its original site. It is now furnished as a museum depicting rural. school life of long ago and listed as a Yamhill County Historical Landmark.
Location
The Center is located at 15955 N.E. Quarry Rd., Newberg, Oregon at the junction of Quarry Rd and Bell Rd. The site is a one acre lot at an elevation of approximately 825 feet above sea level near the summit of a ridge line generally known as Chehalem Mountains. There are small farms and residential properties nearby forming a rural community with history and traditions going back to the 19th century. The site slopes gently to the south and is covered by natural pastureland grasses and a few conifer trees. The entire site drains south eventually reaching the Spring Brook, a creek drainage and tributary of the Willamette River.
The Western boundary of the property is delineated with a dense row of evergreen trees providing a visual separation between the Center and its Western residential neighbor. That property surrounds the site on the west and the south. This farm and residential property cannot be further developed under present zoning. The residence is located about 150 feet west of the multi-purpose west wall.
To the east is Quarry road and beyond is a large copse of mixed forest land on a parcel also containing a residence which is greater than 170 yards distant from the Center and within the forest itself.
The northern neighboring property is across Bell road from the Center with a residence about 129 feet from the Center. The property is primarily a residence and is similar to other property forming residences to the North and Northwest.
About Newberg Rifle & Pistol Club (NRPC)
The Newberg Rifle & Pistol Club (Club) is sponsored by The Gibbs Community Club and is affiliated with the National Rifle Association (NRA), The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Oregon State Shooting Association (OSSA) and The Oregon Association of Shooting Ranges (OASR).
Early history of the Club (1947 -1971)
The Club was formed in 1947 with affiliations with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Department of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM), now called the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The club formation was an outgrowth of shooting and hunting enthusiasts’ interests dating back to before World War II. Following World War II there was a need to educate young people in the safe handling of firearms and to provide organized shooting and hunting activities.
The Club sponsored 4H and NRA Junior marksmanship programs using rimfire rifles on loan from the DCM. Adult programs followed with rimfire and centerfire rifles also on loan from DCM. The instruction and shooting activities were held at various public and private properties throughout the area until 1971. Hunter Safety Education in Oregon became mandatory in the 1960’s so the club also became involved with the area’s young people in this endeavor.
The 1970’s – 1990’s
In 1971 rimfire rifle and handgun activities began at the old Gibbs School using the gymnasium for shooting practice and instruction. Club activities continued from its early sponsorship of youth and adult marksmanship. High power activities however were held at various suitable rural properties and ranges.
Gibbs Community Club (GCC) began a restoration project of the old Gibbs School in 1989 starting with removal of the old gymnasium. NRPC shooting activities were suspended for a time during the reconstruction period.
1990’s to present
GCC’s restoration of the old Gibbs school was to become a reality in 2004 with completion and final County and State inspection. The restored facility is known as Gibbs Community Center (Center).
Current GCC/NRPC Facilities
The Center’s 36′ by 96′ ground level floor consists of two main areas:
1) A 36′ by 30′ classroom meeting area used mainly for meetings, social, and educational use. It also serves as a statistical office during NRPC shooting activities. Facilities include a kitchen, two handicap accessible restrooms, and limited storage space which serve the entire center. A high efficiency natural gas forced air heating system supplies this area and the schoolhouse above. With the exception of a common wall separating the remainder of the ground level structure, this section is constructed with standard wood framing. Flooring is commercial tile over concrete.
2) A 36′ by 66′ multipurpose room used mainly for the 50′ indoor shooting range but is also available for group activities too large for the classroom section. This area’s walls and ceiling are constructed of 8″ reinforced concrete. Two steel personnel doors provide access. A steel backstop rated ‘for .44 magnum handgun ammunition is located along the end opposite the classroom section. Flooring is concrete with a surface sealant applied. All rounds fired inside this range that are not trapped by the backstop cannot escape the building. Electric radiant infrared heaters are mounted above the firing line. Steel baffles protect downrange lighting. Two ventilating fans above the backstop draw fresh air from a ductwork system installed along the opposite wall behind the firing line to supply a constant flow of clean air during shooting activities. Commercial 1″ thick sound absorbing material covers the two side walls and ceiling from behind the firing line to the backstop. This shooting range was designed according to National Rifle Association Range Design specifications and with advice from local NRA representatives.
