THE UNITED NUCLEAR CORPORATION MILL SITE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN

ft United States ...... , EA~ Environmental Protection ~, Agency 2018 INTRODUCTION

The Navajo Nation was the site of widespread site. The General Electric (GE) Company owns uranium mining from the 1940s to the 1980s. the UNC Mill site property. Since this land is While uranium mining no longer occurs within privately owned, NMED is also responsible. the Navajo Nation, the legacy of uranium NMED is the environmental agency for the State contamination remains. More than 500 Navajo of . NMED enforces state regulations abandoned uranium mine (AUM) claims, several and federal laws relating to protection of the uranium mill sites, homes and drinking water environment, resources, public health and safety. sources with elevated levels of radiation are spread throughout the Navajo Nation. NRC is responsible for the UNC Mill tailing cells. EPA Region 6 is responsible for groundwater Under the federal Superfund program, the contamination that has resulted from the UNC U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mill tailing cells. is working with the State of New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the EPA Regions 6 and 9 are working jointly on Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency moving uranium mine waste from the Northeast (NNEPA) to address uranium mine and mill Church Rock mine and placing that mine waste impacts in this vicinity. EPA Region 9 – based on top of the UNC mill tailings. NMED supports in San Francisco, California – is responsible for EPA Region 6 in its work on the groundwater the Northeast Church Rock and Kerr-McGee cleanup. NNEPA supports EPA Region 9 on its Quivira Mines. In 2016, EPA Region 9 completed mine waste removal. its Community Involvement Plan (CIP) for these sites. The CIP is available at:https:// This CIP contains three references to EPA: www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-11/ documents/cip_northeast_churchrock_kerr- • EPA Region 6 work relates to groundwater mcgee_quivira.pdf contamination at the UNC Mill site. • EPA Region 9 work relates to mine waste EPA Region 6 – based in Dallas, Texas – and the cleanup at the Northeast Church Rock and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) are Kerr-McGee Quivira Mines. responsible for groundwater contamination at • EPA without a regional reference refers to the United Nuclear Corporation (UNC) Mill work done by the Agency that is not related to EPA Region 6 Remedial Project Manager Janet a specific Superfund site. Brooks looks over a map of the area with a local resident.

AUM: Abandoned Cover image: Vantage point from Dilco Hill, uranium mine overlooking part of the UNC Mill site. The Community Involvement Plan (CIP)

The CIP is the foundation of EPA’s Superfund community involvement and outreach program. This CIP is a Activities at the UNC Mill site and the nearby • Provide community members with accurate, living document to help community Northeast Church Rock and Kerr-McGee Quivira timely and understandable information about members and EPA staff talk to Mines mostly impact people in the communities EPA’s UNC Mill site activities that reflects each other. It shares opportunities closest to the mines. These communities include their communication preferences and culture. for participation and meaningful the Red Water Pond Road community, the Rio • Coordinate with community members and information-sharing regarding EPA’s Canyon community along Pipeline Canyon tribal leaders to make sure EPA understands activities at the UNC Mill site. The Road and the community along Highway 566 local concerns and considers community goals CIP is also a tool for the public to use south of the mines. The UNC Mill site and the in its decision making. to make sure EPA is responsive to their mines are also located at the junction of five needs and concerns. chapters. The chapters are the Coyote Canyon, Pinedale, Church Rock, Standing Rock and To put this plan together, EPA and Nahodishgish chapters. Therefore, this CIP NMED spoke with community focuses on these groups of residents, chapter members, chapter officials and officials and other interested parties. For more other stakeholders in the area in information, please contact NNEPA’s Superfund November 2017. Interview findings, program at (928) 871-7692. combined with information from EPA experiences in the community, guided Because these uranium mill and mine sites are so the development of the CIP. closely related, community members often think of all EPA activities as one overarching Superfund EPA’s Technical Assistance Services site. Several CIP interviewees’ comments are for Communities (TASC) program related to the nearby Northeast Church Rock and assisted EPA Region 6 during the Kerr-McGee Quivira Mine sites rather than the interview process. UNC Mill site. Most of interviewees’ comments and concerns for the mine sites were part of the 2016 CIP for the mine sites (see link above). This CIP focuses on the UNC Mill site.

This CIP outlines EPA Region 6 outreach activities to address community concerns and meet these goals:

Radioactive warning sign on the UNC Mill site.

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Looking towards the UNC Mill site from the Rio Lobo valley.

The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN ORGANIZATION

THE COMMUNITY This section provides a brief community profile and 2 shares issues and concerns raised during the community interviews.

THE COMMUNITY This section explains EPA’s plan for engaging with the 10 INVOLVEMENT communities and stakeholders. It also talks about how ACTION PLAN community members can share their input during EPA’s decision-making process.

KEY CONTACTS SUMMARY

APPENDICES The appendices include information about: 19

• Site Descriptions • Glossary • List of Acronyms • Uranium and Radiation Resource List

Community Involvement Plan 1 2 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site THE COMMUNITY

Participants walk towards the UNC Mill site during the 37th Red Water Pond Road Spill Commemoration Ceremony. Community Involvement Plan 3 THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY PROFILE

