Big booms in Burlington County

Driving Route 72 through Burlington County, encircled by lush scrub pines, you might be startled when the quiet is interrupted by a boom. Not to worry, it's planned.

It's emanating from Corley Field, a small airport near the highway, where New Jersey State Police are overseeing the detonation of several tons of explosives.

According to a NJSPD spokesman, it's a ritual that takes place about four times a year. It began Tuesday and is expected to wind up Thursday.

About 2,000 pounds of expired, commercial fireworks are being detonated, along with another 3,800 pounds of unexpired incendiary matter.

The explosives are partly from commercial enterprises and partly from confiscations through NJSPD and partnering agencies including the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).