External to the building structure are two gravel surfaced parking areas. The upper has access to Bell road and serves the schoolhouse. The larger one below has access to Quarry road and serves the ground level structure. A concrete sidewalk ramp approved for handicap use connects the schoolhouse entrance to the classroom/multipurpose entrance below.
Firearms and ammunition are not stored at the center. Shooting is permitted only within the concrete enclosed shooting range.
Current GCC/NRPC Activities
The Center’s lower ground level rooms are used for GCC meetings, community social events, and NRPC sponsored and directed activities which include Hunter Safety classes, Family Firearms Safety & Marksmanship Training, and Public Law Enforcement Training. Formal rifle and handgun matches are routinely attended by competitors from Oregon and Washington.
The shooting facilities are available weekly to the general public for informal rimfire rifle and any caliber handgun. Club membership is not required and a small fee is charged to cover operating costs on a nonprofit basis. Public shooting is always supervised by NRPC Certified Range Officers.
Specific NRPC shooting programs:
Handgun Safety Classes open to the public
NRPC sponsors and directs periodic handgun safety and marksmanship classes for citizens applying for a State concealed handgun license managed by the County Sheriff of the applicant’s residence. This instruction is directed by NRA Certified instructors and member coaching staff.
Hunter Education Classes
NRPC provides classroom and firing line safety instruction under the overall sponsorship of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Hunter Education classes are held in the multipurpose room with marksmanship and general firearm safety demonstrated and practiced by students on the firing range.
Adult and Youth Target Shooting (rimfire rifles)
NRPC conducts organized target practice and matches for area young people. The shooting is done following NRA guidelines and rules.
Adult and Youth Handgun Target Shooting
NRPC conducts weekly organized handgun training and target practice and matches for adult club members and the general public. This program follows NRA Conventional Pistol Rules.
Regional Pistol Team Competitions
NRPC members field a regional pistol team with practice on the club range. Competitive matches are hosted by the various participating Oregon and Washington clubs including the Center’s range.
Facilities for Law Enforcement Training
Area law enforcement groups periodically use the facility for training.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND MITIGATION
It is recognized that anytime a public assembly facility exists there arises concerns that effect the community, neighborhood and nearby neighbors. These issues can be perceived, expected and/or real and observable. This document addresses known community and environmental issues that have arisen in the past and attempts to address unknown and other concerns that might arise as a result of actions of Gibbs Community Club and Newberg Rifle and Pistol Club. It also addresses those actions and involvement by the club’s members during participation in club activities.
Sound Emission
Sound levels experienced by those in the neighborhood as well as event participants can be attributed to increased vehicular traffic and the event generated sounds. Vehicular noise is insignificant as both Bell and Quarry Roads leading to the Center are major area collectors and as such the event related traffic is a small portion of the daily traffic load. Event generated sounds would include the NRPC shooting related noise and other social and public events using the Center. GCC will scrutinize all social and public events using the Center and permit only those activities that will discourage and if necessary disallow use based on the expected sound levels.
Shooting related noise is at all times confined to the indoor facility. Ear protection during firing is mandatory for participants and spectators. Armstrong Optima Acoustical Wall panels were added to the walls of the firing range in 2004 to lessen sound impacts during firing to those inside the range.
Outside noise level during shooting sessions was performed in 1995. Sound outside the building was minimal and less than background traffic noise in the neighborhood. It is also likely that the recent installation of indoor acoustical panels has further reduced shooting related sounds escaping the building but this effect has not been measured. To further reduce any possible firearms related sounds, no shooting activity is permitted beyond 9:00pm. No complaints have ever been received from nearby neighbors concerning shooting noise.
