Issues at Operating Uranium Mines and Mills - Wyoming, USA 
(last updated 31 Aug 2008)
Site Index
Christensen Ranch ·
Highland (PRI) ·
Irigaray ·
Smith Ranch ·
Sweetwater
> see also decommissioning issues
NRC issues Notice of license amendment request for restart of Christensen Ranch/Irigaray uranium ISL mines and opportunity to request a hearing
On March 6, 2008, NRC issued a Notice of License Amendment Request to revert to operating status from restoration and decommissioning status, COGEMA Mining, Inc., Christensen and Irigaray Ranch facilities, Johnson and Campbell
Counties, Wyoming, and Opportunity to Request a Hearing.
A request for a hearing must be filed by May 16, 2008.
Federal Register: March 17, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 52) p. 14279-14281 (download full text 
)
COGEMA to restart Christensen Ranch in-situ leach uranium mine
With yellowcake cruising at $43 per pound on increased demand and dwindling worldwide stockpiles, COGEMA Mining Co. is now under strict orders from its international parent companies to get the Christensen Ranch in-situ leach uranium mine back on full production. "It's just a matter of a few -- six months -- before we're back in operation," said Mark Owens, who serves as manager of technical support for Mills-based COGEMA. In addition to putting its Christensen Ranch mine back on production, COGEMA is seeking to increase its uranium ore reserves in the state, according to Owens.
(Casper Star-Tribune May 22, 2006)
"Due to an increase in the uranium market price, mining is anticipated to resume at Christensen Ranch during year 2007. The final decision to resume mining is still pending the Joint Participation's approval, hopefully by the end of 2006 (The Joint Participation includes COGEMA Mining, Inc. as the operator and 71% owner, Malapai Resources Company as 29% owner; decisions must be unanimous).
Assuming that mining is resumed at Christensen Ranch, the first step will be continued well installation in the remainder of Mine Unit 7 (MU7). MU7 was about 50% installed when operations were shut down in year 2000. Drilling and well installation would resume in March 2007, followed by the initiation of surface construction (connection of wells to module buildings, connection to existing main trunkline to the plant). If schedules are adhered to, and all necessary approvals obtained, lixiviant injection could resume in MU7 as early as September 2007."
(COGEMA Mining, Inc., ANNUAL REPORT, PERMIT TO MINE NO. 478, August 19, 2005 through August 18, 2006)
On April 3, 2007, COGEMA Mining, Inc. requested an amendment of the license for its Irigaray/Christensen Ranch facilities to revert to an operating (uranium
production) status from the current restoration and decommissioning status.
"Christensen Ranch Project
All chemical addition to the mining wellfields ceased during February, 2000. Uranium
recovery was slowly phased out during the following months, with the last operating
wellfield shut down on June 23, 2000. Groundwater restoration is ongoing with active
restoration in two out of five Mine Units (#3 and 5). Residual uranium is removed at a
rate of approximately 50 lbs. per day during the Christensen restoration process.
Projected completion of groundwater restoration is in 2005, with final decommissioning
and surface reclamation to follow.
Irigaray Project
Mining ended in 1994. Groundwater restoration is ongoing with two Production Units (#
6 and 7) out of a total of nine Restoration has been completed in the other seven
Production Units. Residual uranium is removed at a rate of approximately 10 lbs. per
day during the Irigaray restoration process. Completion of groundwater restoration is
projected for late 2001, with wellfield decommissioning and surface reclamation to
follow. Decommissioning of most plant facilities will not begin until groundwater
restoration is completed at the Christensen Project and all recovered uranium is
processed."
(COGEMA Mining, Inc. letter to NRC dated September 7, 2000, available through ADAMS )
COGEMA plans to cease production in all of its well fields of its Christensen Ranch / Irigaray in-situ leach site in Wyoming sometime during the third or fourth calender quarters of 2000.
All well fields will be in the restoration phase after production ceases. COGEMA's proposes to submit a decommissioning plan to NRC by April 30, 2000. It is anticipated that upon completion of the mining it will require a number of years to conclude the ground water restoration efforts in all impacted well fields.
