COVE AREA ABANDONED URANIUM MINES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN

2016 INTRODUCTION

Navajo Nation was the site of widespread dialogue regarding EPA’s Cove Chapter activities uranium mining from 1944 to 1986. While is participatory, vibrant and meaningful. Tis uranium mining no longer occurs within document outlines specifc outreach activities Nation, the legacy of uranium contamination to address community concerns and to meet the remains. More than 500 abandoned uranium following goals in the Cove Chapter: mine (AUM) claims, as well as homes and drinking water sources with elevated levels of • Provide community members with accurate, radiation, are spread throughout . timely and understandable information about Several of these AUM claims are located in EPA abandoned uranium mine activities the Cove Chapter, a remote and isolated area that is considerate to their communication surrounded by the Lukachukai and Carrizo preferences and culture. mountains in northeast . Te Cove • Coordinate with community members and community is part of a larger area the United tribal leaders to ensure that EPA understands States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) community concerns and considers calls the Northern AUM Region. Te Northern community goals in its decision-making Community meeting participants discuss sampling AUM Region is only a portion of Navajo Nation’s process. results with EPA. Northern Agency and includes Aneth, Red Mesa, • Work with consideration of Dine Fundamental Teec Nos Pos, Beclabito, Sweetwater, Shiprock, Law and Navajo traditional ways of life. EPA also requested the assistance of EPA’s Red Valley, Sanostee, Round Rock, Cove and Technical Assistance Services for Communities Lukachukai Chapters. To put this plan together, EPA and NNEPA (TASC) program during the interview process. conducted a series of interviews with community EPA requested the TASC program conduct Under the federal Superfund program, EPA is members, local tribal ofcials and other a Technical Assistance Needs Assessment working with Navajo Nation Environmental stakeholders in the Cove community from (TANA) to beter identify community needs Protection Agency (NNEPA) to oversee March 2015 to September 2015. EPA and related to beter understanding and participating uranium mine assessments and cleanups on NNEPA conducted interviews in individual in the cleanup process. TASC contractors Navajo Nation. Tis Community Involvement and group setings. Information from those assisted EPA with community meetings, Plan is a guide for community members and interviews, along with information from discussions and follow-up activities. TASC then EPA, to ensure that information sharing and EPA experiences in the community and from formulated recommendations, provided in this additional reports, were used to prepare this document’s appendices, based on technical Community Involvement Plan. assistance needs identifed during this process AUM: Abandoned that could be fulflled by EPA and other involved uranium mine entities, with support from the TASC program where appropriate. EPA and community member discuss location of past mining operations in the distance.

Community Involvement Plan 2 View of Cove Valley from Buffalo Pass overlook on Route 13.

3 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN ORGANIZATION 5 THE COMMUNITY This section provides a brief community profile and identifies issues and concerns raised during the community interviews.

13 THE COMMUNITY This section explains EPA’s plan for addressing the issues INVOLVEMENT and concerns identified in the interviews, and outlines ACTION PLAN opportunities for community members to provide input during EPA’s process.

21 APPENDICES The appendices include information about:

• EPA’s Superfund Process on Navajo Nation • Glossary • List of Acronyms • Technical Assistance Needs Assessment ADOBE STOCK IMAGE NOTICE Recommendations • Uranium and Radiation Resource List This document contains Adobe Stock images that may not be used elsewhere without permission from Adobe Stock. Readers may not access or download Adobe Stock images from this document for any purpose and must comply with Adobe Stock’s Terms of Use, which require users to obtain a license to the work. THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PROFILE

Te Cove community is located in a remote and uranium collapsed in the mid-1960s, the mines Community Overview isolated area, surrounded by the Lukachukai and were abandoned, leaving behind radioactive Carrizo Mountains. Te Chapter House is about uranium waste rock debris and exposed Cove Chapter residents live near the Chapter 42 miles from U.S. Highway 491 and 10 miles protore (unenriched mineral material). EPA House or in rural locations. Many residents drive west of Red Valley, Arizona, on Navajo Route 33. in cooperation with NNEPA and the Cove long distances to reach stores and regulated water Te community is part of the larger Northern community is in the process of investigating hauling points. AUM Region, located on the eastern side of and eventually addressing the risk that the Cove Navajo Nation, which includes the areas of Mesa AUMs pose to the community. EPA is Some community members in the area own Navajo Nation roughly between Tsaile, Arizona, conducting these activities under authorities and graze sheep, catle and horses near their and White Mesa, . Tis region includes 11 granted in the Comprehensive Environmental homesites and sheep camps. Most of the land Navajo Nation Chapters: Aneth, Red Mesa, Teec Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of in the area is used for grazing and farming, Nos Pos, Beclabito, Sweetwater, Shiprock, Red 1980 (CERCLA) 104(a), also known as the though to a lesser degree now than in the past, Valley, Sanostee, Round Rock and Lukachukai as Superfund law – removal actions in response due to various factors including concerns over well as Cove. to the release of a hazardous substance in the contamination. Various plants are also used for environment. medicinal and traditional purposes. Te Northern AUM Region is part of Navajo Nation’s larger Northern Agency. Te region lies within Navajo and Apache counties in Arizona, San Juan County in Utah, and San Juan and McKinley counties in . Te Northern AUM Region borders other Navajo Nation Chapters as well parts of ’s western and southern state lines.