Air Quality Discharged During Shooting Activities
Air resource degradation from NRPC and/or GCC activities is minimal and not easily measured due to the Center’s proximity to normal rural farmstead operations such as agricultural and forest burning, residential heating, and motor vehicular traffic. Shooting firearms at the indoor range in the Center produces visible and invisible gun smoke that is quickly evacuated through the ventilation system that maintains a constant supply of fresh air within the shooting area. The smoke may contain a low concentration of lead compounds present in the cartridge primers. Once outside, smoke is diluted into surrounding air and then carried away by the prevailing winds normally present at the Center’s location and elevation. A GCC memo dated February 20,1992 outlines the findings of Tony Burtt, Range Coordinator, ODFW and Terry Howell, NRA Area Representative, with regard to Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s finding of air quality conformance to all State rules and regulations.
Indoor Air Quality
Firearms also produce small amounts particulate residue in the form of spent casings, unburned powder, and small quantities of lead bullet and copper material that fall to the floor short of the bullet backstop. Following all shooting events, this residue is removed from the shooting area with an industrial quality HEPA Vacuum. This prevents accumulation of dust that can become airborne and degrade indoor air quality. Accumulated vacuum debris is therefore largely brass with small amounts of copper and lead; all of which are recyclable.
Water Quality
The Center’s restroom and kitchen facilities are connected to a septic system on property. It was installed according to Yamhill County sanitary codes and sized to meet the expected needs of the Center’s use. There is no waste water generated by any of the shooting range activities.
Range Cleaning Summary:
NRPC shooting does accumulate spent ammunition material containing lead. This material includes both the lead bullets and casings that contain lead based priming compound residue. In addition to these direct components, other secondary materials such as debris from the HEPA vacuum, wood/felt from the backstop cover from the bullet trap will contain fine particles.
All bullet trap service will be performed with personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by NRPC personnel. The PPE will be approved for prevention of lead exposure and include coveralls with hood, gloves, and filter mask rated for lead dust. The bullet trap will be cleaned of accumulated lead and other materials at intervals frequently enough as to maintain less than ~2000 lbs of accumulated material. The material removed during trap service will be placed in approved material transport drums. After bullet trap service, the entire range will be cleaned with the HEPA vacuum to remove any lead containing dust that may have been raised during service.
The recyclable lead, in the approved/sealed drums, is transported to local recycling service.
The spent casings, along with the vacuumed debris, are also transported to local recycling services in the approved/sealed drums.
The disposable PPE will be transported double bagged and in trash can to the local waste transfer station.
Based upon advice from the OASR range development team the following process will be used for disposal of range backstop materials.
The used backstop materials will be
1.) inspected and cleaned of any lead debris larger than .15” in cross section.
2.) vacuumed, on all sides, with the range HEPA vacuum system for any loose debris
3.) Disposal will be by transport and disposal at the Newberg Garbage and Recycling Center.
There is no on-site storage of range material that will be subject to weatherization and outside elements. Any material stored will be fully contained within drums approved for transport. It is expected that only one such drum will be present for accumulation of the HEPA vacuum debris between bullet trap servicing intervals. Drums filled during bullet trap service may be present for a time awaiting transport off premises, not to exceed 14 days. These will remain sealed until delivered to local recycling services.
VISUAL ESTHETICS
The Center operates under a Yamhill County conditional land use permit, parts of which address parking, handicap access, landscaping, and control of noxious weeds.
SIGNIFICANT MITIGATION AND EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS
February 25, 1990 Purchased NRA Range manual
1992 TO 1995 Construction of Safety Range in the lower level multipurpose room incorporated into construction of Restored Gibbs School known as Gibbs Community Center (Center). Steel bullet deflectors, sand traps and felt rebound baffles incorporated inside the room which has 8-inch reinforced concrete walls.