(NRC letter to Cogema dated Nov. 29, 1999, available through ADAMS )
Cogema received permission to inject brines from its Christensen Ranch in-situ leaching site in Wyoming in deep aquifers that might be a source of future drinking water supply. The brines consist of operational bleed streams from commercial in-situ leaching uranium mining operations as well as fluids from the restoration of the aquifer in mined out sections of the Christensen Ranch site. The exemption is necessary, since aquifer fluids contain less than 3,000 mg/l Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
> See notice in Federal Register, March 26, 1999 (Vol. 64, No. 58), p. 14799-14804 (download full notice )
> See also Federal Register, August 27, 1998 (Vol. 63, No. 166), p. 45810-45812 (download full notice )
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the proposed license renewal of Cogema's Irigaray and Christensen Ranch in-situ leach uranium mines in Wyoming.
> See notice in Federal Register, June 26, 1998 (Vol. 63, No. 123), p. 34942-34944 (download full notice ).
The License violations reported for the Christensen Ranch facility are not mentioned in this Federal Register notice.
According to Cogema's "Quarterly Progress Report of Monitor Wells on Excursion Status" of Oct. 2, 2000 (available through ADAMS ), 7 monitor wells at Irigaray remained on excursion status during the third quarter of 2000. The wells have been on excursion status for more than one year and up to 11 years. One other monitor well has been removed from excursion status.
Latest NRC Event Reports referring to Cogema's Christensen Ranch / Irigaray ISL site in Wyoming:
- Apr 17, 2008: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Mar 11, 2008: Two monitor wells placed on excursion status
- Sep 5, 2007: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Apr 25, 2007: Monitor well placed on excursion status
Find more events under decommissioning issues
- Jul 22, 2004: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Apr 28, 2004: Two leaks detected in evaporation ponds
- May 31, 2001: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Jan 23, 2001: 13,392 Gallon spill of restoration water
- Aug 10, 2000: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Oct 28, 1999: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Oct 5, 1999: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Jul 8, 1999: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- May 8, 1999: 15,000 Gallon Mining Injection Solution Spill
- Apr 12, 1999: 32,400 Gallon Injection Solution Spill
- Apr 3, 1999: 13,000 Gallon Spill of Restoration Water
- Mar 29, 1999: 23,520 Gallon Mining Injection Solution Spill
- Mar 26, 1999: 60,918 Gallon Mining Injection Solution Spill
- Feb 17, 1999: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Dec 22, 1998: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Nov 19, 1998: Monitor well placed in excursion status
- Sep 2, 1998: Shallow monitor well is in an excursion status
- Aug 6, 1998: Ground water monitor well placed in excursion status
- Jul 22, 1998: Minor leakage of byproduct solution from the evaporation pond
- Jul 8, 1998: 28,000 Gallons of water containing low level of U3O8 spilled onto ground
- Mar 5, 1998: Perimeter monitor well in excursion status
- Oct 3, 1997: Monitor well in excursion status
- Sep 16, 1997: Spilled 2,440 gallons of waste water containing 78.5 ppm natural uranium
- Sep 12, 1997: Well in excursion
- May 16, 1997: Two perimeter monitoring wells in excursion status
- Mar 12, 1997: Perimeter well in excursion status
- Dec 31, 1996: Perimeter well in excursion status
(details on post-Nov.1,1999, events available through ADAMS , Docket No. 04008502)
> For reports on many more spills, download WY DEQ's spill databases !
> View deposit info
Cameco Resources (formerly Power Resources, Inc.)
Highland ISL decommissioning issues
Wyoming DEQ denounces poor environmental compliance at Smith Ranch/Highland in situ leach mine, issues Notice of Violation to PRI for failure to conduct concurrent reclamation
> View here
Cameco to restart Highland uranium recovery plant
On Dec. 4, 2007, Cameco announced that it is planning to restart its idle Highland uranium "mill" (i.e. the plant recovering the uranium from the pregnant solution produced by in situ-leach mining). The plant will be required to meet the proposed production increase at Cameco's Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland in situ-leach facilities.
