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: 2-ERT ( OSC Reps Eskelsen/Moore) , 2-USCG PST ( demobilized on Sept 2, 2008), 2-START and 8-ERRS
• The command post was relocated on 9/2/2008 from the Cove Chapter to the Red Valley Chapter. The demolition of structure HS-0046 was begun on 9/3/2008 and completed on 9/4/2008. All debris was screened for radiation by START personnel, segregated, and transported to central staging area.
• On 9/5/2008 excavation below the foundation was begun, after excavation was completed ERRS began backfilling and compacting the excavation area. Clean fill was removed from an on-site barrow area (near 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.
• On 9/6/2008 excavation of the cellar on the property (Homesite 0046) was begun, and excavation of the yard at homesite-0048 was performed.
• ERRS will begin preparations to install concrete slab and replacement structure once building vendors have been identified.
• ERRS will complete any remaining work at Homesite-0046 in the coming days.
• ERRS will move on to work on Homesite 0045, or 0043A on 9/8/2008.
Archeological clearance was granted by Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Office (NNHPO) for 5 structures in Red Valley by correspondence to the ERRS contractor on 8/29/2008.
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