The UNC Mill site is located on private land on Economics Demographics the southern edge of the Navajo Nation in the Church Rock Chapter in McKinley County, New According to the Navajo Nation Division of About 250 to 500 predominantly Navajo Mexico. The Pinedale, Church Rock, Standing Economic Development, most jobs on the people live within two miles of the UNC Mill, Rock and Nahodishgish chapters are northeast Navajo Nation are in the government and service Northeast Church Rock Mine and Kerr-McGee of Gallup and part of the Navajo Nation’s Eastern sectors, including schools, hospitals, and hotels Quivira Mine sites. Agency. Coyote Canyon is part of the Fort and motels. In this area, most jobs are in nearby Defiance Agency of the Navajo Nation. Gallup, with many people commuting into town The languages spoken in the area are primarily for work. Additionally, many activities in the English and Navajo or Diné. According to the The Red Water Pond Road community and the Navajo Nation economy are unreported, such 2009-2013 American Community Survey, Pipeline Canyon Road/Rio Lobo community are as selling arts and crafts or food at food stalls. more than half of community members (over closest to the UNC Mill site and the Northeast Regardless of whether unreported economic 59 percent) in the area’s five chapters speak a Church Rock Mine and Kerr-McGee Quivira activities are considered in employment language other than English at home. More than Mines. Many community members in the region calculations, the actual unemployment rate for three-quarters of community members in the own and graze sheep, cattle and horses near their the Navajo Nation is substantially higher than the area (over 80 percent) report speaking English home sites and the mines. Most of the land in national average.1 “less than very well.”2 the region is used for grazing, and on a limited 1 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development. 2009- 2 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development. 2006- basis for hunting and farming. Community 2010 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy of the 2010 American Communities Survey. Navajo Nation. members also use various plants for medicinal and traditional purposes. The region features an arid landscape. It includes rolling hills, open dry flatlands, rocky canyons and mesas as well as sections of the Rio Puerco.

EPA Region 6 Remedial Project Manager Janet Brooks explains the geology and hydrology of the site during a community meeting. 4 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PREFERENCES

To better understand the community, its culture Region 9 CIP. This EPA Region 6 CIP addresses and concerns, EPA and NMED spoke with community concerns related to the UNC Mill community members, local officials and other site. stakeholders in the Coyote Canyon and Pinedale chapters in November 2017. This CIP also relies All interviewees said that the mine cleanups on information from when EPA and NNEPA should be thorough, protective, lasting and met with community members, local officials timely. While community members expressed and other stakeholders in the Church Rock and frustration at the delay in federal government Standing Rock chapters during development involvement in the cleanup, most welcomed EPA’s of the CIP for the Northeast Church Rock and current efforts. Looking forward, interviewees Kerr-McGee Quivira Mine sites in 2015. focused on economic development, job training and expanded employment opportunities. All interviewees had knowledge of the UNC Interviewees also noted that infrastructure Historic photo from the Northeast Church Rock processing mill, the mill tailings disposal area and improvements during cleanup could benefit (NECR) Mine site, the source of the tailings at the UNC nearby AUMs. However, many were unfamiliar economic development in the area. Mill site. with EPA’s role in addressing contaminated soils and structures in the area. In general, most Some concerns in the interviews are within the Health Concerns interviewees think of the UNC mill site and scope of EPA Region 9’s work on AUMs. EPA the Northeast Church Rock and Kerr-McGee can work with the community and tribal leaders Many community members and local officials Quivira Mines as one location. Discussions to address them. For concerns outside of EPA’s asked about how to reduce contact with uranium often included topics such as contaminated soil scope, EPA will work with other federal, state, and sought to better understand the risks of removal that are not directly related to the UNC tribal and community organizations. everyday activities. Many asked about the health Mill site. Many community members shared effects of dust blowing from the mill and mines stories about family members who worked in Community concerns and preferences are and tailings pile areas. They were also concerned the mines, grazed livestock nearby, and drank grouped into the following categories: about livestock and wildlife grazing in mine areas from and washed in local water sources. The and drinking from contaminated water sources. community’s livestock and area wildlife rely on 1. Health Concerns Many people were concerned about the effects of these waters as well. EPA Region 6 has generally 2. Mill, Tailings Area and AUM Cleanup drinking or farming with uranium-contaminated included these discussions related to the mine Concerns water. sites as they are important to the community. 3. Future Land Use These concerns are addressed in the EPA 4. Air and Water Concerns 5. Communication and Information Preferences Community Involvement Plan 5 HEALTH CONCERNS ii Many community members shared stories about asked EPA to clarify the roles of various agencies their own illnesses or illnesses of their loved and organizations. They noted the need for more ones. Many people indicated that recent fact outreach and education about EPA’s cleanup sheets on radiation and uranium and cleanup process. ABANDONED URANIUM MINE, MILL AND TAILINGS AREA fact sheets have been helpful. They asked for CLEANUP CONCERNS more information and more frequent updates on Community members and local officials worry site-related health information. People discussed about the extent of cleanup at the planned health effects such as cancers, stomach pain, permanent waste repository at the UNC mill asthma, heart problems and birth defects. They tailings area and the mine areas. They also worry would like to understand which health conditions about community areas and homes, grazing may be related to uranium and radiation land and wildlife habitat, and the need for clean

FUTURE exposure. They would also like to learn about air and water supplies. Community members LAND USE key findings from earlier health studies in the shared concerns about possible unintended area. The Navajo Nation Uranium and Radiation consequences of earlier reclamation efforts. Resource List in the Appendix provides more These include sinkholes and subsidence as well information on these topics. as poor road conditions. They also worry about road and bridge closures and traffic from future •••• cleanup efforts. Interviewees also noted that • • • AIR & WATER Abandoned Uranium Mine, Mill and many areas include sacred sites, gravesites and CONCERNS -... ~. Tailings Area Cleanup Concerns ceremonial locations. They said that cleanup should take these cultural and historical resources ·-· Many interviewees shared their concerns about into account. They also shared concerns about - community involvement in the cleanup process. long-term monitoring of the cleanup and the They asked that chapter officials and Navajo availability of funding. COMMUNICATION Nation committees, the Red Water Pond Road & INFORMATION Community Association, the Pipeline Canyon Finally, community members and local officials PREFERENCES Road/Rio Lobo community, and affected families indicated a need for mapping, signage and and the general population in the Coyote Canyon education. These materials will help people – and and Pinedale chapters continue to receive timely especially children – understand and avoid mines updates. Many community members expressed and mine wastes in the area. concern about whether EPA would consider their input in the decision-making process. Community concerns and preferences. Community members and local officials also

6 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site ~·, '·, . -~. ~ ; I ~ ... ", .;; ,.,," ...~I, • .~:• • - • . . •. {I, • .,, ,• . • . ·- .. "•.:.-. . . . ' . .