Wyoming DEQ issues Notice of Violation to PRI on major injection fluid spill at Highland ISL site
On Sep. 12, 2007, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a Notice of Violation to Power Resources Inc. based on the 198,500 gallon [751 cubic meters] spill of injection fluid reported by PRI on June 22, 2007 to the Land Quality Division (LQD).
> Download WY DEQ Notice of Violation #4122-07 (PDF) · Settlement Agreement (858k PDF)
On Nov. 7, 2000, Cameco announced the writedown of the Highland ISL property. Cameco plans to gradually reduce annual production to 300,000 pounds U3O8 (115 t U) by 2003, with the option of increasing production when prices warrant.
"Development activities at the Highland ISL uranium project in Wyoming will be suspended from 1 October, Power Resources International has announced. PRI also plans to scale production back from 700,000 pounds U3O8 (269 tU) in 2001 to 500,000 pounds U3O8 (192 tU) in 2002 and 300,000 pounds U3O8 (115 tU) in 2003. Current market conditions have been cited as the reason for the cutbacks, but PRI has the ability to ramp up production quickly should the market require." (UI News Briefing 00.39, Sep 27, 2000)
By letter dated July 13, 2000, Power Resources is requesting a license renewal for its Highland ISL project for 10 years. (details available through ADAMS , Docket No. 04008857)
- July 10, 2007: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- June 25, 2007: 3747 gallon spill of production fluid (21 ppm U)
- June 22, 2007: 198,500 gallon [751 cubic meters] spill of injection fluid (8.1 ppm U)
- May 21, 2007: 700 gallon spill of injection fluid (1.2 ppm U)
- May 1, 2007: monitor well on excursion status
- Dec. 30, 2005: 1000 gallon spill of restoration injection fluid, containing approx. 0.7 mg/L uranium
- Aug. 30, 2005: 1000 gallon spill of production fluid (15.4 mg/L U)
- May 17, 2005: 20,700 gallon spill of injection fluid, containing approx. 1.1 mg/L uranium
- Feb. 26, 2005: 3000 gallon spill of production fluid, containing 11.5 mg/L uranium
- Jan. 10, 2005: 300 gallon spill of injection fluid, containing 1 mg/L uranium
- Sep. 12, 2004: 1000 gallon spill of production fluid (10.5 mg/L uranium)
- May 3, 2004: 800-1000 gallon spill of production fluid, containing about 11 mg/L uranium
- Feb. 11, 2004: 400-600 gallon spill of injection fluid (1.3 mg/L U308)
- Feb. 8, 2004: 500-1000 gallon spill of injection fluid (1.1 mg/L U308)
- December 20, 2003: Spill of 600 gallons of injection fluid containing approx. 1.5 mg/L of uranium
- October 20, 2003: Spill of 2800 gallons of injection fluid containing approx. 1.5 mg/L of uranium
- September 29, 2003: Spill of 5000 gallons of injection/recirculation fluid containing approx. 2.0 mg/L of uranium
- March 13, 2003: Spill of approx. 1100 gallons of wellfield injection fluid
- November 7, 2002: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- July 1, 2002: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- March 21, 2002: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- July 7, 1999: Spillage of 3-5 Gallons of Water Containing LSA of Uranium Byproduct Material
- June 1, 1999: Spillage of 4000 Gallons of waste fluid
- Feb. 5, 1999: Monitor well placed on excursion status
- Feb. 5, 1998: Monitor well placed on excursion status
> For reports on many more spills, download WY DEQ's spill databases !
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a Notice of
Violation to Power Resources, Inc., of Denver, Colorado, for
violations of NRC requirements at the Highland Uranium Project in Converse
County, Wyoming.
Power Resources, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cameco Corp.
> View Notice of Violation EA 97-218
> View deposit details
DEQ issues Notice of Violation to Cameco Resources for deficienies identified during abandoned drill hole inspection
- Drill holes were not properly abandoned
- Drill holes were not immediately capped following drilling
- Monitoring wells lacked a proper well cap and inadequate [?!?] surface seals
- Drill hole sites were not properly backfilled, contoured and seeded for surface restoration
- etc.