From the late 1940s through 1967, uranium ore near the Cove Mesa area was mined from the mesas and clif faces. Ore bodies at or near the surface were mined as open pits; buried ore bodies were mined through excavation into the mountainside. Afer the price of

Navajo Nation Seal - Home of Cove Veterans.

5 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Cove Community Economics Vision Statement According to the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, most jobs on Navajo Our vision for the community Nation are in the government and service of Cove Chapter is simple. Cove sectors (including schools, hospitals, and hotels will be recognized as a safe and and motels). Additionally, many activities of desirable community that preserves the Navajo Nation economy are unreported, its uniqueness and special qualities such as selling arts & crafs or food at food stalls. consistent with our Navajo way of life. Regardless of whether unreported economic We cherish our people and the land activities are not considered in employment that we live on. We share a sense of calculations, the actual unemployment rate for place and take pride in our established the Navajo Nation is substantially higher than and emerging family clustered the U.S. national average.2 homesteads. We are proud of our heritage and culture. While economic information is not collected specifcally for the Northern AUM Region, the Our community enjoys a rich fabric of government and service employment sectors valley and woodland areas, interwoven are visible in the region. Tourism is also a visible with environmental resources, grazing, part of the economy. Te region features the Welcome sign to the Cove area. open space and the vast mountains, Lukachukai and Carrizo Mountains as well as a all representing a heritage of natural desert landscape that includes mesas, arches and Te languages spoken in the Cove community beauty. Our Chapter house serves and sandstone outcrops. Bringing visitors to the area are primarily Navajo and English. According to ties together the entire community. is a major interest of the Cove Chapter. the 2009-2013 American Community Survey, Te Cove Chapter conducts meetings more than half of community members in Cove monthly to keep residents informed; Chapter (over 64 percent) speak a language residents have a forum to express Demographics other than English at home. Around a quarter their opinions to their Navajo Nation of community members in Cove (26 percent) Council Delegate or to decide on According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 430 people report speaking English “less than very well.” maters concerning their Chapter. live in Cove. Tose living in the community are primarily Native American – many Chapters in Our plan is nothing less than the the region have Native American populations COMMUNITY CONCERNS best of the past merged with the best that are above 95 percent. AND PREFERENCES of the future, creating a community where we can lead healthy productive To beter understand the community, its lives in harmony with our beliefs and culture and concerns, EPA and NNEPA environment. Tis vision holds true to interviewed community members, local ofcials 2 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development. 2009-2010 the values of our community. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy of the Navajo and stakeholders in the Cove Chapter. All Nation. interviewees had knowledge of the transfer

Community Involvement Plan 6 stations, mesas and abandoned uranium mines Cove Community Priorities nearby. However, many were unfamiliar with EPA’s role in the area. Many community members shared stories about family members that worked Te Cove Chapter has identifed the in the mines, grazed livestock on the mesas, and following priorities for the cleanup of drank from and washed in local water sources. the Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Te community’s livestock relied on these waters Mines site: as well.

Employment and job training: All interviewees shared the concern that cleanup Employ students to carry out sampling be thorough, protective, lasting and timely. Some and cleanup work where possible. are concerned that large parts of the community Increase opportunities for people may be contaminated, due in part to windblown interested in building job skills. dust and erosion. Others expressed concern about the long-term protectiveness of earlier Future use of farm plots: cleanup eforts, including the transfer stations Address community concerns about cleanup, building foundation replacements, Cove the safety of farming in these once- Day School cleanup and reclamation eforts. contaminated areas. Make community While community members expressed frustration farm plots productive again. at the delay in federal government involvement in the cleanup, most welcomed EPA’s current eforts Water safety: in the area. Address water contamination in Cove Wash. Explore building retention Community concerns and preferences are dams for future agricultural uses. outlined in this section, and EPA’s community involvement action plan is outlined in the next Overall mines cleanup: section. Te action plan will explain how EPA Focus on all mines in the area, plans to address the concerns listed here. Some including those not covered in the concerns are in the scope of EPA’s work on Tronox Setlement. Resolve concerns abandoned uranium mines, and can be addressed about the transfer stations and by EPA working with the community and tribal disposal of waste products taken from leaders directly. For concerns outside of EPA’s the area. scope, EPA will collaborate with other federal, tribal and community organizations.

Community concerns and preferences are grouped into the following categories:

Community Concerns and Preferences.