Welcome sign for Coyote Canyon Chapter.

Future Land Use improvements would address roads as well as members are concerned about health risks from electricity and running water. More employment rainwater that runs off from mines and toward Many interviewees stressed the need to make opportunities in the area is also a major interest. homes and community areas. They also worry sure that the mill and tailings area, the mines, and EPA Region 6 shared these concerns with EPA about flash floods and potential remedy impacts community areas are safe for people to live in, Region 9, which has jurisdiction on the Navajo from 100-year storms. work and gather. Nation. Wind-blown contamination and dust are major Community members and local officials also concerns. People asked how and when air shared their thoughts about future land use of Air and Water Concerns monitoring could take place, and the potential mine areas. Some asked whether the land will locations of air monitors. They asked about how ever be safe for humans, livestock or wildlife. Interviewees said that air and water quality to address wood hauling and burning of wood Many said that the land should be returned safely and access to clean water were among the most from contaminated areas. to grazing and hunting use and wildlife habitat, important local environmental issues. Many and burial sites should be protected. Most agreed believe that AUMs have contaminated water that the land should not be simply fenced off and sources and local wells. They worry about the restricted from use. Improving local infrastructure mines’ potential effects on groundwater and its is a priority for the five chapters. These future use as a drinking water source. Community

Community Involvement Plan 7 Communication and Information Preferences

Many community members shared their Community members also talked about the preferences for communication and receiving importance of in-person meetings. They asked information. Most agreed that EPA should be that EPA host meetings on past sampling and transparent about its work and strive to include remediation activities and current cleanup all community members. Community members planning. They also wanted to know more about want EPA to keep chapter officials updated on all upcoming activities at the UNC Mill, Northeast work. They also asked EPA to share information Church Rock Mine and Kerr-McGee Quivira directly with community members. Many Mine sites. Suggestions included standalone requested that EPA help coordinate information- meetings at chapter houses or other community sharing and education efforts across all sites. locations. A larger meeting could host all five Options could include a community liaison chapters at one time. People also expressed or formation of a group to assist with sharing interest in longer meetings or workshops to cover information across all five chapters. important information.

Community members and local officials asked Community members and local officials also that EPA share information primarily in written shared concerns about hard-to-reach groups. form. Materials should include pictures and These groups include people in ill health, people maps indicating the location of AUMs as well in remote locations, and people without the time as contaminated water sources. Information or resources to attend meetings. Most said that should be simple and easy to understand. regularly mailed updates work well for remote Most recommended sharing information community members and in-person visits to through email, social media, regular mailings reach people in ill health and people unable to and site tours. EPA should provide written attend meetings. Several people stressed the materials in English and Navajo. Navajo importance of in-person, door-to-door contact interpretation services should be available for oral with community members. communication.

8 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Abandoned equipment on the UNC Mill site, as seen from Highway 566.

Community Involvement Plan 9 10 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTION PLAN

Flags representing the United States, state of New Mexico and Navajo Nation fly over the Coyote Canyon Chapter House. Community Involvement Plan 11 THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTION PLAN

This action plan shares the tools that EPA will TOOLS FOR SHARING contact list, please contact EPA Community use to share information with the community. INFORMATION AND Involvement Coordinator Adam Weece at (214) It also outlines how EPA staff will receive input OPPORTUNITIES FOR EPA 665-2264 | [email protected]. from the community and consider it in the TO LEARN FROM THE decision-making process. Finally, the action plan COMMUNITY details EPA’s partnership with NMED and the Information Sharing Navajo Nation tribal government for all activities EPA will use these tools to make sure community at AUM sites. members have ways to provide meaningful input EPA uses email to update the community on EPA and to make sure EPA considers community activities and events hosted by other groups. EPA Timing information is included with each concerns during cleanup decision making. People will maintain a broader email list that includes outreach tool. This helps community members can provide input at any time by contacting EPA’s more parties to notify them of major actions or understand when EPA will do outreach Community Involvement Coordinator. events. Examples of such events include public activities and the activities to expect. People can meetings, open houses and cleanup decisions. also contact EPA’s Community Involvement Written Communication EPA will include community partners such as Coordinator with questions about future chapter and other elected officials in this broader outreach activities. Most interviewees said they prefer receiving outreach. written communication from EPA. They also EPA understands that many residents, and noted that written materials are an effective way EPA has shared the following materials with especially elders, are Navajo language speakers. to reach remote residents. Written materials community members: To ensure the inclusion of all community should be short and simple and include as many members, EPA will have an interpreter or tribal graphics as possible. representative at information meetings, open Health Factsheets houses and door-to-door outreach. EPA typically EPA will provide written materials through fact does outreach with staff from NMED and sheets and flyers. These will be shared through EPA worked with the Agency for Toxic NNEPA present as well. Interviewees asked that the U.S. Postal Service and via email. The Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and EPA develop printed materials in English and fact sheets will address community concerns other partner agencies on fact sheets on uranium Navajo. identified during the interviews. EPA will make and radiation in the Navajo Nation. They talk sure contact lists are up to date and include about uranium and radiation basics and health Community members can discuss concerns interested residents in the area. Community effects of uranium and radiation. They also with EPA whenever a representative is in the members on EPA’s contact list will receive discuss ways to reduce contact with uranium and area. They can also contact EPA’s Community information such as EPA fact sheets or postcard radiation. Involvement Coordinator by phone, email or meeting invitations. To be added to EPA’s mail at any time.

