Pollution/Situation Report Profile

Mine Category Assessment Protocol (MCAP)
Cove, AZ - EPA Region IX
POLREP #7
SITREP 7 - MCAP Assessment

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U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Mine Category Assessment Protocol (MCAP) - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IX

Subject:

POLREP #7
SITREP 7 - MCAP Assessment
Mine Category Assessment Protocol (MCAP)

Cove, AZ

To:

From:

Randy Nattis, On Scene Coordinator

Date:

4/25/2016

Reporting Period:

4/25/2016

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:		Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Time-Critical
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Assessment
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	4/18/2016	Start Date:	4/19/2016
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

Mine Category Assessment Protocol (MCAP) reconnaissance in support of the Tronox settlement

1.1.2 Site Description

120 mine claim areas, 26 mine claims are specifically identified in the Tronox settlement, with an additional 6 mine claims determined as 'other mines' within the Tronox settlement

The MCAP Target Sites, historical site screening information, and other relevant layers supporting the MCAP site visits are displayed on the Region 9 Navajo Operational Viewer located at: https://r9.ercloud.org/navajoops/.

1.1.2.1 Location

Red Valley, AZ 86544 - The MCAP effort will take place throughout the Northern agency of the Navajo Nation, extending from the Lukachukai Mountains north to Teec Nos Pos

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Potential releases and the threat of future releases of hazardous substances, namely: uranium and its progeny (i.e., radium-226 and radon) and ionizing gamma and alpha radiation associated with those progeny. The likelihood of direct human exposure, via ingestion and/or inhalation of hazardous substances, and the threat of future releases and migration of those substances, pose an imminent and substantial endangerment to the public health or welfare or the environment based on the factors set forth in the NCP, 40 CFR § 300.415(b)(2).

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative

The field teams attempted to gain deeper access into the south side of the Lukachukai Mountains as well as the south end of Mesas I and II. Access was limited by many fallen trees and deep snow banks. These obstacles were impassable using the available resources. The last mine which appeared to be accessible was assessed today.

2.1.2 Assessment Activities to Date

On April 25, 1 of the 96 planned sites were evaluated. This makes for a total of 73 of the planned 96 mine areas.

2.1.3 Progress Metrics

73 of the 96 site have been evaluated to date, this represents 76% completion.

A list of all of the sites and their MCAP status can be found at:

https://www.epaosc.org/sites/11282/files/MCAP%20Target%20Sites%20042516.xlsx

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

The field teams will continue site reconnaissance and assessment of the access roads.

Additional, the field teams will focus efforts of gaining access to the mining wastes at the top, middle and bottom sections of the Mesa, II, III and V mines. Clear and reproducible access will be required during the Removal Site Evaluations. The field teams have already identified access roads and trails that will need to be improved prior to the start of any additional work.

2.3 Logistics Section

Specialized equipment is necessary to assess the mine areas. Access to all sites require off road vehicles, the field teams are utilizing 3 Jeeps, 3 ATVs, and 2 UTVs. To measure and map radiation levels, 3 Trimble GPS units attached to Ludlum 2x2 radiation detectors are being used. Field data is being recorded on a customized electronic field form on iPads.

2.4 Finance Section