1992 Received lead emissions data from Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. “Does not exceed the SER (Significant Emissions Rate). Airborne lead is negligible from indoor or outdoor shooting ranges”.
December, 1994 Requested and received recommendations for ventilation fan system from NRA Engineering Department.
January, 1995 Sound testing done to determine decibel levels both inside and outside facilities with all calibers. Need to include results
August, 1995 Air intake system installed
1998 Septic system obtained and system installed
June, 2000 Approval of water system source from~Oregon State Drinkiing Water Section (OSDWA). Quarterly testing begun.
October, 2000 Club representatives completed Water System Operator Training Course by OSDWA.
August, 2001 Purchased up-dated version of NRA Range Manual.
August, 2001 Representatives began attending Oregon Association of Shooting Ranges (OASR) seminars.
August, 2001 Power scrubbed concrete floor in multipurpose rooms of the Center. Applied floor sealer to aid cleaning.
July, 2004 Purchased Nilfisk-Advance model CFM137 HEPA vacuum cleaner for multipurpose room cleaning following shooting activities. Also used during bullet trap service.
August, 2004 Air intake improvements made to plenum with directional adjustable louvers installed.
September, 2004 Installation of Armstrong Optima Acoustical Wall panels done on walls of multi-purpose room.
December, 2005 Received Pittman-Robertson grant through ODFW
April, 2006 Grant revised to purchase of acoustical board for ceiling of multi-purpose room.
ONGOING AND PLANNED MONITORING AND MITIGATION
Maintain existing landscaping and weed control.
Maintain drinking water testing as required by health department.
Bullet trap service intervals will be refined as more experience is gained. As more data is collected the amount of lead in the trap and hence the need for cleaning may be accurately predicted.
Recycling
Lead and brass are recyclable. See Metro web site and/or yellow pages for a list of Recycling outlets. Recyclable materials can be transported by NRPC to these facilities for recycling.
Backstop Service – Equipment.
Disposable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Tyvek coverall w/hood XLG,
Gloves (can be obtained at Wilco, also)
respirator with N100 filter.
~$15/ worker.
Sanderson Safety Supply
1101 SE Third Ave
Portland, OR 97214
503-238-5700 Fax 238-6443
www.sandersonsafety.com
Common Stall manure fork
Common square gravel shovel
Disposable shop rags/towels (donated)
Small tools, shovels, wheel barrows, etc – donated use.
5 gallon buckets – (donated)
3 barrels with lid
Temporary use of trailer, to position Barrels in for transport.
Suggested budget ~$150 for cleanup equipment, annually.
Backstop Service – Crew Required
Estimate crew of four equipped with PPE: one dismantling, inspecting, and disposing of backstop materials; one shoveling lead from backstop; and two carrying buckets and dumping them into barrels.
Recommend 2 extra full set of protective gear on hand, five sets total ~$75. In addition, 2 extra respirators. Consider case of 15 gloves at ~$15 total.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
Backstop Facing Service:
Periodically the backstop facing must be reconditioned and repaired. This occurs roughly quarterly for the facing material and roughly Annually for the full servicing.
Quarterly – or as needed to patch holes generated at pistol target positions:
Materials : New rubber patches, backstop paper, target numbers, red fabric warning band, target holders are pre-staged in furnace room. Additionally the following are required: staple gun, screws, screw drill/driver
- The backstop facing material will be dismantled.
- Turn on both ventilation fans
- Remove the target holders
- Have personnel put on tyvek coveralls, gloves, and respirators.
- Remove the target numbers at top of backstop. Take care as to not damage thus enabling reuse.
- Remove the red warning band at top of backstop. Take care as to not damage thus enabling reuse.
- Carefully remove the paper covering by pulling it down and then laying it on the floor.
- Carefully roll paper with backstop side to the inside of the roll. Put the used paper inside of a large trash bag for disposal.