12 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Adam Weece TOOLS FOR SHARING INFORMATION & FOR EPA TO LEARN FROM THE COMMUNITY Community Involvement Coordinator (214) 665-2264 • • • ...... r-T 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200 Fact sheets Email updates Door-to-door Special events Coordination with Job training EPA presentations EPA informational Community group Dallas, TX 75202 other agencies programs gatherings meetings [email protected]         

TO DESCRIBE TWICE A YEAR OR WHEN FIELD ONCE A YEAR ONGOING TO DESCRIBE WHEN MAJOR TO DESCRIBE TO DESCRIBE NEW WORK, MORE OFTEN AS ACTIVITIES MIGHT NEW WORK, WORK IS NEW WORK, NEW WORK, CONDITIONS OR NEEDED IMPACT SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OR PLANNED, CONDITIONS OR CONDITIONS OR AS REQUESTED HOUSEHOLDS OR AS REQUESTED WHEN A NEW AS REQUESTED AS REQUESTED AS NEEDED RESPONSIBLE DEPENDING ON DEPENDING ON COMPANY IS UPCOMING WORK UPCOMING WORK IDENTIFIED, AS AND COMMUNITY AND COMMUNITY NEEDED AND AS CONCERNS THAT CONCERNS THAT REQUESTED NEED IN DEPTH NEED IN DEPTH DISCUSSION DISCUSSION

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

Agencies to Contact with Site-specific Factsheets EPA Websites Questions Fact Sheet EPA has created fact sheets for the UNC Mill, Regular updates on EPA’s website will provide EPA and partner agencies created a fact sheet Northeast Church Rock Mine and Kerr-McGee cleanup information and important documents. to help community members determine which Quivira Mine sites over the years. They have agency to contact for questions related to included brief summaries of site histories, Information for the UNC Mill site is uranium or radiation on the Navajo Nation. background information, upcoming site activities available at: and summaries of completed work. http://www.epa.gov/superfund/united-nuclear

These materials are available on the EPA web Information for the Northeast Church pages listed below. Rock Mine and Kerr-McGee Quivira Mines is available online at: https://www.epa.gov/navajo- nation-uranium-cleanup/ eastern-abandoned-uranium-mine-region

Community Involvement Plan 13 Contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator to be added to the mailing list.

Social Media As a part of the Superfund process, EPA must New Mexico Environment Department maintain documents and information locally, 1190 St. Francis Drive, Several interviewees said that social media is an where the public can easily access the material. Santa Fe, NM 87505 effective way to reach people living in remote This is called the “Information Repository.” locations and people without the time or Information repositories contain copies of Community members may request copies of resources to attend meetings. EPA will explore technical or planning documents, fact sheets, documents by contacting EPA’s Community ways to share information across social media meeting summaries, and other site information. Involvement Coordinator. platforms such as Facebook. EPA has information repositories at three locations: Newspaper and Radio Communication Information Repositories – Gallup Zollinger Library EPA will use the following media channels for Several people noted that EPA should make 705 Gurley Avenue, outreach: information available locally for all community Gallup NM 87301 members. Newspaper Communication Navajo Nation Navajo Superfund Office Navajo Times 43 Crest Road, Gallup Independent St. Michaels, AZ 86511 Radio Communication KTNN 660 AM: The Voice of the Navajo Nation KGAK 1130 AM KGLP 91.7 FM KYVA 1230 AM

Uranium Awareness Outreach Campaign

EPA has been working with ATSDR to increase awareness among Navajo people about uranium issues on the Navajo Nation.

Community residents discuss the site with EPA during an inter-agency open house in 2017.

14 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Information Repositories

Check out the repository or visit the website.

EPA officials from Regions 6 and 9 discuss the UNC Mill site with community members.

EPA, ATSDR and the Indian Health Service Presentations EPA will use the following formats for these (IHS) developed posters for 10 geographic gatherings: regions of the Navajo Nation. These posters Many interviewees suggested that EPA present feature a map showing locations of AUMs, information about local uranium issues at the Meetings and Open Houses – larger community contaminated water sources, regulated watering chapter houses. Other community locations meetings that may include EPA presentations, points and other landmarks. They also include mentioned include Fire Rock Casino, the Rural poster sessions, and time for community information about warning signs, reducing Development Office, the Gallup senior center, members to ask questions and share feedback. contact with uranium on the Navajo Nation and Red Rock State Park, and Gallup-area schools EPA has previously hosted several such maintaining good health. EPA provided some as well as Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. meetings, including forums about groundwater, of these materials to area residents during CIP Interviewees said previous presentations by EPA revegetation, the Superfund law, and a health interviews. at large meetings were an effective way to reach and risk workshop. Community members may people. request additional in-depth technical forums or IHS and Community Health Representatives trainings from EPA’s Community Involvement (CHRs) distributed these posters to IHS Health Many interviewees said that EPA should also Coordinator. Clinics and chapters across the Navajo Nation. host informational gatherings, especially when To prepare for this outreach, EPA, ATSDR and more time is needed for deep engagement with Small Venue Meetings and Focus Groups – smaller, IHS trained the CHRs on the information in community members. Examples for these types more informal gatherings focused on a particular the posters. EPA will continue to distribute of meetings include discussions about cleanup area, interested group or extended family. the posters during future meetings and by options for the mill and tailings area and mines, Community members share their thoughts and request. EPA will also continue to coordinate large amounts of work planned for an area, concerns with EPA staff. with ATSDR, IHS and the CHRs on uranium and community concerns requiring in-depth awareness outreach. discussion. Workshops and Facilitated Discussions – meetings designed to answer specific questions or address specific community concerns.

