Decommissioning Projects - New Mexico, USA 
(last updated 8 Sep 2008)
See also:
> See also: New Mexico court rules uranium mines are covered by state law, ensuring cleanup
> See also: EMNRD Mining and Minerals Division, MARP - Pending Permit Applications 
State awards contract for clean up of a few abandoned uranium mines
The Mining and Minerals Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has awarded a contract to Golder Associates to initiate cleanup work at abandoned uranium mines in New Mexico. This project will involve a field assessment of over a dozen abandoned uranium mines northwest of Grants followed by the development and implementation of plans for the cleanup of these sites.
"Abandoned uranium mines in New Mexico, dating back to the 1950s, have left a legacy of dangerous mine openings and, in many cases, contaminated soils and water," stated Bill Brancard, Director of the Mining and Minerals Division.
The abandoned uranium mines that will be addressed, were part of the legacy of a uranium mining boom which took place during the 1950's, 60's and 70's before there were regulations requiring clean-up.
(NM EMNRD July 1, 2008)
New Mexico Governor vetoes bill on cleanup program for abandoned uranium mines
> View here
New Mexico House approves bill on cleanup program for abandoned uranium mines
> View here
NRC Docket No. 40-8903 (HOMESTAKE MINING CO , GRANTS, NM)
NRC Source Material License No. SUA-1471
NRC Facility Info
Aerial view: Google Maps · Terraserver 
> Download EPA Region 6 Homestake Grants factsheet
> Download Record of Decision (Sep. 27, 1989) (35k PDF)
> Download EPA Region 6 Homestake Grants Second Five-Year Review Report (Sep. 2006): full report (3.8MB PDF)
> Download EPA Region 6 Homestake Grants Five-Year Review Report (Sep. 2001): without photographs (1.3MB PDF) · full report (18MB PDF)
The Bluewater Valley Downstream Alliance is a local community organization of residents concerned about groundwater contamination downstream from the Homestake Grants uranium mill tailings site.
NRC issues Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for third evaporation pond at former Homestake Grants uranium mill site
Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact Related to the Issuance of a License Amendment for Construction of a Third Evaporation Pond, Homestake Mining Company of California Grants, New Mexico Project
Federal Register: August 7, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 153) p. 46042-46054 (download full text )
> Download Environmental Assessment, July 2008 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML080920594)
> Download Technical Evaluation Report, June 26, 2008 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML080920562)
ATSDR report finds Homestake uranium mill site is a public health hazard (New Mexico)
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released a Public Health Consultation that concluded the Homestake Mining Company Mill Site in Milan (Cibola County), New Mexico is a public health hazard for the contaminant concentrations found in private wells in the area:
"Sampling results from the past three years indicate that uranium and selenium concentrations are above their respective drinking water standard and will most likely be above them upon completion of the remedial actions. Because exposure is still possible in some of the private wells, ATSDR has categorized the site as a public health hazard."
The report is now available for public review; the public comment period was extended through July 3, 2008.
> View ATSDR release May 29, 2008
> Download Health Consultation, Homestake Mining Company Mill Site, Milan, Cibola County, New Mexico, May 19, 2008 (1.7MB PDF - EPA Region 6)
Is this true, Bill?
"Mr. Von Till III of the NRC comes to our community from time to time,
treats us like idiots and gives us a litany of reasons why the NRC cannot help us."
(from letter by Milton Head, President Bluewater Valley Downstream Alliance, and others, to Senator Jeff Bingaman, Oct. 13, 2007, regarding groundwater contamination at Homestake uranium mill tailings pile, ADAMS Acc. No. ML073111388 )
Commmunity organization calls for groundwater restoration at Homestake Grants uranium mill tailings site
Residents living downstream from the Homestake Grants uranium mill tailings site have formed the Bluewater Valley Downstream Alliance to emphasize their demand for a restoration of the contaminated groundwater in the area.
State agency unable to raise funds for well testing required to prove elevated contaminant concentrations in residential wells near Grants are attributable to former uranium mining activities
In a meeting held May 30, 2007, on water contamination caused by a decade of uranium mining in northern New Mexico, New Mexico Environment Department officials said that they are in a Catch-22 situation with the Environmental Protection Agency, uranium companies and politicians.
They say they are doing everything they can to help, but that there is little to do when funding is drying up to test the wells they need to test before approaching any of the uranium mines where they can lay the blame.
According to miners and their families, Homestake had been storing wastewater from the processing mill in an unlined pond, which old-timers say was directly above the Alluvial aquifer. They think it seeped into the various aquifer bands, which means it had infiltrated the water system used for drinking for both livestock and human consumption.
(Cibola County Beacon May 31, 2007)
Elevated contaminant concentrations found in residential wells near Grants uranium mill tailings site
Results of groundwater sampling conducted in September 2005 by New Mexico Environment Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show contaminants in 33 of 34 residential wells sampled, including elevated levels of uranium in 21 of those wells.