7 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Cove Valley, Arizona.

1. Health Concerns livestock and wildlife grazing in mine areas and and radiation on Navajo Nation. Interviewees 2. Abandoned Uranium Mine, Transfer Station, drinking from contaminated water sources. discussed health efects such as cancers, kidney Mesa and Community Cleanup Concerns Many interviewees were also concerned about problems, joint issues, asthma, heart problems, 3. Future Land Use the efects of drinking water or farming with birth defects and vision problems. Tey expressed 4. Air and Water Concerns uranium-contaminated water. interest in understanding which health conditions 5. Communication & Information Preferences may be related to uranium and radiation Many community members shared stories about exposure. their own illnesses or illnesses of their loved ones. Health Concerns Community members requested that mobile Additionally, community members and local clinics (the Indian Health Service (IHS) mobile ofcials asked for more information about Many community members and local ofcials clinic, “Journey to Wellness” bus) return and compensation. Many noted that it is difcult to asked for ways to beter reduce their contact asked for contact information for agencies and meet Radiation Exposure Compensation Act with uranium and wanted to beter understand organizations that could assist with diagnosis or (RECA) criteria. Tey also noted that RECA the risks of everyday activities as well as treatment. does not account for additional hardships, such as locations/areas to avoid. Many community lost water wells, lost animals, lost grazing land and members and local ofcials asked about the Many community members and local ofcials efects on family members of miners. efects of dust blowing from the mines and also shared their frustration with the lack of area mesas. Tey were also concerned about information about health efects of uranium

Community Involvement Plan 8 Abandoned Uranium Mine, Transfer Finally, community members and local ofcials communication between EPA and the Station, Mesa and Community Cleanup indicated a need for mapping and signage so community. Concerns that people can understand the location and number of mines in the area, as well as specifc Community members and local ofcials also Many interviewees discussed their concerns locations that should be avoided for the time shared their thoughts about future land use of about community involvement in the cleanup being. Community members noted that there are mine areas and mesas. Some questioned whether process. Community members and local ofcials several open mines on all fve mesas that are still the land will ever be safe for humans or livestock. requested that Chapter ofcials and commitees, accessible. Many expressed their preference that the land be afected families and the general community returned safely to farming and grazing use. Most receive timely updates. Many community agreed that the land should not simply be fenced members expressed concern about whether Future Land Use of and restricted from use by current and future EPA would consider their input in the decision- residents. Improving local infrastructure – many making process. Community members and Many interviewees emphasized the need to roads are in poor condition; some areas lack local ofcials also asked for clarifcation on the ensure that, in addition to the mines, Cove electricity and running water – is a priority for roles of various agencies and organizations, and community areas are safe for people to live in, the Cove Chapter. Infrastructure improvements noted the need for more outreach and education work and gather. Community members and would beneft residents while also supporting about EPA’s cleanup process. Community local ofcials requested regular and consistent tourism. Increasing tourism opportunities is a members were interested in more information major interest for the Cove Chapter. on the radiological characterizations of the area, as well as help with understanding technical information and screening documents. Residents Air and Water Concerns also requested more information on companies who mined in the area and potentially responsible Air and water quality and access to water were parties. among the most important environmental issues in the Cove community. Many community Participants shared several concerns about the members and local ofcials expressed concerns cleanup itself with EPA as well. Community that water sources have been contaminated members and local ofcials worry about the by abandoned uranium mines. Many were extent of cleanup, with a focus not just on area concerned about the contamination of local wells, mines but also the mesas, community areas and and the need to clarify which wells are safe for homes, and the need for clean air and water drinking. Community members are also worried supplies. Community members would like to about health risks from rainwater that runs of make sure that cleanup investigations include from mines and mesas and toward homes and review of earlier cleanup actions (transfer community areas, and asked whether this runof stations, building foundation replacements, is being monitored. Cove Day School, reclamation eforts) to ensure their long-term protectiveness. Interviewees also Community members also expressed concerns shared concerns about long-term monitoring of Participants accessing hard-to-reach areas during about access to safe drinking water. People buy the cleanup and the availability of funding. June 2015 sampling activities. botled water to drink but continue to use local

9 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines water supplies for bathing, crop irrigation and limited livestock use. Community members and local ofcials expressed concerns about efects of the mines on groundwater and its future use as a drinking water source. Finally, interviewees noted that wind-blown contamination and dust are major concerns. Tey asked how and when air monitoring could take place, and where air monitors would be located.

Communication & Information Preferences

Many community members shared their preferences for communication and receiving information. Most agreed EPA should be transparent about work and strive to include all community members. Community members want EPA to keep Chapter ofcials updated on all work and also share information directly with community members.

Most community members and local ofcials recommended that EPA share information primarily in writen form, and include many pictures and maps. Tey stressed that information should be simple and easy to understand. Most recommended sharing writen information with community members through regular mailings. Writen materials should be provided in English, with Navajo translation services available for verbal communication.

