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 Duncan, ERT Gilbert; 1-PST; 2-START; 9-ERRS
• ERRS began and completed demolition of HS-0045-B (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 debris and excavated area.
• ERRS began burning non-contaminated, combustible construction debris. Excavated soil was stockpiled with other soils at T&D staging area.
• EPA, NNEPA and START conducted additional assessment activities at four homesites in Cane Valley. The Homesites which were reassessed included HS-0008, HS0012, HS0019-B, and HS-0029-A.
• EPA and NNEPA also secured three access agreements (HS-0010, HS-0027, and HS-0025)
The ERRS wil not Work on 9/27 or 9/28. Electric service at HS-0039 (house) will be disconnected by Navajo Tribal Utilities Authority. ERRS will begin demolition activities on HS-0039 on Monday 9/29 ERRS will continue to Burn non-cotaminated debis at the end of next week.
ERRS is planning on demobilizing from Red Valley after completing demolition activities on HS-0039. ERRS will mobilize to the Teec Nos Pos area next.
Residents of HS-25 are waiting for EPA to provide temporary alternative accommodations. The EPA will need to provide hotel rooms for 10 people (6 children) and arrange for a contractor to evaluate the electrical issues in a second structure on the Home-site. If the second structure can be repaired, then the family has agreed to reside there during replacement activities.
Excavated soil is currently stockpiled within a fence area in Red Valley. Analytical data is needed to subcontract T&D services. Analytical data is expected next week.
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