Pothole Blasting In Maryland Wetlands

Approximately 90 potholes were blasted with ammonium nitrate and fuel oil mixtures on a fresh marsh and a saline marsh in the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland. Work covered a 3-year period in fresh marshes and one growing season in saline marshes. Number of ANFO charges used per pothole ranged from 1-15 varying in gross amounts per pothole from 20-415 Ibs. Detonation was by dynamite using either primacord, cap and fuse or electric caps. Depth of charge holes varied from 8-36 inches. Available data are presented on size and depth of potholes, sloughing of spoil, soil types and plant invasions.