The discovery of the rounds near the camp, which was a chemical weapons training site during World War II, alerted the Army to the possibility that they might pack more than an explosive charge.

Army explosives officers delivered the potentially hot cargo to the Anniston Army Depot, where it could be contained it in a storage igloo, Army spokespersons Michael Abrams and Joan Gustafson said in a joint news release Wednesday.

Abrams works for the Anniston chemical weapons incinerator and Gustafson for the Anniston Army Depot.

The Army dispatched a team of five chemical-weapons specialists from the 22nd Chemical Battalion at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Ark., with equipment to examine the contents of the rounds, the news release said. The appropriate state and county officials also have been notified of the situation.

Residents discovered the 4.2-inch rounds at a farm near Camp Sibert, according to Abrams.

It wasn’t the first time the public has found potentially dangerous rounds at the camp.

In 2002 a mortar containing phosgene was found at Camp Sibert and was dealt with there, he said.

Abrams said the latest incident is a reminder to the community both in Etowah County and in Calhoun County to be vigilant about unexploded ordnance.

“If anyone finds something that looks like a grenade, artillery shell, or mortar – anything explosive – it should be left alone, and the individual should call the police or sheriff,” Abrams said. He stressed that under no circumstances should the object be touched or moved by the discoverer.