Where the contamination is coming from is debatable. Gaps in data from the Homestake Mine have left state and federal regulators with a difficult task in pinpointing just how the contaminants got there.
Jerry Schoeppner of NMED said the lack of documentation makes it more difficult to determine which contamination is background, which is coming from Homestake, and which is coming from other nearby uranium operations.
(Gallup Independent March 9, 2006)
Residents living near former Grants uranium mill seek damages from Homestake
On September 8, 2004, Homestake Mining Company of California / Homestake Mining Company were served with a Complaint by 26 current or former residents of a rural area near the former Grants Uranium Mill. The plaintiffs allege that they have suffered a "variety of physical, emotional and financial injuries" as a result of exposure to radioactive and other hazardous substances. The Complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico seeks an unspecified amount of damages. (Barrick Gold Corp. Oct. 26, 2004)
(Homestake merged with Barrick Gold Corp. in 2001.)
Homestake granted 9-year extension of reclamation milestones for Grants uranium mill tailings site
By letter dated Oct. 28, 2003, Homestake requested from NRC approval for the extension of various reclamation milestones for cover placement at its Grants uranium mill tailings site. A request for a hearing had to be filed within 30 days of December 22, 2003.
Federal Register: December 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 245) p. 71171-71172 (download full text )
No request for a hearing was received within the 30 day requirement, and the requested license amendment was issued on Feb. 6, 2004.
By letter dated December 15, 2001, Homestake requested from NRC to adjust the groundwater site standards for the Grants uranium mill tailings site. Homestake claims that the current site standards for uranium (0.04 mg/L), selenium (0.01 mg/L), and molybdenum (0.03 mg/L) are lower than the 95% background levels of 0.15, 0.27, and 0.05 mg/L, respectively.
During a meeting held in Grants on Oct. 20, 2005, residents expressed concern on the proposed relaxation of groundwater standards. Community members present at the meeting said they could not understand why the background water samples were being taken in an area where pollutants already existed from other mines. (Cibola County Beacon Oct. 25, 2005; NRC Meeting Report Oct. 31, 2005, ML053000560 )
In May 2006, NRC issued an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the requested amendment of groundwater site standards:
Environmental Assessment related to issuance of a license amendment for Homestake Mining Company of California Grants, New Mexico project Source Materials License SUA-1471, Docket No. 40-8903 (ADAMS ML061450327)
Federal Register: June 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 120) p. 35956-35957
(Download full text )
The requested license amendment was issued by NRC on July 10, 2006.
Biological groundwater treatment pilot tests at Grants uranium mill tailings site
"1.0 GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project involves construction, startup, operation and monitoring of three pilot
scale In-situ Anaerobic Biological Treatment Systems (ISABTS). Three sites are being
tested to evaluate the operation and effectiveness of three differing methods for applying
the ISABTS technology. The pilot scale test is being conducted subsequent to, and
concurrently with, laboratory scale column testing that have proven to be highly
successful.
2.0 PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the in-situ treatment is to evaluate the effectiveness and economics of
applying anaerobic biological treatment to permanently remove molybdenum, uranium,
and selenium from solution in the local alluvial aquifer.
The objective of the project is to gather sufficient data to demonstrate whether the
groundwater standards can be met using ISABTS. A further objective is to examine the
logistics of applying the technology at a substantially larger scale than implemented in
the laboratory. Ultimately, should the testing demonstrate process success, logistical
feasibility and economic viability, a full scale treatment system may be considered." (from Homestake letter to NMED, August 2, 2000)
Background documents are available through ADAMS .
Permit CI007RE
EMNRD releases SOHIO Western Mining Co.'s revised closeout plant for the JJ No.1/L-Bar Mine
JJ No. 1 Mine - SOHIO Western Mining Co. c/o Kennecott Energy Co., Permit CI007RE Closeout Plan Documentation-Revision 1 (8/30/2007)
> View Mining Act Reclamation Program (MARP) New Permit Applications and Closeout Plans
Investigation into groundwater contamination at former JJ Number 1 / L-Bar Mine
Sohio Western Mining Company (SWMC) -- which operated the JJ Number 1/L-Bar Mine about 2 miles north of Laguna Pueblo -- submitted a proposal to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to conduct a ground water investigation at the former mine.
The Stage 1 abatement plan consists of assessing ground water quality at the mine site. NMED requires the proposed activities at the site because past ground water sampling showed that concentrations of groundwater exceed New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission standards for one or more of the following parameters: uranium, radium, manganese, iron, total dissolved solids, sulfate, and pH. There has been limited site assessment work conducted at the former mine.
The SWMC mine, which is about 4 miles southeast of Seboyeta and two miles northeast of Moquino, operated from 1976 to 1981 in conjunction with the L-Bar uranium mill and associated mill tailings facility. The mine closed between 1986 and 1987.