Community Involvement Plan 15 EPA Outreach in Action Key Contacts

EPA hosted four groundwater U.S. Environmental Protection Navajo Nation forums in 2013, 2014 and 2016. Agency Environmental The most recent forum took place in Protection Agency April 2016. Region 6 Vivian Craig Janet Brooks (UNC Mill site) Senior Environmental Specialist Remedial Project Manager (6SF-RL) Navajo Superfund Program 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200 Navajo EPA, P.O. Box 2946 Dallas, TX 75202 Window Rock, AZ 86515 (214) 665-7598 (928) 871-6859 [email protected] [email protected] Adam Weece New Mexico Environment Community Involvement Coordinator Department 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200 Dallas, TX 75202 Angelo Ortelli (214) 665-2264 Superfund Oversight Section [email protected] Harold Runnels Building 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050 Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 827-2866 [email protected]

EPA officials present information for community members during public meetings.

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

16 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Navajo Nation EPA will send out meeting notices at least one Special Events Working with Navajo Nation Tribal Environmental week prior to any gatherings via the email list Government Protection Agency and by contacting community partners and other Several local events provide an opportunity to outlets. meet informally with residents: The Navajo Nation is a federally recognized tribe Vivian Craig with its own governmental system. EPA policy is Senior Environmental Specialist Typically, EPA staff will make presentations at • 1979 spill commemoration to consult on a government-to-government basis Navajo Superfund Program chapter houses when major work is planned in • Community field day with federally recognized tribal governments Navajo EPA, P.O. Box 2946 an area or to increase awareness about upcoming • Annual Eastern Navajo Agency Fair when EPA actions and decisions may affect tribal Window Rock, AZ 86515 EPA activities. Public meetings have been held at • Other events as requested/available interests. (928) 871-6859 the Pinedale Chapter House, the Church Rock [email protected] Chapter House and the Gallup Library. EPA interacts with Navajo Nation government Job Training and Opportunities on several levels as a part of AUM assessment New Mexico Environment EPA will reach out to local officials and share and cleanup on the Navajo Nation. EPA consults Department presentations at chapter houses, community EPA Region 9 provided a week-long job training directly with the Navajo Nation President for association meetings and other events. Groups program in Gallup in 2013. Additional job significant developments, consistent with EPA’s Angelo Ortelli interested in a specific presentation can contact training will take place prior to the start of final tribal policies and guidance. Examples of formal Superfund Oversight Section EPA’s Community Involvement Coordinator. cleanup actions. EPA will work with the Navajo consultation include major decisions and new Harold Runnels Building Nation Department of Economic Development federal Five-Year Plans for addressing uranium 1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite N4050 to announce potential job opportunities prior to contamination on the Navajo Nation. EPA Santa Fe, NM 87505 Community Group Meetings the start of work. collaborates with NNEPA’s Superfund program (505) 827-2866 and the Navajo Nation Department of Justice [email protected] EPA staff meet regularly with members of the Red on all AUM assessment and cleanup activities. Water Pond Road community. These meetings Finally, EPA communicates periodically with include monthly conference calls to discuss Technical Assistance officials such as local Navajo Nation Council community concerns and site activities. EPA also Services for Communities Delegates and chapter officials at key times during makes presentations at monthly Red Water Pond the Superfund process. Road Community Association meetings. These Contact the EPA Community short presentations provide time for community Involvement Coordinator if you members to ask questions and share feedback. would like to learn more about Representatives from the Coyote Canyon and technical assistance services that Pinedale chapters interviewed in November EPA can provide to community 2017 asked that EPA staff make sure to share all groups. information shared with the Red Water Pond Road community with surrounding chapters and communities.

Community Involvement Plan 17 Summary

EPA and NMED interviewed community members, local officials and other stakeholders in the Coyote Coordination with Other Agencies EPA Region 6 will continue to strengthen Canyon and Pinedale chapters in and Organizations relationships with: November 2017. EPA and NNEPA previously interviewed community There are several areas impacted by historic • NNEPA members, local officials and other uranium mining and milling in New Mexico and • NMED stakeholders in the Church Rock on the Navajo Nation. Several federal agencies • New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural and Standing Rock chapters. Those have teamed together to assess and address these Resources Department – Mining and Minerals interviews were part of the CIP for the health and environmental impacts. Division Northeast Church Rock and Kerr- • Federal Five-Year Plan partners, including the McGee Quivira Mine sites in 2015. The UNC Mill site is a part of the EPA Region Bureau of Indian Affairs, IHS, ATSDR, NRC 6 Grants Mining District, New Mexico, that and the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. EPA used information from these has a 2015-2020 Five-Year Plan to Assess and Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. interviews to learn about community Address Health and Environmental Impacts Department of Agriculture (USDA) – U.S. concerns and prepare this CIP. EPA of Uranium Mining and Milling. It is available Forest Service would like to thank interviewees at: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/ • Research universities, including the University and the communities for their time, files/2016-06/documents/gmd_2015_2020_ of New Mexico and Northern Arizona patience and willingness to share their five-year_plan_29mar16.pdf. The Plan’s University (NAU) stories and concerns. Appendix is available at: https://www.epa.gov/ • Community Land Use Planning Committees sites/production/files/2016-06/documents/ • Chapter officials and other elected EPA recognizes that input and appendix_a_history_and_detailed_activities_ representatives feedback from community members under_2010_five-year_plan_21mar16.pdf. • The Red Water Pond Road Community is crucial to the success of uranium Association cleanup on the Navajo Nation. EPA The Northeast Church Rock and Kerr-McGee • The Pipeline Canyon Road/Rio Lobo will continue to work closely with Quivira Mines are part of EPA Region 9 Navajo community community members and elected Nation with its own Five-Year Plan. To access it, • Others as suggested by community members officials in the cleanup process, as please visit: http://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation- and local officials outlined in this CIP. Community uranium-cleanup/five-year-plan-address-impacts- members are also always welcome uranium-contamination. to provide input by contacting EPA’s Community Involvement Coordinator.

