The U.S.EPA has begun a Removal Action in the Cove Chapter of the Navajo Nation (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. These will be the models for future work this year at remaining contaminated structures in Red Valley,Teec Nos Pos, AZ, Cane Valley, AZ/UT and Tuba City, AZ.
In Cove Chapter, 1 yard and a structure at the homesite (HS-0044) will be remediated. Refer to Polreps 1 and 2 for more detailed information.
Contaminated contruction debris and soil was trnsported and disposed with the Red Valley Material. Refer to the Red Valley Polution Reports for further details. Originally the Structure owner had requested a “Rebuild by Owner” compensation option. This option allowed the EPA to provide the structure owner a financial settlement in the amount of the replacement value of the structure, which included the estimated costs of materials and labor to rebuild a Decent, Safe and Sanitary structure. EPA provided an initial check to the structure owner to build a foundation and purchase building supplies. After receiving the initial check, the structure owner changed their mind and decided that they would prefer EPA to build the replacement structure. The check was returned and the compensation process was started over. In May of 2009, the ERRS contractor went to HS-0043 and made the earthen pad larger to accommodate a larger foundation. A foundation was poured during the summer and construction activities began in the late Fall. Over the next 10 months the ERRS contractor worked with their subcontractor, Southwest Traditional Log Homes, to construct one replacement structure in Cove. Extreme winter weather conditions prevented access to the property impacting the completion schedule of the structure. In addition to the weather impacting the construction process, it also impacted the utility connection process. The replacement structure sat empty for months until the utility company made final connections. This impacted the final walkthrough inspection which in turn prevented the resident from moving back in to their new structure. A final walkthrough/inspection of the replacement structure was conducted on April 13, 2011.
At this point and time the structure has been replaced and possession of the structure has been given back to the resident. All “hot-spots” or areas of concern have been addressed as well. All activities under the Phase 1 structure removal effort for the Cove Navajo Radioactive Structures Site have been completed.
None. Removal is complete
None. Removal is complete
None. Removal is complete
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