The U.S.EPA has begun a Removal Action in the Red Valley Chapter of the Navajo Nation. These homesites are situated in both 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.
• Personnel on site this week: 1-OSC, 1-USCG PST, 1-START and 2-ERRS
• ERRS began preparation of HS-0046 in Red Valley for demolition by removing belongings and placing them in temporary storage.
• On 8/26 ERRS began interior demolition work, removing windows, doors and interior walls. Interior demolition work was completed by 8/27.
• On 8/28 the ERRS crew began assisting the residents of HS-0045 in packing belongings to be placed in temporary storage.
• ERRS began moving equipment and materials to staging area in Red Valley. EPA and USCG PST will set-up the Command Post and support facilities in Red Valley after the Labor Day Break.
• ERRS will begin removal activities in Red Valley as soon as Preservation Act clearance is obtained from Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Office (NNHPO).
• ERRS will begin demolition of structures and removal of contaminated material from HS-0045 and HS-0046 at that time.
• ERRS will continue preparing HS-0046 for demolition and removal.
• ERRS will continue assisting residents of HS-0045 in packing items to be moved out of structure.
• ERRS will begin moving equipment to Red Valley on 8/29 in preparation of structure removal. 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.
• Historic Preservation Act clearance has not been given to begin demolition of 5 structures in Red Valley. An archeological subcontractor was on-site to complete field assessment of properties HS-0039, HS-0032, HS-0043, HS-0045, & HS-0046. EPA anticipates archeological report to be submitted to NNHPO by 8/29.
• Access to additional properties with contaminated yards has not been received. EPA requested NNEPA to assist in locating residents to obtain cleanup access to the properties.
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