The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in consultation with the Navajo Nation, has finalized a plan to address the release of radionuclides and metals at the Quivira Mines site in the Navajo Nation near Gallup, New Mexico. EPA’s plan includes removing uranium mine waste rock from the three areas of the site and transporting it to a newly created off-site repository at the Red Rocks Landfill property east of Thoreau, New Mexico. This removal action process will begin in early 2025 and continue for 6-8 years, including permitting, construction, operation and closure of the new disposal repository. This action for the Quivira Mines site is one of many actions the EPA is working on with the Navajo Nation and the states of Arizona and New Mexico to address risks from uranium mine waste. These solutions include off-Navajo disposal options in addition to consolidation of waste on the Navajo Nation.
“This decision will remove over 1 million cubic yards of waste that has haunted the Red Water Pond Road and Pipeline Road communities for too long,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “These cleanup efforts will pave the way for these two Diné communities to fully – and safely – utilize this land.”
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said the solution is a compromise that will get radioactive waste in that area as soon as possible…