Officials say land swap would place buffer around muntions-loading area

The deal would bail the Air Force out of a predicament that began in 1985 when the Defense Department set requirements for safety zones around live muntions areas. In case of an accident, a buffer is needed to keep a safe distance between the public and potential damage from any blast.

The buffer would be around an area of Nellis where bombs, missiles and rockets are loaded and stored.

The problem has grown with commercial and residential developments moving closer to the base.

The buffer would involve withdrawal of public lands by the Bureau of Land Management and a land swap sought by Las Vegas businessman Carl Volkmar.

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