MOD DC North Longtown, located near Carlisle in Cumbria, is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Defence Munitions (DM) storage facility. It specializes in the storage, maintenance, and distribution of munitions and explosives for the UK’s armed forces. The site features secure storage bunkers and extensive land, and it plays a key role in supporting military operations both in the UK and overseas. Longtown is also involved in the management of surplus and outdated munitions for safe disposal or recycling, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
MOD DC North Longtown has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The site was originally established in 1938, during the buildup to World War II, as a key munitions depot for the British Army. Its strategic location near the Scottish border and its expansive grounds made it ideal for storing large quantities of munitions and explosives, which were critical to the war effort.
During the war, the depot played a vital role in supplying ammunition to British and Allied forces. Over the decades, the facility has evolved to meet the changing needs of the UK’s defense infrastructure, transitioning from wartime operations to supporting more modern military logistics. In recent years, Longtown has focused on the safe storage and handling of contemporary munitions, as well as the responsible disposal of obsolete armaments.
Despite reductions in the UK’s defense estate over time, MOD DC North Longtown remains a key asset within the MOD’s network of Defence Munitions sites, supporting national and international military operations.
SPEL manufactured a large range of SuDS-compliant stormwater treatment devices for the site, including 3no. SPEL ESR Range Full Flow Treatment Systems, 1no. SPEL ESR Bypass Treatment Systems and 1no. SPEL Smartceptor will protect the site from pollution incidents and ensure that stormwater run-off is treated to the required SuDS standards before leaving the site. MOD sites very often use SPEL products on their sites, due to SPELs high quality (especially our 25 Year Warranty) and technical backup, they often choose high-specification products, such as our 2 Chamber Puraceptor models, and often have double skin tanks for secondary containment in case of a leak. In this circumstance, rigorous SuDS compliance was required and SPEL could provide it with full WRc and HR Wallingford certification.