2.1.1 Narrative
2.1.1.1 Current Situation
Transport of stockpiled mine waste to the repository via the skyline cable yarder continues as the main work activity at the Site. The windy, dusty conditions at the Site have impacted the skyline operation. The sandy soils present at the Site get into the system cables creating an abrasive effect and shortening the working lifetime of the cables. On August 16, the main “skyline” cable failed and the hopper bucket was damaged as it fell approximately 35 feet to the ground. All Site operations were on hold for four days while the skyline cable was replaced and repairs were made to the hopper bucket. To prevent this from occurring again the skyline cable will be inspected and adjusted weekly to reduce wear at critical points.
August 15 – 20, 2011
OSC Calanog and Musante onsite this week.
This week ERRS:
-Continued water conveyance system operations.
-Continued site-wide road improvements and maintenance.
-Continued dust control program using water for dust suppression.
-Continued transport of stockpiled mine waste materials to top of Mesa via the skyline cable yarder.
START performed air sampling around work zones as part of the effluent dust sampling program.
August 21 – 27, 2011
OSCs Musante onsite this week.
This week ERRS:
-Continued water conveyance system operations.
-Continued site-wide road improvements and maintenance.
-Continued dust control program using water for dust suppression.
-Continued transport of stockpiled mine waste materials to top of Mesa via the skyline cable yarder.
START performed air sampling around work zones as part of the effluent dust sampling program.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Mobilization for removal activities and site setup began the week of March 28, 2011. Construction of the repository began the week of April 4, 2011, and was completed at the end of May. Excavation of mine waste from valley floor areas on the north side and the upper slope below the mine opening of Oljato Mesa was completed by July 24.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
EPA to date has been unable to identify any existing PRPs. EPA will continue to analyze the voluminous responses to the information requests it sent to numerous parties associated with mining in general on the Navajo Reservation. Because of the urgency of this removal, EPA is proceeding with a fund-lead action. EPA will continue to review the information referenced above to determine whether viable and liable parties may be identified, and will pursue recovery of the removal costs if appropriate.
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
There are no progress metrics to report at this time. Off-site disposal is not planned for this removal. Uranium tailing wastes at the Site will be transferred to the on-site repository. Total volumes of waste moved into the repository may be reported in future POLREPs.
Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
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