The U.S.EPA has begun a Removal Action in the Cove, and Red Valley Chapters of the Navajo Nation (AZ & NM). EPA has determined that numerous homesites and structures exhibit elevated levels of gamma radiation. These structures are believed to be contaminated by uranium mining wastes either carried to the sites and used in building material or transported to the sites by natural means. These will be the models for future work this year at remaining contaminated structures in Teec Nos Pos, AZ, Cane Valley, AZ/UT and Tuba City, AZ.
In Cove Chapter, 1 yard and the house at that homesite (HS-0044) will be remediated.
• Personnel on site this week: 1-OSC, 2-USCG PST, 3-START and 7-ERRS
• The demolition of structure HS-0044-B was completed on 8/25. All debris was screened for radiation by START personnel, segregated, and transported to central staging area by 8/26.
• An additional hot-spot was found in the driveway, it was excavated and backfilled once screened and cleared of residual radioactive material.
• On 8/27, ERRS began backfilling and compacting excavation area. Clean fill was removed from an on-site barrow area (behind existing home) and used as backfill for the excavated areas. The barrow area was screened by START to ensure no radioactive material was present above action levels.
• No additional removal actions required.
• ERRS will begin preparations to install concrete slab and replacement structure once building vendors have been identified.
• ERRS will complete backfill and compact soil in yard to prepare for concrete slab.
• ERRS will begin moving equipment to Red Valley on 8/29 in preparation for the next structure removal. The equipment and command post will be staged in an area near HS-0043 by 9/2.
• ERRS will secure debris and soil staging area and command post location for the holiday weekend. ERRS will employ a guard service during the Labor Day break.
• All site personnel will demobilize at 1200 hrs 8/29, for the Labor Day weekend. Work will resume at 0800 hrs 09/02.
• ERRS continues to work on specifications to procure vendor to install concrete slab and replacement structure.
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