(NMED Aug. 15, 2006)
NRC Docket No. 40-8904 (SOHIO WESTERN MINING CO., SALT LAKE CITY, UT)
NRC Material License No. SUA-1472
Aerial view: Google Maps · Terraserver
NRC terminates license for Sohio L-Bar uranium mill tailings site
Establishment of the U.S. Department of Energy as the Long-Term
Custodian of the L-Bar Uranium Mill Tailings Site Near Seboyeta, NM,
and Termination of the Sohio Western Mining Company Source Materials
License for the L-Bar Site
Federal Register: November 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 219) p. 65661 (download full text )
> See also DOE release Dec. 21, 2004 (PDF)
Relaxed groundwater standards
Federal Register March 3, 1999 (Vol. 64, No. 41), p. 10331-10332 (download full notice ):
"SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) proposes to amend Sohio Western Mining Company's
(Sohio's) Source Material License SUA-1472, to allow alternate
concentration limits (ACLs) for ground water hazardous constituents at
the L-Bar uranium mill site in Cibola County, New Mexico. An
Environmental Assessment (EA) was performed by the NRC staff in
accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 51. The conclusion of
the EA was a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for this
licensing action."
The ACLs concern ground water constituents selenium and uranium.
A request for hearing must be filed within 30 days from March 3, 1999.
Site Degradation
"Meeting to Discuss Sedimentation at the Sohio Western L-Bar Uranium Mill Tailings Site
On December 10, 1998, Division of Waste Management staff participated in a
Meeting requested by representatives of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
licensee, Sohio Western Mining Company (Sohio), to discuss methods of
resolution of staff concerns related to observed degradation of erosion
protection features at the L-Bar uranium mill tailings disposal site,
located in New Mexico. Before staff can conclude that reclamation at the
L-Bar site is complete and terminate the license, Sohio must resolve
staff's concerns related to degradation. The announced public Meeting was
held at NRC Headquarters, and was attended by NRC staff and Sohio
representatives. Sohio presented two alternatives for mitigating the
buildup of sedimentation, both of which appear acceptable to the staff. The
licensee proposed to submit the necessary engineering plans for its
preferred alternative in early 1999. Pending staff approval, Sohio plans to
commence construction of a new erosion protection channel in fiscal year
1999." (NRC Weekly Information Report For the Week Ending December 18, 1998)
"Meeting on Sedimentation at L-Bar Uranium Mill Tailings Site
On October 15, 1998, staff from the Division of Waste Management met with
staff from Sohio Western, the licensee for the L-Bar site, to discuss
possible buildup of sedimentation in the site runoff diversion channels.
The Meeting took Place in New Mexico, and involved visiting several sites
discussed in a recent report submitted by Sohio Western consultants as
analogs of the L-Bar site to estimate the quantity of sediment expected to
be deposited yearly in the diversion channels. As a follow up to the
Meeting with the licensee, staff will issue a review of the analog report.
The Sohio Western representative requested that the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission provide its review as soon as possible to allow Sohio Western
Time to plan any necessary construction for the 1999 construction season,
beginning in April 1999."
(U.S. NRC Weekly Information Report for the week ending October 23, 1998)
"Visit to Sohio L-Bar Uranium Recovery Site
On February 11, 1998, staff from the Division of Waste
Management and its Colorado State University Contractor visited
the Sohio L-Bar, New Mexico, site to discuss the licensee's
approach to dealing with site degradation due to sedimentation
of erosion protection channels. The L-Bar site is one of the
eight old uranium mill tailings sites where previously-approved
reclamation plans may not meet current staff guidance for
erosion protection. For these sites, the Commission determined
that the licensees should not be required to redesign to meet
current criteria unless the staff identified a situation where
significant degradation had occurred. The staff observed
trenching and trench logging activities conducted by the
licensee to ascertain the amount of sediment deposited in
drainage channels at the site since construction in 1989. The
licensee proposes to provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
with a report of the results of its findings, including a plan
of action to correct and prevent future degradation of the
reclaimed tailings, in early March."
(U.S. NRC Weekly Information Report for the week ending February
20, 1998)
NRC Docket No. 40-8902 (ATLANTIC RICHFIELD CO., GRANTS, NM)
NRC Material License No. SUA-1470
Aerial view: Google Maps · Terraserver
License Termination
(Oct.3, 1997) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted the
request of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) to terminate its license for a uranium mill site near Grants, New Mexico, and has
placed the site under the custody and long-term care of the Department of Energy, which is now the licensee for the site.
> View NRC press release No. 97-146
> See also Notice in
Federal Register Vol.62 p. 51914 (Oct. 3, 1997), (Notice of placing the Bluewater uranium mill and tailings disposal site near Grants, New Mexico, in the custody and long-term care of the U.S. Department of Energy under the general licensing provisions of 10 CFR part 40.28; and notice of opportunity for a hearing.)