> Download: Notice of Violation NOV #4314-08, July 17, 2008 (PDF) · alternate source
> Download: Inspection Report, July 7, 2008 (PDF) · Photos (4.3M PDF)
Cameco Resources requests license amendment for the processing of third-party resin at its Smith Ranch - Highland in-situ leach mine
On June 19, 2008, Cameco Resources requested a license amendment for the processing of third-party resin at its Smith Ranch - Highland Uranium Project.
According to Cameco Resources, processing of resin from third parties will not exceed currently approved levels of activity in terms of pounds processed annually or flow rates for production solutions from wellfields.
On July 23, 2008, NRC staff "determined that the application is not sufficiently complete, and is therefore unacceptable, for the purpose of conducting a detailed technical review.
The application is deficient because of the lack of an environmental analysis of the potential impacts of transportation of third-party resins to the SR-HUP for processing and subsequent return to the third party."
Wyoming DEQ denounces poor environmental compliance at Smith Ranch/Highland in situ leach mine, issues Notice of Violation to PRI for failure to conduct concurrent reclamation
On March 10, 2008, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a Notice of Violation to PRI for failure to conduct concurrent reclamation and to follow approved permits at the Smith Ranch/Highland in situ leach mine:
a. The permit indicates that "An updated schedule will be supplied with the
annual report if the mining or restoration schedule varies from Table 3-1."
The timetable commitments in the permit are not consistent with wellfield
status. Therefore, the table in the annual report is the schedule that PRI is
committed to for wellfield status. Based on this table, PRI is not in
compliance with their restoration schedules for Wellfields 2, 3, and 4/4A.
The annual report text indicates that Wellfield 2 will continue to be in
production, while the annual report schedule referred to in the permit
shows that it will be in restoration in 2008. Wellfields 3 and 4/4a should
be in restoration instead of production.
b. The permit states that it generally takes "three years for uranium
production, and three years for aquifer restoration." Actual times for
wellfield production and restoration are, thus far, 2-3 times longer than
permit commitments. [emphasis added]
The Notice of Violation is based on an investigation conducted in 2007. The Investigation Report, dated Nov. 21, 2007, also lists a number of further issues. Here some excerpts:
- The mine and reclamation plans contained in the permit document are out of date and incomplete in several important areas.
- PRI's typical wellfield installation procedures result in the near total disturbance of the native vegetation and soils. This is not consistent with the regulation that allows for "minor disturbance" without topsoil stripping.
- Over the years there have been an inordinate number of spills, leaks and other releases at this operation. Some 80 spills have been reported, in addition to numerous pond leaks, well casing failures and excursions. Unfortunately, it appears that such occurrences have become routine.
- The reclamation cost estimates contained in PRI's annual reports are based on a scenario that is totally infeasible and unsupported by any critical path timeline or water balance. Rough calculations based primarily on PRI's figures reveal an alarming scenario. A realistic reclamation cost estimate for this site would likely be on the order of $150 million, as compared to PRI's current calculation of $38,772,800. PRI is presently bonded for a total of only $38,416,500. No bond adjustments have been made since 2002. Clearly the public is not protected.
- PRI's environmental efforts have suffered from inadequate staffing, high
turnover, lack of institutional memory and a low level of corporate commitment. There has been a lack of continuity and follow-through on many issues. At this point in time, overall environmental compliance at this operation is poor.
On July 10, 2008, Cameco announced that a settlement agreement has been reached with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The agreement comprises several steps to accelerate restoration, and increases the bond for Smith Ranch and Highland to $ 80 million, among others.
Cameco agrees to pay a $900,000 penalty, $400,000 of which will be suspended, if Cameco satisfies the terms of the agreement. In addition, Cameco will pay $500,000 "to fund future, unspecified Supplemental Environmental Projects".