- Install a new plastic bag (use large trash bag) in the vacuum. Set the exising brass bag aside for re-installation after the process.
- Using the vacuum, with the wand attachment, vacuum the exposed face of the felt backstop to remove accumulated fibers, paper, and residue.
- Remove the used rubber patches from the backstop.
- Either rotate the rubber patches to reuse them or install new rubber patches (New patches are usually located in the furnace room. Contact maintenance coordinator for additional patches as needed)
- Install new paper across the backstop using staples, as needed.
- Install the red warning band at the top of the backstop, using staples as needed
- Install the target holders, repairing as needed.
- Install the target numbers at the top of the backstop, using staples as needed
- Using the vacuum, vacuum the floor of the entire range.
- Remove the temporary bag from the vacuum, reinstall the bag with brass.
- Place the role of used backstop face paper in the bag removed from the vacuum.
- Dispose of this with the range trash barrel. Disposal will be by transport and disposal at the Newberg Garbage and Recycling Center.
- Record the completion of the backstop facing on the calendar on the table at the rear of the range.
Bullet Trap Service:
All NRPC personnel directly involved in the trap service will wear PPE. No others allowed in the range area while cleaning is in progress.
Utilize the backstop face maintenance procedure above. After step 11 complete the following:
Additional Materials : 3 Barrels – positioned in trailer at rear door of range, 4 5 gal buckets, chisel bar, stall manure fork, square shovel
- Carefully pull down the felt backstop and lay on floor
- Using the vacuum and wand attachment, vacuum the surface that would have bbeen facing the backstop. Position the felt cover out of the way until needed for reinstallation.
- Break up fused lead in the trap with gravel shovel with as little disturbance of sand as possible. Using the chisel bar, slide down the backstop surface and pry fused lead from the bottom of the backstop. This will aid it breaking the lead into large but manageable chunks.
- Place all lead removed in 5 gallon buckets positioned at the front edge of the backstop.
- Using the common stall manure fork, carefully pick out smaller chunks from the sand. Take care as to not stir up dust. Place these in the 5 gallon buckets.
- Transport buckets to barrels positioned on the trailer outside the rear door of the range.
- Reinstall the felt cover using staples as needed
- Resume with the procedure above to complete the reassembly of the backstop and cleaning of the range.
Barrels are then transported to the recycler for material recycling. Transport will be within 14 days of the backstop cleaning. Trailer must be stored under cover as to prevent exposure to weather / elements.
Empty barrels are stored under cover, protected from the elements.
HEPA Vacuum Service:
The vacuumed brass debris is sealed in its heavy plastic bag and deposited in a dedicated barrel, with clamped lid.
A respirator will be worn during the transfer of the debris from the vacuum to the storage barrel.
The barrel will be transported to the recycler via club member pickup.
The empty barrel will then be return to its storage location for next use.
The HEPA filter bag will be cleaned and serviced by an approved service provider
The HEPA filter will be inspected semi-annually and replaced if damaged. Replacement will be completed as per manufacturers recommended frequency. Disposal will be completed via Newberg Garbage and Recycling Service.
Periodic Range Vacuuming:
The range will be vacuumed for spent casings after each use.
Members will don disposable gloves prior to use of the vacuum.
Once per week, the entire range floor will be HEPA vacuumed. In addition, all other flat surfaces forward of the firing line will also be HEPA vacuumed weekly.
Completion of the vacuuming will be recorded on the calendar at the table at the rear of the range.
Quarterly, the shooting mats will also be vacuumed with the HEPA vacuum system.
Record Maintenance:
Records will be maintained, by recording events on the calendar at the rear of the range, for the following:
- Periodic Range HEPA vacuuming
- Emptying of HEPA vacuum
- HEPA vacuum bag cleaning and service
- HEPA filter inspection and replacement
- Bullet trap cleaning/recycling
- Backstop dismantling/disposal
- Shooting mat cleaning.
Completed log sheets will be submitted to the club secretary for records retention.