NRC Docket No. 40-8905 (QUIVIRA MINING CO, GRANTS, NM)
NRC Source Material License No. SUA-1473
NRC Facility Info
Aerial View (tailings): Google Maps · Terraserver
Aerial View (mill): Terraserver
> View more recent issues
NRC issues Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for
site protection measures from surface water flow at Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site
Federal Register: August 8, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 154) p. 46337-46339 (download full text )
NRC approves Cell 2 Expansion Reclamation Plan at Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site
Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment and Finding of
No Significant Impact for Cell 2 Expansion Reclamation Plan License
Amendment; Rio Algom Mining LLC, Ambrosia Lake, NM
Federal Register: November 13, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 218) p. 63934-63935 (download full text )
Environmental Assessment for the Tailings Cell 2 Expansion Reclamation Plan, Rio Algom Mining LLC's Uranium Mill Facility, Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico, Final Report, September, 2007 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML072670278)
License Amendment SUA-1473, Amendment 58, Dec. 10, 2007 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML073050340)
NRC issues final Environmental Assessment finding No Significant Impact for Soil Decommissioning Plan at Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site
Environmental Assessment for the Soil Decommissioning Plan Rio Algom Mining LLC's uranium mill facility, Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico, Final Report, May 15, 2006 (ADAMS ML061630291)
Federal Register: July 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 127) p. 37962-37964
(download full text )
The requested license amendment was issued on Aug. 16, 2006.
Rio Algom issues Soil Decommissioning Plan for Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site
> Download Soil Decommissioning Plan, Rio Algom Mining LLC Ambrosia Lake Facility, Grants, New Mexico, May 1, 2006, 189 p. (10.7MB PDF - ADAMS ML061320449)
"The purpose of the Plan is to remediate the windblown tailings, effluent contaminated soils, and soils contaminated by license activities that originated from the milling operation and disposal area, and to demonstrate that the clean-up plan was successful in remediating the contaminated soils to comply with the proposed release criteria. For areas of deeper contamination attributed to licensed activities, RAM will apply Alternate Release Criteria (ARC) to allow these soils to be left in place with an appropriate cover. The ARC will achieve appropriate closure to allow for the transfer of these areas to the U.S. Department of Energy under institutional controls."
NRC issues Draft Environmental Assessment on Soil Decommissioning Plan for Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site
Draft Environmental Assessment Soil Decommissioning Plan for Rio Algom Mining LLC's Uranium Mill Facility, Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico, Feb. 28, 2006
NRC issues Environmental Assessment finding No Significant Impact for Lined Evaporation Ponds Relocation Plan at Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site
On June 17, 2005, NRC issued an Environmental Assessment finding No Significant Impact for Lined Evaporation Ponds Relocation Plan at Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site.
Federal Register: June 24, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 121) p. 36663-36664 (download full text )
> Access Environmental Assessment via ADAMS (Acc. no. ML051680226)
NRC accepts use of marginal quality rock for Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings cover
By letter to Rio Algom dated March 9, 2004, the U.S. NRC accepted the use of rock of marginal quality for the cover of the Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings: "The results of the testing and subsequent analysis show that the rock does not meet a minimal score of 80. However, Rio Algom followed the procedure in NUREG-1623 that allows for rock of marginal quality (scores less than 80) to be oversized to meet the requirements of 10 CFR Part 40."
NRC issues Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on Ambrosia Lake uranium mill demolition
Federal Register: October 15, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 199) p. 59420-59421 (download full notice )
NRC changes Ambrosia Lake license from standby to possession-only
On August 1, 2003, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) changed the license for the Ambrosia Lake facility in status from standby to possession-only.
NRC announces opportunity to request hearing on Ambrosia Lake mill demolition plan
Notice in Federal Register, Jan 24, 2003 (Vol. 68, No. 16), p. 3570-3571 (download full notice ):
" The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has received, by letter
dated December 10, 2002, a proposed mill demolition plan for the
removal of the mill located at Rio Algom Mining Limited Liability
Corporation's uranium mill facility at Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico. In
accordance with License Condition 29 of NRC Source Materials
License, SUA-1473, the mill demolition plan describes the demolition of
the structural features associated with the Ambrosia Lake uranium mill
facility. The plan addresses the removal of surface structures in
preparation for subsequent implementation of the surface reclamation
release phase of the overall site decommission process."
Note: The ADAMS Accession Number ML030070154 given in the notice for the application for the license amendment and proposed decommissioning and reclamation plan is incorrect.
NRC grants further 3-year delay of decommissioning of Ambrosia Lake mill site
On April 5, 2002, NRC granted Rio Algom's request for a further 3-year delay to the initiation of the decommissioning process at the Ambrosia Lake mill.