> Download Notice of Violation and Investigation Report, March 10, 2008 (NRC ADAMS Acc. No. ML080840311)
> Download NOV #4231-08 (PDF) · Report of Investigation Nov. 21, 2007 (2.6M PDF) (WY DEQ)
> Download Settlement Agreement July 8, 2008 (254k PDF) (WY DEQ)
> See also PRI Highland decommissioning issues
NRC issues Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for in situ leach satellite facility at Smith Ranch
On Dec. 28, 2007, NRC issued an Environmental Assessment for the construction and operation of in situ leach satellite plant SR-2 at Smith Ranch. "On the basis of this EA, NRC has concluded that there are no significant environmental impacts and the licensing action does not warrant the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Statement."
Federal Register: January 8, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 5) p. 1367-1370
(download full text )
> View docket NRC-2008-0011 (regulations.gov)
On Jan. 10, 2008, NRC issued the requested license amendment.
NRC issues Notice of Violation to PRI for appointment of unqualified radiation safety officer at Smith Ranch
On Dec. 11, 2007, NRC issued a Notice of Violation to PRI for the appointment of an individual to the position of radiation safety officer at Smith Ranch, although the individual did not possess the education or relevant experience requirements.
Cameco to increase production from Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland by 70%
On Dec. 4, 2007, Cameco announced that it is targeting to increase the combined production at its Crow Butte and Smith Ranch-Highland in-situ leach operations by 70% to 4.6 million pounds U3O8 [1,769 t U] annually by 2011. The planned production increase requires the restart of the idle Highland uranium recovery plant.
Wyoming DEQ issues Notice of Violation to PRI on deep disposal well spill at Smith Ranch ISL site
On Nov. 28, 2007, The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued a Notice of Violation to Power Resources Inc. based on the deep disposal well spill reported by PRI on August 24, 2007 to the Land Quality Division (LQD).
> Download NOV #4164-07 (PDF) · Settlement Agreement (PDF)
Uranium One Inc. concludes toll milling agreement with Power Resources Inc.
On Aug. 21, 2007, Uranium One Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Power Resources Inc. (PRI), the U.S. subsidiary of Cameco Corporation, whereby PRI will process uranium bearing ion exchange resins from Uranium One's owned and operated in situ recovery (ISR) projects in Wyoming.
Under the terms of the agreement, Uranium One will transport uranium bearing ion exchange resins from its uranium mining operations to PRI's Smith Ranch-Highland uranium facilities, or an alternate facility owned and operated by PRI or an affiliate of PRI located in the States of Wyoming or Nebraska, for processing and production of up to 1.4 million pounds [538 t U] per year of dried uranium concentrates. PRI must amend their operating licenses to accept uranium bearing resins from Uranium One. This amendment is subject to approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Initial Uranium One production is expected to be sourced from the Moore Ranch Project, located approximately 50 miles north of the Smith Ranch-Highland complex, with additional production expected to be sourced from the Allemand-Ross, Barge and Ludeman projects which are also located in close proximity to Smith Ranch-Highland.
Southwest area deep disposal well project
On Jan. 22, 2007, PRI submitted to Wyoming DEQ an application for a Southwest area deep disposal well.
This well will inject wastewater from an in-situ leaching uranium mine and other industrial wastes into the Lance Formation. The well covered by this permit injects at depths between 4,750 to 7,000 feet [1448 - 2134 m] below ground surface. The waste contains uranium residuals and significant amounts of Total Dissolved Solids and other contaminants.
The maximum injection pressure as measured at the wellhead is limited to 1,156 psi [79.7 bar] for SWA DW No. 1. The injection volumes are limited to 5,143 barrels [818 cubic metres] per day.
Public comments were due Oct. 1, 2007.
Reynolds Ranch ISL project to be included in Smith Ranch license
> See here
Smith Ranch acquired by Cameco
Cameco Corporation announced on June 19, 2002, that it has agreed, through its subsidiaries, to purchase the Smith Ranch uranium in situ leach (ISL) mine and various other ISL properties located in Wyoming from BHP Billiton’s subsidiary Rio Algom Mining LLC (Rio Algom).