Community members also emphasized the Sampling activities taking place in the spring of 2016. importance of in-person meetings, particularly to bring the community up to speed on past cleanup actions, sampling and survey fndings to date, and upcoming activities. Suggestions

Community Involvement Plan 10 included stand-alone meetings at the Cove Senior Center, presentations as part of Chapter House meetings, and daylong or multi-day workshops with experts. Interviewees suggested that both the Cove Chapter House and the Cove Senior Center could serve as information repositories. Following the interviews, EPA established an information repository in a designated facility behind the Chapter House.

Additionally, community members and local ofcials were concerned about hard-to-reach groups, such as those in ill health, those living in remote locations, and those without the time or resources to atend meetings. Most recommended regularly mailed updates for remote community members, and in-person visits to reach those in ill health and others who are unable to atend meetings.

To make sure that outreach is as comprehensive as possible, EPA will also use local media channels – the Farmington Daily Times newspaper and two area radio stations, KTNN 660 AM and KNDN 960 AM.

11 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Examining Cove Wash.Co mmunity Involvement Plan 12 THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTION PLAN

Afer interviewing community members, local recommended that EPA develop printed greater depth, in response to community need. ofcials and stakeholders to beter understand materials in English. Interviewees have already identifed several community issues and concerns, EPA prepared topics – the EPA cleanup process and the roles this community involvement action plan for of diferent agencies; past cleanup activities, the Cove community. Tis action plan outlines TOOLS FOR sampling and surveys; mine locations (mapping) the tools EPA will use to share information. Te SHARING INFORMATION and areas of concern; water quality and well action plan also outlines how EPA will make itself water status; air quality; compensation; future available to receive input from the community Interviewees noted a signifcant need for cleanup plans and timeframes; and health studies that will be considered in the decision-making EPA to share information about abandoned and clinics in the area. EPA will ensure that process. Finally, the action plan details EPA’s uranium mines in the community. Community mailing lists are up to date and includes interested recognition of tribal government and interaction members and local ofcials stated that they lack residents in the area. Community members on with government ofcials. information about the current status of uranium mine cleanup and EPA’s cleanup process. Tey Timing information is included with each would like regular progress updates. EPA will outreach tool to help community members use the following tools to provide information to understand when EPA will conduct outreach Cove community members: activities and what type of activities to expect. Community members can also contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator or the Written Communication Cove Community Liaison with questions about future outreach activities. Most interviewees expressed a preference for receiving writen communications from EPA. EPA understands that many residents, especially Additionally, community members and local elders, are speakers. To facilitate ofcials noted that writen communications are the inclusion of all community members, EPA an efective tool for reaching remote residents. will have an interpreter or tribal representative Tey stressed that writen communications be present during informational meetings, open short and simple, and include as many graphics houses and door-to-door outreach. Interviewees as possible.

Community members can discuss concerns EPA will provide writen communications with EPA whenever a representative is in through factsheets and fyers. EPA will use the area, or contact the EPA Community writen communications, distributed through the Involvement Coordinator or Cove Community mail and via email, to provide updates on work EPA and NNEPA work with community members in Liaison by phone, email , or mail at any time. taking place in the region and to cover topics in Cove Chapter.

13 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines EPA’s mailing list will receive information, such as TOOLS FOR SHARING INFORMATION EPA factsheets or postcard meeting invitations. & FOR EPA TO LEARN FROM THE COMMUNITY EPA uses email and paper mailing lists to update community members on EPA activities and events hosted by other organizations, such as workshops and clinics. Generally, EPA sends these mailings about once a month. EPA includes community partners in this outreach, such as Fact sheets Mail and Email Door-to-door Special events Coordination with Job training Chapter ofcials, local organizations and schools, updates other agencies programs and local post ofces.

AS NEEDED TWICE A YEAR OR WHEN FIELD ONCE A YEAR ONGOING AS NEEDED EPA has shared the following materials with Cove DEPENDING ON MORE OFTEN AS ACTIVITIES MIGHT DEPENDING ON community members: UPCOMING WORK NEEDED IMPACT SPECIFIC UPCOMING WORK AND COMMUNITY HOUSEHOLDS OR CONCERNS THAT AS NEEDED • Health Factsheets NEED IN DEPTH DISCUSSION EPA worked with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and other partner agencies to create a series of factsheets on uranium and radiation in Navajo Nation. Tese factsheets discuss uranium and radiation basics, health efects of uranium and radiation, and how to reduce contact with uranium and radiation.