By letter dated March 1, 2002, Rio Algom's subsidiary Quivira Mining had requested a further 3-year delay to the initiation of the decommissioning process at the Ambrosia Lake facility. "This allows Rio Algom to maintain the mill for future operations while market conditions are improving." In 1997, Rio Algom had been granted a first 5-year delay.
NRC grants 2-year extension of reclamation deadline for Ambrosia Lake tailings
On January 3, 2002, NRC granted the requested 2-year extension of the deadline for completion of the erosion protection for impoundment #2.
By letter dated November 6, 2001, Rio Algom Mining Corp. is requesting a two year extension to the deadline for the completion of reclamation work on Impoundment #2.
Rio Algom claims that the construction material, primarily the rock specified in the proposed erosion protection design, currently under NRC review, is not available from a local source, at a reasonable cost, within the time remaining before the deadline.
NRC approves requested groundwater alternate concentration limits at Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site
On Feb. 24, 2006, NRC issued the requested license amendment.
> Download Technical Evaluation Report, Alternate Concentration Limits Application, Rio Algom Mining, LLC, Ambrosia Lake uranium mill facility, New Mexico, Feb. 24, 2006 (ADAMS)
> Download Environmental Assessment for amendment to Source Materials License SUA-1473 for ground water alternate concentration limits, Rio Algom Mining LLC, Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site, Ambrosia Lake, McKinley County, New Mexico, January 2006 (ADAMS)
On June 11, 2001, Quivira Mining requested alternate concentration limits for a number of constituents in the alluvium (shallow) groundwater at its Ambrosia Lake uranium mill tailings site. This request follows a similar one concerning deeper aquifers (see below).
Ambrosia Lake alluvium groundwater standards
| | GPS | ACL |
| Molybdenum [mg/L] | 0.06 | 83 |
| Nickel [mg/L] | 0.06 | 0.14 |
| Selenium [mg/L] | 0.05 | 3.1 |
| Natural Uranium [mg/L] | 0.06 | 11.1 |
| Gross Alpha * [pCi/L] | 15 | 16726 |
| Thorium-230 [pCi/L] | 3.1 | 10 |
| Radium-226 + Radium-228 [pCi/L] | 5.0 | 196.1 |
| Lead-210 [pCi/L] | 4.9 | 58 |
* excluding radon and uranium
GPS = current site-specific NRC Groundwater Protection Standards
ACL = Alternate Concentration Limits proposed by Quivira Mining
1 pCi/l = 37 mBq/l
Background documents are available through ADAMS .
NRC revokes approval for release of a reclaimed evaporation pond at Ambrosia Lake mill site for unrestricted use
Based on elevated radium concentrations found in soil samples taken in November 1999, NRC on June 5, 2000 revoked its 1988 approval for the release of evaporation pond No. 8 for unrestricted use.
NRC issues Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact on Rio Algom/Quivira Mining request for relaxed groundwater standards at Ambrosia Lake mill site
Federal Register: January 27, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 18) p. 4622-4624 (download full text )
> Download Environmental Assessment for Amendment of Source Materials License SUA-1473 for Ground Water Alternate Concentration Limits, Rio Algom Mining, LLC, Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico, Jan. 20, 2006 (ADAMS)
Notice in Federal Register, June 29, 2000 (Vol. 65, No. 126), p.40144 (download full notice ):
"SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) has received, by letter dated February 17, 2000, an
application from Quivira Mining Company (Quivira) to establish
Alternate Concentration Limits and amend the Source Material License
No. SUA-1473 for the Ambrosia Lake uranium mill facility."
A request for hearing must be filed within 30 days from June 29, 2000.
The Quivira Ambrosia Lake tailings pile with its contents of 30.1 million metric tonnes is the largest uranium mill tailings pile in the U.S.
Quivira requests alternate concentrations limits for uranium up to 40-fold the current site standard (GPS), for thorium-230 up to 378-fold the GPS, for radium-226 and 228 up to 8-fold the GPS, among others:
Ambrosia Lake groundwater standards
| Constituent | | Bedrock unit |
Dakota
Sandstone | Tres Hermanos
A Sandstone | Tres Hermanos
B Sandstone |
| U-nat [mg/l] | GPS | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.02 |
| ACL | 0.81 | None | 0.25 |
| Th-230 [pCi/l] | GPS | 2.3 | 4.3 | 2.2 |
| ACL | 869 | 139 | 139 |
| Ra-226 and -228 [pCi/l] | GPS | 5.0 | 5.0 | 7.4 |
| ACL | 41 | 41 | 41 |
| Pb-210 [pCi/l] | GPS | 1.9 | 4.1 | 0.9 |
| ACL | 57 | 13 | 13 |
| Nickel [mg/l] | GPS | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.06 |
| ACL | 0.1 | None | 0.37 |
GPS = current Groundwater Protection Standard, ACL = proposed Alternate Concentration Limit
1 pCi/l = 37 mBq/l
Background documents are available through ADAMS .
