Maureen Conley
Public Affairs Officer
The
government has made good progress in reducing risks from uranium
contamination on Navajo land, five federal agencies told Congress in a
report
last week. EPA compiled the report with input from the NRC, the
Department of Energy, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Centers for
Disease Control and the Indian Health Service.
, which dates back to the 1940s.
Demand
for uranium skyrocketed near the end of World War II. The ore was
needed for nuclear weapons manufacturing and later to fuel commercial
power reactors. The Navajo Nation lands had large uranium deposits, but
mining and milling then was not nearly as regulated as it is today.
Mining companies left extensive contamination requiring cleanup.
In
1978 Congress passed a law to ensure that uranium mill waste (called
tailings) would be safely managed into the future. Under that law, DOE
is responsible for the long-term care and maintenance of four former
mill sites: Tuba City, Ariz.; Shiprock, N.M.; Mexican Hat, Utah; and
Monument Valley, Ariz.
The
NRC oversees DOE’s work at those sites. For example, DOE is responsible
for cleaning up contaminated groundwater at the sites. The NRC reviews
those cleanup plans. DOE monitors disposal facilities for uranium mill
tailings. The NRC observes DOE inspections at the sites. The NRC also
reviews and comments on DOE’s performance and environmental reports.
While
the NRC does not regulate mine cleanup, the agency will also be working
closely with EPA, DOE, the New Mexico Environment Department, and the
Navajo Nation during the cleanup of a contaminated mine site in Church
Rock, N.M. This conventional strip mine operated from 1967 to 1982. EPA
plans call for the mine waste to be disposed at the nearby Church Rock
mill site, which must be done in compliance with NRC disposal
regulations.
Over
the past five years, NRC staff has met many times with members of the
Navajo Nation. We will continue these oversight and outreach activities.
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