The agreement is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close within 45 days. (Cameco release June 19, 2002)
License Renewal for Smith Ranch (Wyoming) in-situ leach site
Federal Register: May 4, 2001, p. 22620-22622 (download full notice ):
"SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to renew NRC Source Material License SUA-1548 to authorize the licensee, Rio Algom Mining Corporation (RAMC), to continue commercial operations of its in situ leach (ISL) Rio Algom Smith Ranch Uranium Recovery Project in Converse County, Wyoming. This license currently authorizes RAMC to receive, acquire, possess, and transfer uranium at the Rio Algom Smith Ranch Project, which is located approximately 17 miles (27 Kilometers)
Northeast of Glenrock, Wyoming. An Environmental Assessment (EA) was
performed by the NRC staff in support of its review of RAMC renewal
request, in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR part 51. The
conclusion of the Environmental Assessment is a Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed licensing action."
- Aug. 17, 2008: spill of injection fluid containing 1.4 ppm uranium
- July 24, 2008: 2,887 gallon spill of production water and 12,770 gallon spill of solution
- Aug. 23, 2007: 11,600 gallon spill of deep disposal well fluid
- June 27, 2007: 900 gallon spill of injection fluid containing 1.1 ppm uranium
- June 19, 2007: 900 gallon spill of fluid containing 41.2 ppm uranium
- Feb. 19, 2007: 6000 gallon spill of production fluid (32.5 ppm uranium)
- Jan. 14, 2007: 5000 gallon spill of injection fluid (2 ppm uranium)
- Dec. 13, 2006: 560 gallon spill of injection fluid (2 ppm uranium)
- Dec. 5, 2006: 10,000 gallon spill of mixed monitor well, restoration and waste fluids (1 ppm uranium)
- Nov. 22, 2006: 2100 gallon spill of mine waste water
- Feb. 10, 2006: 1000 gallon spill of production fluid, containing approx. 21 mg/L uranium
- Jan. 9, 2006: 6240 gallon spill of injection fluid, containing approx. 1.7 mg/L uranium
- Oct. 21, 2005: 7041 gallon spill of deep disposal well fluid
- Oct. 21, 2005: Leak detected in evaporation pond
- Sep. 2, 2005: 4500 gallon spill of production fluid, containing approx. 8.6 mg/L uranium
- Aug. 16, 2005: 1050 gallon spill of production fluid, containing approx. 2.1 mg/L uranium
- May 31, 2005: 4700 gallon spill of injection fluid, containing approx. 1.1 mg/L uranium
- Oct. 9, 2004: 5000 gallon spill of ground water sweep fluids containing 7 mg/L uranium
- Sep. 29, 2004: 2000 gallon spill of injection fluid, containing 1.6 mg/L uranium
- Sep. 8, 2004: wellfield excursion at Mine Unit 4 monitoring well
- Sep. 6, 2004: 1600 gallon spill of injection fluid
- July 22, 2004: 2700-5000 gallon spill of production fluid
- Oct. 15, 2003: 5,000 gallon spill of injection fluid containing about 47 mg/L of U3O8
- Sep. 29, 2003: 5,000 gallon spill of injection fluid containing about 2 mg/L of U3O8
- Sep. 6, 2003: 20,800 gallon spill of injection fluid containing about 1.1 mg/L of uranium
- Feb. 9, 2003: 500 gallon spill of production fluid containing about 2 mg/L of uranium
- Jul. 30, 2002: 1,480 gallon spill of injection fluid
- Apr. 25, 2002: 3,500 gallon spill of injection fluid
- Apr. 24, 2002: 18,000 gallon spill of injection fluid
- Jan. 4, 2002: 1,800 gallon spill of production fluid containing about 18 ppm U308
- Dec. 5, 2001: 3,600 gallon spill of injection fluid
- Oct. 22, 2001: 62,400 gallon spill of injection fluid
- Jun. 18, 2001: 1,100 gallon spill of deep well disposal fluid
- Nov. 22, 2000: 1,870 gallon spill of injection fluid
- Oct. 22, 2000: 11,100 gallon spill of injection fluid
- Aug. 7, 2000: 780 gallon spill of production fluid
- Feb. 26, 2000: 3,780 gallon spill of production fluid
- Jan. 17, 2000: 6,900 gallon spill of production fluid
- Dec. 31, 1999: 3,000 gallon spill of injection fluid
(details available through ADAMS , Docket No. 04008964)
> For reports on many more spills, download WY DEQ's spill databases !