Section 27 Mine: Permit MK005RE
North East Church Rock Mine: Permit MK004RE
EPA to clean up residential properties contaminated from former Northeast Church Rock uranium mine site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, will begin cleaning up radium-contaminated soil the second week in May 2007 at five residential properties in the Coyote Canyon Chapter of the Navajo Nation, near Gallup, New Mex.
The EPA believes rain and flash floods likely washed contaminated soils from the former Northeast Church Rock uranium mine site into an unnamed arroyo and ultimately onto the residential properties. The area's prevailing winds are also believed to have transported contaminated dust from the mine site.
The 125-acre Northeast Church Rock Mine site operated from approximately 1967 to 1982, and includes two underground uranium shafts, waste piles, several surface ponds, buried waste and sand fill areas.
(EPA Region 9, May 1, 2007)
EPA settles with United Nuclear to investigate contamination at former Church Rock uranium mine and mill site
On Sep. 28, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached an agreement with the United Nuclear Corporation requiring the company to further investigate contamination related to its historic uranium mining and processing operations at the Northeast Church Rock Mine site located on the Navajo Nation, approximately 16 miles northeast of Gallup, New Mex.
Under the agreement, the company is required to investigate site and facility-related contamination, including an unnamed arroyo, and take radiation and soil samples. The company must also replace an inadequate fence that currently allows individuals and livestock to enter areas of potential contamination.
The EPA will evaluate the results of the investigation and consult with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency on any cleanup plans. The EPA will then attempt to reach a separate settlement with United Nuclear Corporation in which the company would clean up the area and pay for past costs related to the site.
In January 2006, the EPA detected elevated levels of alpha radiation at the site and radium-226 in the surface soils.
Residences to the northeast of the mine permit area may have been affected by releases of hazardous substances and contaminants transported by wind, historic dewatering of mining operations, and runoff during snow, rain and flood events.
(EPA Region 9, Sep. 28, 2006)
United Nuclear submits reclamation plans for Church Rock uranium mines
22 years after shutdown, United Nuclear Corp. has submitted reclamation plans for the 137-acre [55 ha] Northeast Church Rock Mine and the 14-acre [5.6 ha] Section 27 Mine. The sites would be reseeded, revegetated, and have all mine shafts closed.
The UNC proposals are being reviewed by the Mining and Minerals Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and by the state Environment Department.
(AP Feb. 21, 2004)
> Download Reclamation Plans: EMNRD
NRC Docket No. 40-8907 (UNC MINING & MILLING (DIV. OF UNITED NUCLEAR CORP.), Church Rock, NM)
NRC Material License No. SUA-1475
NRC Facility Info
Aerial view: Google Maps · Terraserver
> Download EPA Region 6 UNC Church Rock factsheet
> Download EPA Region 6 UNC Church Rock Five-Year Review Report (Sep. 2003): without maps and photographs (3.8MB PDF) · (full report available through NRC ADAMS )
U.S. EPA opposes United Nuclear's request to halt groundwater treatment at Church Rock uranium mill tailings site
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concerns regarding the United Nuclear Corporation's (UNC's) August 15, 2007 License Amendment request under Source Materials License SUA-1475 (License) for the permanent discontinuance of corrective action in the Southwest Alluvium. As you know, EPA has directed UNC to perform a site-wide supplemental feasibility study (SFS) at the UNC Church Rock Superfund site (Site) to evaluate other remedial alternatives for ground water and support future EPA decision-making. [...]
Currently, the cleanup standards for TDS and sulfate are being exceeded for the Southwest Alluvium, as well as Zone 1 and Zone 3 of the Upper Gallup Sandstone Formation. The SFS is intended to develop, screen, and analyze other alternatives that shall attain (or support a waiver of) those standards. [...]
Additionally, as part of the ongoing SFS, UNC has been directed to review the cleanup criteria established by EPA in the 1988 Record of Decision and assess the
appropriateness of changing some of those criteria to reflect newly promulgated federal and state standards and health-based criteria for ensuring the continued protectiveness of the remedy. The assessment will include the new federal Maximum Concentration Limit (MCL) for uranium of 30 micrograms per liter (µg/L), promulgated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The current uranium standard established by the NRC in the License is 300 µg/L. The uranium concentrations measured in the seepage-impacted areas of the Southwest Alluvium are currently at or below the current NRC standard of 300 µg/L. However, they would exceed the 30 µg/L MCL if selected by EPA as an ARAR for the CERCLA remedy. [...]"
