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. Approximately 1,300 yd3 of waste remains in the stockpile on the valley floor and transport to the top of the Mesa is expected to be completed by 9/17/11. Inspection of the skyline system cables identified excessive wear on the haulback cable and it was replaced proactively. The skyline system has had additional maintenance issues, including a leaking air coupling and a compressor motor failure that have slowed work progress. Additional monsoon events have brought high winds and significant rainfall in the late afternoons.
August 29 – September 3, 2011
OSC Dunkelman onsite this week.
This week ERRS:
-Completed replacement of the haulback cable on the skyline yarder system.
-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.
September 5 – 10, 2011
OSC 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.
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