Developer Sues Department of Defense Over Munitions Cleanup
Southshore Recovery Acquisition seeks $700,000 for removing unexploded ordnance from a former bombing range.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Construction
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Should the federal government pay to clean up military munitions on land sold for private development?
Southshore Recovery Acquisition has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense seeking reimbursement for $700,000 in cleanup costs. The company performed the remediation on a 105-acre plot in Arapahoe County that previously served as a military bombing range.
Why it matters
The suit highlights the financial liability faced by developers when government-owned land requires extensive safety remediation before residential construction can proceed. Southshore claims the federal government failed to properly designate the area, leaving private owners to bear the cost of removing hazardous military debris.
Cleanup crews discovered 5,739 targets and 274 items on the site in 2020, including 424 lbs of .50 caliber ammunition. The total remediation was required to meet safety mandates set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
The players
Southshore Recovery Acquisition
This is a real estate development company that manages land remediation and property acquisition projects.
Department of Defense
This executive branch department is responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government relating directly to national security.
Richmond American Homes
This is a national homebuilder that constructs residential communities across the United States.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
This state agency is responsible for overseeing environmental quality and public health protections within Colorado.
Army Corps
The United States Army Corps of Engineers provides vital engineering services and project management to strengthen national security and reduce disaster risks.
The details
Southshore purchased the land in 2011, unaware that the site’s history as the Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range from 1937 to 1963 would lead to such extensive munitions discoveries. Before selling the land to Richmond American Homes in 2020, the developer worked with the Army Corps to classify and remove dangerous materials, including a rocket warhead.
Timeline
The Lowry Bombing and Gunnery Range was in operation from 1937 to 1963.
Southshore Recovery Acquisition purchased the land in 2011.
Cleanup crews discovered thousands of targets and items on the property in 2020.
Southshore sold the land to Richmond American Homes on August 26, 2020.
Southshore filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense on October 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
The lawsuit reflects a growing trend of private developers seeking public accountability for long-term environmental remediation costs on former federal properties. It challenges the established liability framework for historical land use in the construction industry.
Residents in Aurora should be aware that historical land use can lead to unexpected site remediation projects, as seen with shrapnel finds at William F. Hayden Park. This case underscores the complexities of land development and the potential impact on public safety in formerly military-heavy areas.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of thorough environmental due diligence before purchasing land with a history of military activity. Homebuyers and developers should verify the safety records of former government properties to avoid future remediation disputes.
Further reading
For more information on local development challenges, visit the Construction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Denver Westword.
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Should the federal government pay to clean up military munitions on land sold for private development?
