An artillery shell, found near St. George’s and dropped off at the RCMP detachment in Stephenville this week is not believed to be an immediate risk and will be moved for disposal.

The town provided the update last night after officials from DND assessed the shell and determined that it was stable.

Stephenville mayor Bob Byrnes says the shell will be moved to a secure location for safe disposal.

He says the device will be taken to a pit somewhere in the town to be detonated by officials. Given Stephenville’s extensive military history, Byrnes also has a message for anyone who may find a similar device in the future;

“Don’t touch it, leave it where you found it and contact the RCMP so somebody can come and dispose of it properly.”

The shell, which is believed to date to the Second World War, is not considered a risk to public safety and no evacuation will be necessary.