EPA presentations EPA informational Community group CommunityLiaison Cove • Agencies to Contact with Questions gatherings meetings Environmental Factsheet Information Resource Center EPA worked with partner agencies to create a factsheet to help community members determine the correct agency to contact for diferent questions WHEN MAJOR AS NEEDED AS NEEDED ONGOING ONGOING related to uranium or radiation on Navajo Nation. WORK IS PLANNED, DEPENDING ON DEPENDING ON WHEN A NEW UPCOMING WORK UPCOMING WORK RESPONSIBLE AND COMMUNITY AND COMMUNITY • Cove Wash Sampling Factsheet COMPANY IS CONCERNS THAT CONCERNS THAT IDENTIFIED, AS NEED IN DEPTH NEED IN DEPTH EPA created a factsheet to describe sampling NEEDED AND AS DISCUSSION DISCUSSION activities that took place during the summer of 2015 REQUESTED in the Cove Wash Area.

Table describing information-sharing tools between EPA and the community.

Community Involvement Plan 14 Contact the EPA Community Involvement Tese materials will be housed in the local behind the Cove Chapter House (see information Coordinator or Cove Community Liaison to information repository and community members below). However, it is important to provide be added to the mailing list. can request copies by contacting the EPA documents to local Chapters and community Community Involvement Coordinator. partners as well.

• HAZWOPER Factsheet Physical address: EPA created a fact sheet to describe Hazardous Information Repository Cove Community Environmental Resource and Waste Operations and Emergency Response Information Center (HAZWOPER) training that was provided to Cove Several interviewees noted that information should Located behind the Cove Chapter House, 42 Emergency Response Team personnel and interns be made available to all community members. Miles from U.S. Highway 491 and 10 miles West conducting sampling activities in the Cove Wash. of Red Valley, Arizona on Navajo Route 33. As a part of the Superfund process, EPA maintains a • Cove Wash Sampling Preliminary Finding set of documents and information locally, where the Mailing address: Factsheet public can easily access printed or digital copies. Tis P.O. Box 378 EPA created a factsheet to explain the fndings from is called the “Information Repository.” Information Red Valley, AZ 86544 sampling conducted in the Cove Wash area during repositories contain copies of technical or planning the summer of 2015. Te factsheet also explained documents, factsheets, results of previous meetings Website: next steps EPA planned for in response to the and other similar types of information. htps://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation-uranium- fndings. cleanup/cove-arizona-mines-cleanup Te main Information Repository for the Cove Tese materials are available on EPA’s website Chapter is the Cove Community Environmental EPA Website (htps://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation-uranium- Resource and Information Center, which is located While online resources were not specifcally cleanup/cove-arizona-mines-cleanup). requested by community members, regular updates on EPA’ s website will provide cleanup information and important documents for those with internet access . Informatio n wil l be availabl e online at: htps://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation- uranium-cleanup/cove-arizona-mines-cleanup

Door-to-door Outreach

Many community members and local ofcials expressed concerns that information should be shared specifcally with families that live or have grazing permits near priority mines and mines where work will take place. EPA will share information and discuss concerns with these residents, as well as those in ill health and others

Cove Environmental Resource and Information Center.

15 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Information repositories

• Check out the repository or visit the website • Contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator or Cove Community Liaison if your school or group would like to host an additional repository location

EPA presentation at Cove Chapter House. who are unable to atend meetings, through door- Presentations at Cove Chapter House Special Events to-door outreach. EPA will also coordinate with and Cove Senior Center local ofcials to contact grazing permit holders, Te Cove community has various events that homesite leaseholders and homebound residents Many interviewees suggested that EPA present EPA may be able to atend. Tese events are an near these mine areas. information about local uranium issues at opportunity for informal communication with the Cove Chapter House and/or the Cove local residents. EPA will work with the Cove Senior Center. Tis type of outreach was Chapter to identify appropriate opportunities for Newspaper and Radio Communication seen as an efective way to reach many in the participation, but events could include: Cove community. To date, EPA has presented EPA will use the following media channels for information during Chapter meetings. EPA is • Red Mesa Elderfest outreach in the Cove Chapter: planning for an in-depth series of presentations • Navajo Area Aging Gathering as part of a daylong- or multi-day community • Cove Memorial Day Celebration Newspaper Communication: workshop, and will evaluate the need for follow- Farmington Daily Times on presentations on an ongoing basis. Coordination with Other Agencies and Radio Communication: EPA will reach out to local ofcials and Organizations KTNN 660 AM Window Rock: Te Voice of the coordinate presentations with Chapter House Navajo Nation meeting dates, Senior Center scheduling and Te interviews indicated the need for beter KNDN 960 AM Farmington other events. Parties interested in a particular coordination among organizations working on presentation can contact the EPA Community uranium issues in the area. Community members Involvement Coordinator or the Cove and local ofcials are ofen unsure of the missions Community Liaison. of diferent organizations and fnd it difcult to

Community Involvement Plan 16 Key Contacts U.S. Environmental Protection Navajo Nation Environmental Agency Protection Agency

