E.P.A. declares plan, makes progress towards cleaning up the legacy of abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation

SAN FRANCISCO - The E.P.A., in partnership with the D.O.E., the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, this week finalized a five-year project for cleaning up the legacy of abandoned uranium mining on the Navajo Nation.

The plan, titled, "Health and Environmental Impacts of Uranium Contamination in the Navajo Nation, Five-Year Plan" is the 1st coordinated approach created by the 5 federal agencies. This landmark project details the strategy and timeline for cleanup over the next 5 years.

"This project serves as an important milestone in addressing uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation" said Wayne Nastri, administrator of the EPA's Pacific Southwest region. "After years of working independently on these issues, these 5 agencies have collaborated with the Navajo Nation to establish a clear strategy for cleaning up the legacy of uranium mining waste."

E.P.A. is currently addressing the most urgent risks on the reservation - uranium-contaminated water sources and structures. This spring, the Agency tested 50 water sources and over 100 structures for radiological contamination. E.P.A. and the Navajo Nation E.P.A. have launched an aggressive outreach campaign to inform residents of the dangers of consuming contaminated water. E.P.A. will also use its Superfund authority to address contaminated structures, and has already targeted at least 13 structures for remediation.

Beginning in the 1940s nearly four million tons of uranium ore were mined at various locations throughout the Navajo Nation's 27,000 square mile reservation. During the next 5 years, E.P.A. will complete a tiered assessment of over 500 abandoned mines, taking action to address the highest priority risks.

To view the report, please go to:
http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/sfund/navajo-nation/pdf/NN-5-Year-Plan-June-12.pdf

For more information on abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/sfund/navajo-nation/index.html

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