(U.S. EPA letter to NRC, February 12, 2008, emphasis added)
Pilot study to improve groundwater restoration at Church Rock uranium mill tailings site by injection of alkalinity unsuccessful
The pilot study was conducted between October 2006 and February 2007 to evaluate
the use of alkalinity injection wells to enhance the ongoing remediation of Zone 3.
The injection and extraction rates observed during the pilot study were not the expected rates, and the total amount of cumulative extraction was considerably lower than calculated. As a result, the estimated travel time between the injection wells and extraction wells became prohibitive with respect to pore volume extraction rates, and the pilot test was terminated.
The lower than expected K values, extremely low injection well efficiency, and
negligible yield from 4 of the 5 extraction wells may be attributed to alteration of the Zone 3 aquifer minerals by the acidic leachate that comprises the groundwater plume.
Based on information presented above, it would take 10 times longer to accomplish
remedy goals than was hypothesized. Using what might have been envisioned as an
approximate 5 year remedy enhancement could actually take 50 years or more.
(United Nuclear Corporation, In-Situ Alkalinity Stabilization Pilot Study Report,
UNC Church Rock Site, Gallup, New Mexico, June 2007)
U.S. EPA releases Update on Ground Water Cleanup at Church Rock uranium mill tailings site
> Download Update on Ground Water Cleanup, United Nuclear Corporation Church Rock Superfund Site, Church Rock, McKinley County, New Mexico, May 2006 (1.1M PDF - U.S. EPA Region 6)
United Nuclear granted relaxed radium groundwater standard at Church Rock uranium mill tailings site
On Sep. 30, 2005, United Nuclear filed a License Amendment Request for Changing the Ground Water Protection Standard for Radium at its Church Rock uranium mill tailings site: "The proposed revision accounts for the fact that the current site standard lies well within the background concentration ranges for radium-226 and 228 in the Southwest Alluvium and Zone 1. The proposed revision incorporates a statistical testing procedure to objectively determine if the combined radium concentration is attributable to the occurrence and migration of seepageimpacted
water or if it is within the normal and expected background distribution."
On Feb. 22, 2006, United Nuclear submitted a revised license amendment request and technical analysis report.
On July 26, 2006, NRC staff issued a related Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact.
> Federal Register: August 2, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 148) p. 43822-43823 (download full text )
On Aug. 9, 2006, the NRC issued the requested license amendment.
United Nuclear intends to inject alkalinity into aquifer to improve groundwater restoration at Church Rock uranium mill tailings site
Given that the currently pursued groundwater restoration scheme of removal and evaporation apparently cannot meet the remedial objectives, United Nuclear now plans to inject alkalinity into the aquifer to enhance remediation of the Zone 3 groundwater at the Church Rock uranium mill tailings site.
"This Pilot Study will evaluate the use of alkalinity injection wells to enhance the ongoing remediation of Zone 3 in addition to using extraction wells alone at the United Nuclear Corporation (UNC) Church Rock Site (site) located in Gallup, New Mexico. This Pilot Study has been prepared on behalf of UNC by Blasland, Bouck & Lee, Inc. (BBL).
The planned studies will test the injection of alkalinity-rich groundwater from an unimpacted part of the Southwest Alluvium into the Zone 3 aquifer. The injected water (hereinafter referred to as "fixiviant") will then flow through the Zone 3 formation to recovery wells where the fixiviant will be pumped to the surface for treatment and disposal. Theoretically, injection of the alluvium groundwater (i.e., fixiviant) into Zone 3 would effect the following changes:
1. The pH of the Zone 3 groundwater would increase;
2. Groundwater migration of target Zone 3 groundwater constituents of concern (such as cadmium, cobalt, nickel, radium-226/228, Th-230 and gross-alpha) would be reduced or eliminated via changes in aqueous/solid partitioning and precipitation reactions as a result of the increased pH conditions; and
3. Groundwater and fixiviant withdrawn by the extraction wells would recover uranium (and other chemical species) in solution, which could then be handled via the existing evaporation system.
The specific pilot study described herein will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of this proposed remedial approach. In addition, information obtained from the pilot study will be used to prepare a full-scale design, if groundwater remediation via injection is deemed a viable and effective remedy for the Zone 3 aquifer."
(UNC Church Rock Site In-Situ Alkalinity Stabilization Pilot Study, October 2005)
United Nuclear chasing horse, this time...
During an environmental inspection performed on Jun. 28, 2005, United Nuclear's inspector had to chase a horse out of the fenceline area of its reclaimed Church Rock tailings, though no damage of the fenceline could be observed.
(Semi-Annual Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Report from January to June 30, 2005)
United Nuclear yet again chasing cattle...
United Nuclear's fence problems at its reclaimed Church Rock tailings area are continuing. During environmental inspections performed in the second half of 2004, United Nuclear's inspector once again had to chase cattle out of the perimeter fence line:
Sep. 24, 2004: Chased two bulls out of the fenced tailings area
Oct. 26, 2004: Chased three bulls out of the east perimeter area
(Semi-Annual Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Report from July to December, 2004).