Chip Poalinelli Freida White Remedial Project Manager Navajo Nation Superfund Program 75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-2 Navajo EPA, Box 2946 San Francisco, CA 94105 Window Rock, AZ 86515 (415) 972-3390 (928) 871-7325 [email protected] [email protected] Gaelle Glickfeld Remedial Project Manager 75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-3 San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 972-3045 [email protected]

Diné College interns participating in sampling Secody Hubbard activities during the summer of 2015. Environmental Protection Specialist 75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6--3 stay updated on progress and events hosted by San Francisco, CA 94105 the various groups. (415) 972-3241 [email protected] As part of the new Five-Year Plan (2014-2018), federal agencies are creating a community outreach network to coordinate federal eforts across Navajo Nation. In addition, EPA is working to strengthen ties with other federal, tribal and community organizations in the Northern AUM Region. EPA will also provide information to

Your input is important. Please provide input at any time by contacting the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator or Cove Community Liaison.

17 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines community members about the roles of diferent • Indian Health Service Radiation Exposure Summary organizations and events hosted by various Screening and Education Program (RESEP) groups in the area. • Navajo Birth Cohort Study staf, especially EPA and NNEPA interviewed the Clinical Cohort Liaisons (CCLs) and community members, local ofcials, EPA will continue to strengthen relationships Community Health Environmental Research and other stakeholders in the Cove with: Staf (CHERS) community from March 2015 • Navajo Nation Department of Health to September 2015. EPA used • Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Community Health Representatives (CHRs) information from these interviews to Agency (NNEPA) • Federal Five-Year Plan Partners, including learn about community concerns and • Navajo Nation Abandoned Mine Lands the Bureau of Indian Afairs (BIA), Indian prepare this Community Involvement Program (NNAML) Health Service (IHS), Agency for Toxic Plan. EPA would like to thank • Indian Health Service Community Uranium Substances and Disease Control (ATSDR), interviewees and the communities for Exposure-Journey to Healing (CUE-JTH) Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and their time, patience and willingness to program Department of Energy (DOE) share their stories and concerns with • Research universities, including the University us. of New Mexico (UNM) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) EPA recognizes that receiving input • Chapter-level Community Land Use Planning and feedback from community Commitees members is crucial to the success • Others as suggested by community members of uranium cleanup on Navajo and local ofcials Nation. EPA will continue to work closely with community members and elected ofcials in Uranium Awareness Outreach our cleanup process, as outlined in Campaign this Community Involvement Plan. Additionally, community members EPA has been working with ATSDR to increase are always welcome to provide input awareness among Navajo people about uranium by contacting the EPA Community issues on Navajo Nation. Involvement Coordinator or Cove Community Liaison. EPA, ATSDR and IHS developed a series of posters for 10 geographic regions of Navajo Nation. Tese posters feature a map showing locations of abandoned uranium mines, contaminated water sources, regulated watering points and other landmarks. Tese posters also include information about warning signs, EPA and NNEPA work with community members in reducing contact with uranium on Navajo Nation Cove Chapter. and maintaining good health. Some of these

Community Involvement Plan 18 materials were provided to Cove residents, but a new responsible company has been identifed, EPA will send out meeting notices at least broader distribution through the mail or via the periodically to increase awareness about EPA one week prior to any gatherings via the email Cove Chapter, could increase outreach. work, and as requested by Chapter ofcials and list and by contacting community partners community members. Community members may and other outlets as appropriate. Additionally, IHS and the CHRs distributed these posters to request in-depth technical forums or trainings EPA can provide technical assistance to help IHS Health Clinics and Chapters across Navajo from EPA. community groups understand technical Nation. To prepare for this outreach, EPA, IHS documents and the cleanup process through and ATSDR trained the CHRs on information EPA’s Technical Assistance Services for contained in the posters. EPA will continue to EPA Informational Gatherings Communities (TASC) program. Interested coordinate with IHS, ATSDR and the CHRs on community members should contact the EPA uranium awareness outreach. Many interviewees recommended EPA also Community Involvement Coordinator. host informational gatherings, especially when more time is needed for deep engagement with OPPORTUNITIES FOR community members. Examples for these types WORKING WITH EPA TO LEARN FROM of meetings include discussion about signs and NAVAJO NATION TRIBAL THE COMMUNITY fences in a region, cleanup options for a mine or GOVERNMENT group of mines, large amounts of work planned In addition to sharing information, EPA will use for an area, or particular community concerns Te Navajo Nation is a federally recognized tribe various techniques to give community members that need to be discussed in depth. with its own governmental system. EPA policy is opportunities to provide meaningful input and to consult on a government-to-government basis make sure community concerns are considered Depending on the topics to be discussed, the with federally recognized tribal governments in the EPA cleanup process. In addition to following formats are recommended: when EPA actions and decisions may afect the opportunities outlined here, community tribal interests. members can provide input at any time by • Meetings and Open Houses – larger contacting the EPA Community Involvement community meetings that may include EPA EPA interacts with Navajo Nation government Coordinator or the Cove Community Liaison. presentations, information presented on on several levels as a part of abandoned uranium posters, and time for the community to ask mine assessment and cleanup on Navajo Nation. questions and give feedback. EPA consults directly with the Navajo Nation EPA Presentations • Small Venue Meetings and Focus Groups – President for signifcant developments, such smaller and more informal gatherings focusing as major setlements and new federal Five-Year EPA periodically will make presentations at local on a particular geographic region, interested Plans for addressing uranium contamination meetings in the Cove community. Tese meetings group, or extended family. on Navajo Nation. EPA collaborates with include Chapter meetings, Community Land • Listening Sessions – opportunities for the NNEPA Superfund program and Navajo Use Planning Commitee meetings, and both community members to share their thoughts Nation Department of Justice on all abandoned Chapter and District Level Grazing Meetings. and concerns with EPA representatives. uranium mine assessment and cleanup. Finally, Tese short presentations provide time for • Workshops and Facilitated Discussions EPA communicates periodically with ofcials community members to ask questions and give – facilitated meetings designed to answer such as local Delegates feedback. Typically, EPA will make presentations specifc questions or address specifc and Chapter ofcials at key times during the when major work is planned in an area, when a community concerns. Superfund process.