18 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site What Are the Steps to Construct the NECR Waste APPENDICES Repository? 1. Design: The design provides SITE DESCRIPTION - UNC soil and groundwater. Groundwater cleanup and detailed construction and MILL SITE monitoring are ongoing. technical specifications describing how the repository will be The 125-acre UNC Mill site is located 17 miles Surface reclamation actions by UNC under constructed. northeast of Gallup. It is near State Highway the direction and oversight of the NRC at the 2. NRC License: The company Route 566 and its intersection with the Rio site between 1988 and 1996 stabilized the mill responsible for the pollution at Puerco, on the southern border of the Navajo tailings and protected the Rio Puerco from the mine, UNC, which is owned Nation in Church Rock, McKinley County, contamination spills like the one that occurred by GE, will submit a request (a New Mexico. It includes a former uranium ore in 1979. To manage the cleanup, EPA divided “license amendment”) to the processing mill (25 acres) and a tailings disposal the site into two areas, or operable units: NRC for construction. The NRC area (100 acres). Two underground uranium groundwater (OU-1) and surface soil (OU-2). must approve the request before mines formerly operated near the site. UNC construction can begin. The operated the former Northeast Church Rock The long-term remedy for OU-1 includes NRC estimates that the license Mine, northwest of the site. Quivira (formerly containment and removal of contaminated amendment process will take from Kerr-McGee) operated a mine north of the groundwater and evaporation of groundwater two to five years. site. The uranium mill operated from 1977 to removed from aquifers using evaporation ponds. 3. Legal Agreement: If the NRC 1982. It processed uranium ore using crushing, The groundwater remedy is currently protective approves the request, EPA will grinding and acid-leach solvent extraction of human health. then negotiate a legal agreement methods. Milling produced acidic slurry of with UNC/GE to construct the ground rock and fluid tailings. Disposal of about OU-2 activities focus on removing mine waste repository. 3.5 million tons of tailings took place in on-site from the nearby Northeast Church Rock Mine 4. Construction: Construction will impoundments. Facility operations contaminated and placing that mine waste on the tailings take about four years. repository at the UNC Mill site. EPA expects the completion of the repository’s final design In the meantime, five-year reviews by What Is a Repository? in 2018. (See information on the design of the EPA indicate that the site’s remedy is Northeast Church Rock Mine waste repository at and remains protective. Continued A repository is a place for the UNC Mill site on the next page.) protectiveness of the remedy requires holding waste. The UNC Mill site completing cleanup activities that repository for mine waste from will adequately address all exposure the NECR Mine site will consist pathways that could result in of an engineered cell with a top unacceptable risks. (cover) and bottom (liner) to keep contamination from further polluting the environment.

Community Involvement Plan 19 The Church Rock Uranium Spill

On July 16, 1979, UNC’s Church Rock uranium mill tailings disposal pond breached its dam. Over 1,000 tons of solid radioactive mill waste and 93 million gallons of acidic, radioactive tailings solution flowed into the Rio Puerco. Contaminants traveled 80 miles downstream. The accident was the largest release of radioactive material in U.S. history. EPA listed the site on the Superfund Program’s National Priorities List in 1983.

NORTHEAST CHURCH ROCK (NECR) MINE

MIii S41e and, D41!.Jl0!18I Cella The NECR Mine is a former uranium mine at the northern end of State Highway 566, about 17 miles northeast of Gallup, in the Pinedale ~5 ~ I 'W Chapter of the Navajo Nation. UNC operated the NECR Mine from 1967 to 1982. During mining, Northeast Church Rock Mine and United Nuclear Corporation site map. about 3.5 million tons of ore was extracted, making it one of the highest-producing uranium mines on the Navajo Nation. EPA has cleaned up over 200,000 tons of contaminated materials in the residential “Step Out” areas shown in the map to the left.. The mine waste pile has been covered and stabilized until it is moved to the UNC Mill site.

20 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site KERR-MCGEE QUIVIRA removed about 20,000 tons of contaminated soils www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-05/ MINES along Red Water Pond Road. The Kerr-McGee documents/factsheet-unc-mill-site-repository- Quivira Mines are now being addressed with necr-waste-design-update.pdf, labeled as “NECR The two Kerr-McGee Quivira Mines – Church funding from the Tronox settlement. Mine Site” in legend). Covered trucks will haul the Rock #1 and Church Rock #1 East (or CR-1 waste to the UNC Mill site. The trucks will use new and CR-1E) – are former uranium mines just roads to stay off public roads as much as possible. northeast of the NECR Mine. They are also at A CLOSER LOOK: MINE The trucks will cross Route 566 at a stoplight just the northern end of State Highway 566, in the WASTE REMOVAL AND south of the Pipeline Road turnoff (see Figure 2). Coyote Canyon chapter of Navajo Nation. Kerr- PLACEMENT ON THE Each truck carries 30 cubic yards (about 42 tons) McGee operated the mines from 1974 to 1985. TAILINGS REPOSITORY AT of waste. During this time, about 1.2 million tons of ore THE UNC MILL SITE was extracted and sent to the Rio Algom Mill in Step 2: Mine Waste Placement and Covering Ambrosia Lake. These mines also rank among the Step 1: Digging and Hauling The mine waste will go in the repository, shown highest-producing mines on the Navajo Nation. NECR Mine waste will be dug up from the purple with black diagonal lines in Figure 2 (labeled Rio Algom Mining Company, a successor to work areas shown in Figure 2 of the UNC Mill as “Extent of Final Repository” in legend). The Kerr-McGee, stabilized the main waste pile and Site repository design update fact sheet (https:// clay cover layer for the existing mill tailings cells