Commercial operations have started at Rio Algom's Smith Ranch, Wyoming, in situ leach project on 20th June, 1997. [UI News Briefing 97/26]
Kennecott performing restart evaluation of Sweetwater mill; mill for sale again
On March 20, 2008, Kennecott Uranium Co. notified NRC of its intended applications for license amendments. Kennecott considers the construction of a resin elution facility at the site, and, it is currently performing a restart evaluation of the mill, which might involve several modifications requiring license amendments. Moreover, Kennecott said that the mill is for sale.
Kennecott denied right to store alternate feed material on site without license amendment
"In its letter, KUC makes several arguments in support of its position that it should be allowed to store the WTIX resin onsite without first being granted a license amendment to do so. If it is later authorized to resume its milling operations, KUC intends to process the WTIX resin as alternate feed material and dispose the resultant 11e.(2) byproduct material in its onsite tailings cell.
As discussed below, because the resin is not natural ore already present at the site, and because KUC is not presently authorized to conduct milling, the requested action requires a license amendment."
(NRC letter to Kennecott, November 30, 2007, ADAMS Accession No. ML072400149 )
Kennecott wants to store alternate feed material on site of currently idle Sweetwater mill for later processing
"Kennecott Uranium Company (KUC) wishes to store a small volume (approximately 8,000 cubic feet [227 cubic metres]) of ion exchange resin loaded with uranium at the Sweetwater Uranium Project beginning in September 2007. These loaded resins contain 1% to 3% natural uranium. These resins would be stored until such time as licensed operations are resumed at the site, at which point they would be eluted (processed), the uranium removed from them, precipitated as yellowcake and the yellowcake product dried and sold. [...] KUC believes that these materials can be stored on site without the need for a license amendment pending resumption of operations pursuant to NRC-approved license modifications [...]"
(Kennecott letter to NRC dated June 10, 2007 - ADAMS Accession No. ML071660298 )
Sweetwater uranium mill no longer for sale
SXR Uranium One Inc. had been selected by Rio Tinto Energy America, Inc. ("RTEA"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto plc, as the preferred bidder for RTEA's Sweetwater Uranium Mill and associated Green Mountain uranium properties located in south-central Wyoming. (SXR July 10, 2006)
On Jan. 8, 2007, however, sxr Uranium One Inc. announced that Rio Tinto Energy America, Inc. has decided to withdraw the Sweetwater uranium mill and related properties from sale in order to re-evaluate whether these should be retained and developed.
Kennecott requests another 5-year postponement of initiation of decommissioning of Sweetwater uranium mill
By letter dated June 7, 2006, Kennecott for the third time requested a 5-year postponement of initiation of decommissioning of the Sweetwater uranium mill in Wyoming. The Sweetwater mill facility was shut down and has been under care and maintenance (stand-by status) since April 1983.
On Sep. 25, 2006, NRC staff has determined that a third five-year postponement should be granted. In its review, NRC staff determined that this postponement is not detrimental to public health and the environment and is in the public interest, as discussed below. Furthermore, a letter from NRC staff to the National Mining Association dated February 16, 1996, stated that there is no limit to the number of extensions that can be granted.
Miracles of dose calculation: Sweetwater uranium mill reduces dose to nearest resident below background
Kennecott calculates the semiannual dose to the nearest resident for the second half of 2005 at 449.28 mrem [4.4928 mSv] (mainly based on radon inhalation and external gamma exposure), while the background dose was determined in 1994 at 569.9 mrem [5.699 mSv].
Kennecott concludes: "The net (dose to the nearest resident minus background dose) annual TEDE from the licensed operations for the second half of 2005 is 0 mrem/year, which is below the 100 mrem/year [1 mSv/year] dose limit to members of the general public."
More precisely, Kennecott should have stated that, based on its calculations, the licensed operations reduce the semiannual dose to the nearest resident by 120.62 mrem [1.2062 mSv]. But, apparently, this appeared inappropriate to Kennecott?
