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: EPA: OSC Musante, RPM R. Muza, CIC L. Garcia-Bakarich, M.Ford, M. Perez-Sullivan; 1-PST; 1-START; 9-ERRS
• ERRS began and completed demolition of HS-0032-D (house), including over-excavation, backfill, compaction, and leveling.
• START/PST conducted air sampling for radioactive particulate matter during demolition and excavation activities.
• START/PST performed radiation survey of over-excavation at HS-0032-D. At 6” below ground surface (bgs), radiation measurements were slightly greater than the 2 standard deviations above background decision limit. Further excavation revealed gradually increasing radiation measurements, associated with a natural rock formation at approximately 2’ bgs. Over-excavation was extended to approximately 4’ bgs and “clean” fill material from the borrow area used to backfill the excavation area.
• ERRS completed excavation of the yard at HS-0053. START conducted radiological scanning to delineate the excavation footprint (9/14).
• ERRS staged equipment at HS-0045 to begin demolition on 9/22. Historic Preservation specialist oversight of the demolition due to presence of historic hogan in the vicinity has been confirmed.
• Electric service at HS-0045-B (house) was disconnected by Navajo Tribal Utilities Authority.
• EPA Margaret Ford and Margot Perez-Sullivan on-site to film a project video.
• Navajo Nation EPA (NNEPA) representative Lillie Lane visited the site on 9/18.
• Two area residents inquired of OSC Musante as to concerns of radiological contamination at their homes. The residents were directed to contact NNEPA L.. Lane to discuss possible radiation assessments.
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