New Church Rock tailings fence line seriously damaged during floodings
A new 48'' field fence that had been installed in place of the previous barbed wire fence line to prevent further livestock entry, was damaged and downed a few weeks after installation during a major flood event on Sep. 9, 2003.
(Semi-Annual Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Report from July to December 2003; Feb. 11, 2004)
United Nuclear again chasing cattle...
United Nuclear still has problems with the fences at its reclaimed Church Rock tailings area. During environmental inspections performed in the first half of 2003, United Nuclear's inspector again had to chase cattle out of the perimeter fence line: he chased 6 cows and 9 burros on Jan. 16, and one cow and one calf on June 30, 2003.
(Semi-Annual Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Report from January to June 2003; Aug. 15, 2003)
United Nuclear chasing cattle...
During environmental inspections performed in 2002, United Nuclear's inspector had to chase cattle out of the perimeter fence line of the reclaimed Church Rock tailings area: he chased 6 herds of cattle on July 31 and "1 bull" (!) on August 27, 2002.
(Semi-Annual Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Report from July to December 2002; Feb. 19, 2003)
United Nuclear wants to halt groundwater treatment at Church Rock site
On November 4, 2002, United Nuclear's contractor Earth Tech, Inc., submitted a technical impracticability (TI) evaluation [!!] to support a request for a TI waiver for sulfate and total dissolved solids (TDS).
"Based on the results of the test, United Nuclear Corporation (United Nuclear) believes that sufficient data have been collected to demonstrate that natural attenuation mechanisms are more beneficial than the current corrective action at controlling the quality of groundwater for all key constituents of concern. Therefore, United Nuclear requests a decision from the agencies that the Southwest Alluvium system can be shut down permanently."
> View extension of groundwater plumes and proposed areas for institutional controls
(Fig. 7-1 from Second Five-Year Review Report for the United Nuclear Corporation Ground Water Operable Unit Church Rock, McKinley County, New Mexico, September 2003, US EPA Region 6)
On Feb. 13, 2004, EPA submitted its comments on UNC's Final Report and Technical Impracticability Evaluation, finding that the data provided by UNC is insufficient to support the conclusion that natural attenuation were more beneficial than the current groundwater corrective action.
Church Rock tailings cover deteriorates prematurely
Following a site visit on June 13, 2002, the U.S. DOE, in a letter dated July 3, 2002, notified the U.S. NRC of a number of concerns regarding early deterioration observed at the site:
- A large amount of sediment had been deposited in the on-pile channels and in the other diversion channels.
- The slopes of the diversion berm appeared to be in a deteriorated condition caused by erosion and sloughing.
- Some rocks in the jetty along Pipeline Arroyo had been displaced.
- A gully had occurred on the side slope of the tailings pile at the southern end.
- Some differential settlement was noted in several areas on the top cover.
- Biointrusion of the cell cover was visible.
Based on these observations, DOE feels that "significant annual maintenance at the Church Rock site will be required. [...] annual maintenance costs will be in the $10,000 to 20,000 per year range. These costs will be above and beyond what is normally required to maintain long-term care of a disposal site."
Environmental Protection Agency Meeting with United Nuclear Corporation, April 22, 1998
"On April 22, 1998, a representative from the Division of Waste Management
participated in an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Meeting with
United Nuclear Corporation (UNC), New Mexico Environmental Department, and
the Navajo Nation. The purpose of the Meeting was to discuss the EPA's
draft five-year review of corrective action at UNC's Churchrock uranium
mill site. UNC's Churchrock site is a Nuclear Regulatory
Commission-licensed superfund site currently undergoing corrective action
for a groundwater plume that developed from leachate generated by a uranium
tailings impoundment. UNC provided its comments on the draft as well as its
plans for site closure. The regulatory agencies provided comments on the
tentative closure plans, and discussed options available to UNC for site
closure including Alternate Concentration Limits and Technical Infeasiblity
waivers." (NRC Weekly Information Report for the Week Ending May 1, 1998)
NRC FINES UNITED NUCLEAR $100,000 FOR FAILING TO SET ASIDE
FUNDS FOR DECOMMISSIONING CHURCH ROCK URANIUM MILL
(Feb 14, 1997) "The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has
proposed a fine of $100,000 against United Nuclear Corporation,
of Gallup, New Mexico, for failing to properly comply with a
January 1992 order to set aside $16.4 million needed to
decommission and decontaminate the Church Rock uranium mill site near
Gallup." [NRC Region IV Press Relase 97/10]
> View Notice of Violation EA 93-170
Mine Permit MK006RE
Aerial view: Google Maps · Terraserver
St. Anthony Mine Closeout Plan, January 2006 (8M PDF, EMNRD)
> View background information on Uranium Mill Tailings Management - USA