Source: Kennecott Uranium Company, Sweetwater Uranium Project: Airborne Effluents – 2005 Semiannual 10 CFR 40.65 Report, Source Material License SUA-1350, 27 February 2006
Catchment basin reclamation
NRC releases Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for catchment basin reclamation at Sweetwater uranium mill
Federal Register: May 23, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 98) p. 29543-29544
(download full text )
The requested license renewal was issued on May 26, 2005.
NRC issues Draft Environmental Assessment for catchment basin reclamation at Sweetwater uranium mill
On March 2, 2005, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a Draft Environmental Assessment for the reclamation of the catchment basin at the idle Sweetwater uranium mill.
During mill operations (Feb. 1981 - April 1983), fluids from the mill's counter-current decantation and solvent extraction processes were discharged to a catchment basin located 305 meters west of the lined tailings impoundment. The catchment basin is approximately 42.7 meters square, and 3.7 meters deep. The basin sides were lined with concrete, while the bottom was unlined. Organics, metals, and radionuclides (byproduct material) have slowly migrated through the soil beneath the basin into the underlying Battle Spring Aquifer. Primary contaminants are diesel range organics (DRO), consistent with the kerosene used for solvent extraction, and radionuclides (Ra-226 and natural uranium (U-nat)).
Remediation will involve the excavation of soils exhibiting DRO concentrations in excess of 2,300 mg/kg (Wyoming Voluntary Remediation Program standard).
Kennecott expects to excavate approximately 91,747 cubic meters of petroleum contaminated soil including approximately 20,261 cubic meters of material containing Ra-226 in excess of the standards found in Criterion 6(6), 10 CFR 40, Appendix A. Contaminated soils will be transported to the existing tailings impoundment for disposal.
After completing the soil excavation program, contaminated ground water will be extracted and conveyed to the lined tailings impoundment.
NRC issues 10-year license renewal for idle Sweetwater uranium mill
By letter dated May 25, 2004, Kennecott Uranium Co. requested a 10-year renewal of the Source Material License for its Sweetwater Uranium Project.
The uranium mill is currently in standby mode.
On July 28, 2004, NRC issued a related Notice of opportunity for hearing.
Federal Register: July 28, 2004 (Vol. 69, No. 144) p. 45087-45088 (download full text )
The requested license renewal was issued on May 26, 2005.
NRC approves another 5-year postponement of initiation of decommissioning in view of Bush's Energy Plan
By letter dated July 17, 2001, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the second time approved a 5-year postponement of initiation of decommissioning of the Sweetwater uranium mill in Wyoming. The Sweetwater mill facility was shut down and has been under care and maintenance (stand-by status) since April 1983. Excerpt from the NRC letter:
"The continued existence of the mill is in the public interest as it is one of only six uranium mills remaining in the United States and the only one remaining in Wyoming. There is renewed interest in the United States in nuclear power as clearly expressed in the National Energy Policy of May 2001. Nuclear power plants have increased power output the past several years, several plants have recently renewed operating licenses for 20 years, and new facilities are being considered. In addition, statutes oblige the Secretary of Energy to encourage the use of domestic uranium. Maintaining the domestic capacity to provide the raw material for nuclear power is in the public interest."
Kennecott sole owner of Sweetwater mill
Until September 11, 2000, Crested Corp. / US Energy owned a 50% interest in the Green Mountain Mining Venture (GMMV), but sold their interest to Kennecott.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued an operating licence for the Sweetwater uranium mill in Wyoming. (U.S. Energy Aug 31, 1999)
See also:
Federal Register: August 12, 1999 (Vol. 64, No. 155), p. 44057-44059 (download full notice ):
"SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to renew NRC Source Material License SUA-1350 to authorize the licensee,
Kennecott Uranium Company (KUC), to resume commercial milling
operations at the Sweetwater facility, and to approve the plan for future reclamation of the mill facility, existing and proposed new
tailings impoundment, and the proposed evaporation ponds, according to
the 1997 Reclamation Plan, as amended." [...]
> See also WY DEQ information
License violations at Sweetwater mill site
- Aug. 18, 2008: 18278.4 gallon spill of pumpback fluid