Uranium-rich Church Rock Mine in the Northeast
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been at the forefront of a significant cleanup operation in New Mexico, focusing on the Northeast Church Rock mine site.
In 2017, the EPA completed and put out for public comments the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis for the cleanup. This comprehensive document outlined the proposed strategies and costs associated with the project.
The EPA's involvement in the Northeast Church Rock mine cleanup began in the 2000s, following a request from the Navajo Nation. Since then, the agency has been working closely with various organisations, including the Navajo Nation Abandoned Mine Lands Program, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, the New Mexico Environmental Department, the Red Water Pond Road Community Association, and others, as suggested by community members and local officials.
In February 2023, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a license amendment to United Nuclear Corporation, authorising the placement of waste from the Northeast Church Rock mine site at the UNC mill site. However, it's important to note that the specific organisation that received the approval to store waste material from the mine site is not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results.
The EPA has also been actively involved in community outreach and education. In April 2017, the EPA participated in the Eastern Agency Navajo Abandoned Uranium Mine Open House. Additionally, the EPA presented with representatives from NNEPA and the Red Water Pond Road Community Association to high school classes in Gallup, NM.
In an effort to keep the community informed and involved, the EPA distributed a Community Involvement Plan with input from the community in 2017. The agency has also facilitated voluntary alternative housing efforts during construction activities to ensure the safety and comfort of those affected.
One of the key decisions made by the EPA was to consolidate the NECR mine waste on the nearby UNC Mill Site. The EPA oversaw UNC/GE investigations of the Mine Site and initial time-critical cleanup actions to remove approximately 200,000 tons of contamination found in the residential area.
The EPA's work in the Northeast Church Rock mine cleanup is a testament to their commitment to environmental safety and community involvement. As the project continues, the EPA will undoubtedly continue to work closely with the Navajo Nation and other organisations to ensure a successful and sustainable cleanup.
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