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, 2-START and 8-ERRS
• ERRS conducted road maintenance activities due to damage caused by heavy rain early in the week.
• ERRS completed the demolition of the structure at HS-046-D (shed/cellar).
• ERRS completed interior demolition of structure HS-045-B (house) completed. START and ERRS segregated and staged all construction debris according to the debris management plan. The building interior was video documented. Demolition of the structure will begin once electric service is disconnected by Navajo Tribal Utilities Authority (NTUA). Archeological oversight of the demolition will be required due to presence of historic hogan in the vicinity. Issues related to the temporary relocation of the residents of this home site are ongoing.
• ERRS continues to make arrangements for temporary housing of the residents of HS-039-B (house).
• ERRS began demolition of HS-043-A (hogan) began and was completed this week, including over-excavation, backfill, compaction, and leveling.
• ERRS completed the interior demolition of HS-032-D (house). Debris was segregated and staged. The structure interior was video documented.
• Yard excavation at HS-053 completed, and verified by START radiological screening.
• Navajo EPA representatives visited the site on 9/11. Discussions included need for burn permit (wood debris), and process for residents to acquire upgrades for replacement structures. NNEPA accompanied OSC Powell and START to Teec Nos Pos, and facilitated the re-screening of structure HS-005-B. This structure did not exceed the action level and will not be remediated. Attempts were made to acquire access agreements from HS-002-A (house) and HS-004-C (hogan).
Status List
HS-0046-A (house) – demolition complete
HS-0046-D (cellar) – demolition complete
HS-0045-B (house) – demolition incomplete (gutted)
HS-0043-A (hogan) – demolition complete
HS-0039-B (house) – demolition incomplete
HS-0032-D (house) – demolition incomplete (gutted)
HS-0053 (yard) – complete
HS-0048 (yard) – incomplete
• USEPA will obtain replacement structure specifications through the Navajo Housing Authority and ERRS for use in reconstruction agreements.
• NNEPA will be on-site on 09/18/08 and again during the week of 9/22 to assist USEPA in acquiring access agreements.
• EPA will demolish structures HS-045-B and HS-032-D. EPA will demolish structure HS-0039-B after temporary housing arrangements are finalized. EPA will excavate at contaminated soils at HS-0048.
• EPA will coordinate acquisition of access agreements for Teec Nos Pos and Cane Valley homesites. NNEPA and Superfund Community Involvement Section will assist in this process in the next 2 weeks.
• EPA will arrange for archeological documentation at the Teec Nos Pos structures and finally at the Cane Valley structures. There are no structures requiring remediation in Tuba City at this time; however, these structures may be re-assessed and, if contaminated, will require archeological screening.
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