19 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Technical Assistance Services for Communities

Contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator if you are interested in learning more about technical assistance services that EPA can provide to community groups.

Cove Day School. Community Involvement Plan 20 APPENDICES EPA’S SUPERFUND PROCESS ON NAVAJO NATION

EPA is addressing abandoned uranium mines A similar process is used for cleanup actions EPA can move forward with mine assessment on Navajo Nation through the EPA Superfund requiring less planning time. and cleanup by either identifying a responsible Program, in partnership with the Navajo company to fund the cleanup, or by using federal Superfund Program. Tis section provides an EPA is initially focusing on moving priority mines funding. Once EPA identifes a responsible outline of the Superfund Process on Navajo through the Superfund Process. Tese mines have company, EPA can either negotiate a legal Nation. Tis outline is specifc to cleanup actions high levels of radiation and are near homes or agreement or order the company to assess requiring over six months planning time, as water resources. Tere are X priority mines in and mines and evaluate cleanup options. Any work these are the most common on Navajo Nation. near the Northern AUM Region. completed by responsible companies requires EPA and NNEPA oversight and approval.

Te Superfund Process on Navajo Nation begins with access agreements. EPA or the responsible company must get access agreements signed by afected grazing permit holders and homesite lease holders before beginning work. At this point, EPA or the responsible company completes a cultural resources survey, and EPA must consult with the Navajo Historic Preservation Department Director on cultural resources that might be afected by assessment or cleanup work at the mine. Additionally, a biological survey may need to be completed, and EPA may need to consult with the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on potential impacts to fsh and wildlife.

Afer geting the necessary approvals, EPA or the responsible company may begin placing signs and/or fences at mines, depending on Superfund Process on Navajo Nation. community input as well as the location and

21 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines level of radiation of the mine. Ten a detailed assessment of contamination begins, which is outlined in a document called a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE). Next, an evaluation of cleanup options is completed, which is summarized in a report called an Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA). EPA and NNEPA work with community members in Cove Chapter. EPA uses the information in the EE/CA, along with input EPA has been receiving from the community throughout the assessment process, or underground excavation, or it may include an alternatives outlined in the EE/CA in the Action to select a preferred cleanup option. EPA presents area containing a complex of multiple interrelated Memorandum. the EE/CA and preferred cleanup option to excavations. As a result, one claim may represent the community in a public meeting, and the multiple “mines” listed in other databases. Groundwater – Te supply of fresh water community is given a period of time to provide found beneath the Earth’s surface, usually in public comments. Action Memorandum – EPA’s primary decision aquifers, which supply wells and springs. Because document that determines the need for a removal groundwater is a major source of drinking and EPA uses this additional feedback from the action, authorizes the removal action, identifes irrigation water, there is growing concern over community to choose a cleanup option, and the action and cleanup levels (if applicable), and contamination from leaching agricultural or issues an Action Memorandum on the decision explains the rationale for the removal response. industrial pollutants. that is being made. At this point the cleanup on the mine site can begin. Contamination – Introduction into water, Information Repository – An information air, and soil of microorganisms, chemicals, repository is a record storage area at or near a toxic substances, wastes, or wastewater in a Superfund site that contains reports, documents, GLOSSARY concentration that makes the medium unft for its and factsheets pertaining to the site. next intended use. Abandoned Uranium Mine (AUM) Claim – Radiation – Energy that travels in the form of An AUM claim is generally associated with a Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/ waves or high-speed particles. One way that patented or unpatented mining claim or a lease CA) – An analysis of cleanup alternatives radiation can be released to the environment is of federal, state, tribal or private lands. A claim for removal actions requiring more than six during the decay of radioactive elements such as may represent a single feature such as a surface months’ planning time. EPA selects one of the uranium.