· ~ ~ l ,1j,,1. ,,. 'F'1'', ," ~~,. ll" 1?s '!"·, • . __ ':'ltar".':• .,..,,.~.r•.'••·_t1 1ill,:1,l··1, '·\ .. 'fl ·['·;. •'--'! - .. . . . , • • . t~ •. •... ~ ~ . ,, ' I J ·• I . , . ;- , .\ . . . , 1 ••· ,•,·,•:._; -~~h-~j~r ~-• ·'t\•f_... \\\\.,, •1·1 1 --r';>:.,.'1,•··-,.. - : • ..,J~ • . ' • ·) ... ' ... !. ... ,--\-, ,., . '' ~, .J.. • • ' . ,'71 ',,. '' j .... -~----- • • • ..., ,t..' O 0 -~ 1 ' . ,_.c ~ /J ·, •i /j f. ' . •._- ',!"-'.)" . . I • ·i,,; '' ·, , • ' 'j . ;'<' . . •Ji ' ~, . •· i,I -~-,,•,< ~ •, ..I_). ,,•• , ,.. ~_.,,.' , , - • \. .. · '·:\'~"•hi:\J ..... ,,:,,:,,• ' -. , . ·, r.-""· .. •'.·, · ,_t . · ·'.. 't,,i · · l\' it\1· . ,,r- • 1. \1,.t .. ,..__., \ ...... 1 ·-:,.,·<·~, ... ' (">·~ \· . \'-~ ···:' .,~ -'Ji,.' I: I . . . RANIJUM LEGACY REMEMBRANCE AND. ACT. 'IDN. DA.

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye speaking at the 37th Red Water Pond Road Spill Commemoration Ceremony.

Community Involvement Plan 21 Step 4: Restoration at the NECR Mine Site After removal of contaminated soil from the NECR Mine site, surveys by EPA will make sure that all mine waste has been properly removed and the area is safe. The site will then be regraded and revegetated.

For a detailed review of EPA’s cleanup process, please see “EPA Superfund Process on the Navajo Nation.”

For information on the UNC Mill site, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/united-nuclear EPA and community members examine erosion to the Pipeline Arroyo during a site tour. For more information on the NECR Mine and (labeled as “Existing Cover/New Liner”) will (transpiration). The rock in the cover minimizes the Kerr-McGee Quivira Mines, please visit: stay in place and serve as a liner for the mine erosion from wind or water. The cover is designed https://www.epa.gov/navajo- waste. After placement of the mine waste on the to last at least 1,000 years. nation-uranium-cleanup/ liner, soil from the borrow areas will be mixed eastern-abandoned-uranium-mine-region with rock to create an evapotranspiration cover Step 3: Stormwater Control Installation (known as an “ET cover”) that contains the mine Stormwater management – or “stormwater waste and prevents exposure to people and the controls” – is a key part of the waste repository. GLOSSARY environment. The cover also prevents wind and Stormwater controls keep soil from running off water erosion, and keeps rainwater and snow the work areas and stops water from eroding Abandoned Uranium Mine (AUM) Claim melt out of the mine waste. Figure 3 (also part of the repository or nearby areas. Figure 2 shows – An AUM claim is generally associated with a the UNC Mill Site repository design update fact stormwater controls at the site in orange (labeled patented or unpatented mining claim or a lease sheet (https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/ as “Stormwater Controls” in legend). The Pipeline of federal, state, tribal or private lands. A claim files/2017-05/documents/factsheet-unc-mill- Arroyo, which runs along the west side of the may represent a single feature such as a surface site-repository-necr-waste-design-update.pdf) repository, will have major stormwater controls. or underground excavation, or it may include an shows how an ET cover works. While most A large engineered structure will direct water flow area containing a complex of multiple interrelated water runs off the cover, water that goes into the away from the repository. This will help prevent excavations. As a result, one claim may represent cover comes back out by evaporation or by plant erosion. multiple “mines” listed in other databases. roots taking up the water from the clean cover

22 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Action Memorandum – EPA’s primary decision during the decay of radioactive elements such as Superfund – The program operated under document that determines the need for a removal uranium. the legislative authority of the Comprehensive action, authorizes the removal action, identifies Environmental Response, Compensation, the action and cleanup levels (if applicable), and Record of Decision – A public document issued and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the explains the rationale for the removal response. by EPA that explains which cleanup alternative will Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization be used to clean up a Superfund site as well as the Act (SARA) that funds and carries out EPA’s Contamination – Introduction into water, factors that led to its selection. emergency and long-term removal and remedial air, and soil of microorganisms, chemicals, activities. toxic substances, wastes, or wastewater in a Remedial Action – The actual construction or concentration that makes the medium unfit for its implementation phase of Superfund site cleanup. Uranium – A heavy, naturally radioactive, next intended use. metallic element that is used to produce nuclear Removal Action – Short-term immediate actions power and weapons. Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/ that address releases of hazardous substances that CA) – An analysis of cleanup alternatives require expedited responses. for removal actions requiring more than six months’ planning time. EPA selects one of the alternatives outlined in the EE/CA in the Action Ongoing Involvement Memorandum. Throughout Process