Community Involvement Plan 22 Removal Action – Short-term immediate LIST OF ACRONYMS CUE-JTH Community Uranium Exposure- actions that address releases of hazardous Journey to Healing Program substances that require expedited responses. ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and DiNEH Diné Network for Environmental Disease Registry Health Superfund – Te program operated under AUM Abandoned Uranium Mine DOE United States Department of Energy the legislative authority of CERCLA and the BIA Bureau of Indian Afairs (USDOE) Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization CCL Clinical Cohort Liaisons EE/CA Engineering Evaluation/Cost Act (SAR) that funds and carries out EPA solid CDC Centers for Disease Control and Analysis waste emergency and long-term removal and Prevention EPA United States Environmental remedial activities. CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental (USEPA) Protection Agency Response, Compensation, and IHS Navajo Area Indian Health Service Uranium – A heavy, naturally radioactive, Liability Act (NAIHS) metallic element that is used to produce nuclear CHERS Community Health Environmental NAU Northern Arizona University power and weapons. Research Staf NDOH Navajo Department of Health CHR Community Health Representative NDWR Navajo Department of Water CIP Community Involvement Plan Resources NNAML Navajo Nation Abandoned Mine Lands NNEPA Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency NRC United States Nuclear Regulatory (USNRC) Commission NTUA Navajo Tribal Utility Authority RECA Radiation Exposure Compensation Act RESEP Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program RSE Removal Site Evaluation SAR Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act TANA Technical Assistance Needs Assessment TASC Technical Assistance Services for Communities UMTR Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Program Cove EPA and community member evaluate past cleanup work in Cove community. UNM University of New Mexico

23 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Technical Assistance Needs Assessment Recommendations

Tis section describes recommendations formulated by EPA’s Technical Assistance • Present information at community venues, including but not limited to: Services for Communities (TASC) program to help meet the community’s needs ■ Chapter meetings. based on conversations with community members and stakeholders. Te recom - ■ District Grazing meetings. mendations are specifc to technical assistance and could be fulflled by EPA and ■ Schools. other involved entities, with support from the TASC program where appropriate. ■ Senior citizens groups. • Create topic -specifc, inter- agency workshops to address community concerns Addressing information needs related to the mines but not entirely under the purview of EPA. Additional topics of interest not previously outlined in the CIP could include: As outlined in the CIP, there is a need for plain language information regarding ■ Superfund 101. AUMs and issues related to AUM contamination. To address these information ■ Information on historic exposure to AUMs. needs, EPA could consider the following actions: ■ RECA and downwinder claim information. ■ Health impacts of uranium and radiation. • Implement a local liaison position that would employ someone familiar with and local to the Cove area. Tis liaison could assist EPA with community outreach Addressing resource needs eforts, as well as: ■ Hold regular ofce hours at the local information repository. Some resource needs related to AUMs in the Northern Agency go beyond what ■ Atend monthly planning and chapter meetings to present information EPA can address. However, EPA and other agencies could consider assisting with the from EPA on recent activities, upcoming work and to answer questions following activities: from community members. ■ Assist with logistics and ground support for EPA sampling and cleanup in • Increasing local access to safe drinking water, including more hauling points. the area. • Increasing fencing and signage for known mine areas. ■ Maintain and update EPA’s mailing list. • Creating a document repository and information resource center in Cove, ■ Distribute fyers and fact sheets. Arizona, to ensure easier community access to site information. ■ Assist in door- to- door outreach. • Working with health agencies to increase mobile clinics for screening and • Distribute a regular newsleter (either from EPA or community generated with making local treatment options more readily available. EPA support). • Working with the Cove Chapter to identify infrastructure improvements • Create targeted fact sheets addressing information gaps and community interests. during cleanup that could also benefte forts to build a tourism economy in In addition to areas of interest and concern identifed in the CIP, these fact sheets the area. could also include information on: • Support a job training program in the future, as cleanup gets underway. ■ Radiological characterization of the Cove area, including water sampling and fyover results. Addressing reuse needs ■ Plain language summaries of site screening documents. ■ Information on potentially responsible companies. In considering potential reuse plans for AUMs, EPA and other appropriate agencies ■ Funds available for cleanup. could consider creating a reuse assessment before completion of the cleanup. ■ Timeline of cleanup activities.

Community Involvement Plan 24 URANIUM AND RADIATION RESOURCE LIST

Farm plot sampling during summer 2016.

25 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines URANIUM AND RADIATION RESOURCE LIST, CONTINUED

Cleanup work taking place at Transfer Station.

Community Involvement Plan 26 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines Community Involvement Plan htps://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation- 2016 uranium-cleanup/cove-arizona-mines- cleanup