Groundwater – The supply of fresh water ➔ Ake ➔ found beneath the Earth’s surface, usually in J.L\ ➔Jr'.• aquifers, which supply wells and springs. Because ~ groundwater is a major source of drinking and Community Access Resources Signs and Involvement Agreements Surveys Fences irrigation water, there is growing concern over contamination from leaching agricultural or industrial pollutants. - • • • Information Repository – A record storage area ➔ - @f,i;t\ []- ➔ ~➔ at or near a Superfund site that contains reports, c: 00~ documents and fact sheets pertaining to the site. Removal Site Engineering Evaluation/ Public Comment Action Evaluation Cost Analysis Period Memorandum Radiation – Energy that travels in the form of waves or high-speed particles. One way that Superfund process on the Navajo Nation. radiation can be released to the environment is

Community Involvement Plan 23 LIST OF ACRONYMS RECA Radiation Exposure Compensation Act ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and RESEP Radiation Exposure Screening and Disease Registry Education Program AUM Abandoned Uranium Mine ROD Record of Decision BCS Birth Cohort Study SARA Superfund Amendments and BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs Reauthorization Act CDC Centers for Disease Control and TANA Technical Assistance Needs Prevention Assessment CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental TASC Technical Assistance Services for Response, Compensation, and Communities Liability Act UMTRA Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial CHERS Community Health Environmental Action Program Research Staff UNM University of New Mexico CHR Community Health Representative USDA United States Department of CIP Community Involvement Plan Agriculture CUE-JTH Community Uranium Exposure- Journey to Healing Program DOE United States Department of Energy (USDOE) EE/CA Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis EPA United States Environmental (USEPA) Protection Agency ET Evapotranspiration IHS Navajo Area Indian Health Service (NAIHS) NAU Northern Arizona University NDOH Navajo Department of Health NDWR Navajo Department of Water Resources NECR Northeast Church Rock NNAML Navajo Nation Abandoned Mine Lands NNEPA Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency NRC United States Nuclear Regulatory (USNRC) Commission NTUA Navajo Tribal Utility Authority

24 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Community Involvement Plan 25 URANIUM AND RADIATION RESOURCE LIST . Uranium a;;d R~ ttiation~the Na; ajo Nation~ i~ Resource List 201 l ~

Topic Agency, Program, and Location Telephone Number Mines and structures Cleanup of chemical and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , Region 9 (800) 231-3075 radiological hazards at abandoned Superfund Program, San Francisco, California uranium mines (AUM) (505) 240-0093 Eastern region (480) 250-0990 Central region (928) 215-9402 Northern region (415) 972-3068 Western region Navajo Nation EPA (NNEPA), Navajo Superfund Program, Window Rock, Arizona (800) 314-1846 Contaminated structures NNEPA, Navajo Superfund Program, Window Rock, Arizona (800) 314-1846 Actions to reduce physical hazards Navajo Abandoned Mine Lands (AM L) Reclamation Uranium (928) 871-6982 VVindow Rock at AUMs Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Department (505) 368-1220 Shiprock (928) 283-3188 Tuba City Radon in your home, radon test kits NNEPA, Radon Program, Window Rock, Arizona (928) 871-6790

Uranium mill sites Disposal sites- U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy (970) 248-6621 Mexican Hat long•term surveillance and Management (LM), Grand Junction, Colorado manager maintenance (LTS&M) (970) 248-6018 Shiprock manager (970) 248-6073 Tuba City manager Former processing site­ LM, Grand Junction, Colorado (970) 248-6621 Monument Valley LTS&M manager Technical oversight, Navajo AML Reclamation UMTRA Department, (505) 860-7279 community outreach Window Rock, Arizona Disposal sites-general licensing U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) , (301) 415-6749 and oversight Washington, DC Former processing site-oversight NRC, Washington, DC (301) 415-6749 Health Preventive health information, Navajo Department of Health (NDOH) , Community Health (928) 871 -6786 uranium awareness fX)Sters Representative/Outreach Program, WindOvV Rock, Arizona Uranium medical screening and Navajo Area Indian Health Service (NAIHS), Northern Navajo (505) 368-7391 or monitoring program Medical Center, Community Uranium Exposure-Journey to (505) 368-7402 Healing, Shiprock, New Mexico Sign welcoming people to the Pinedale Chapter house. Navajo Birth Cohort Study University of Nevv Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico (877) 545-6775

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (770) 488-3684 Division of Toxicology and Human Health Effects, Atlanta, Georgia Downwinders radiation exposure NIAHS, Northern Navajo Medical Center, Radiation Exposure (505) 368-7054 compensation claim Screening and Education Program (RESEP), Shiprock, New Mexico

NDOH, Office of Navajo Uranium Workers, Shiprock, (505) 368-1260 New Mexico Uranium workers radiation NAIHS, Northern Navajo Medical Center, RESEP, Shiprock, (505) 368-7054 exposure compensation claim New Mexico

NDOH, Office of Navajo Uranium Workers, Shiprock, (505) 368-1260 New Mexico

26 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Topic Program and Agency Telephone Number Water Willer hauling practices from safe NNEPA, Public Water Systems Supervision Program, (928) 871-7755 drinking v,,ater sources Window Rack, Arizona http 1/www navajopublicwater.org/ Locations of regulated Navajo Tribal Utilrty Authority (NTUA), Fort Defiance, Arizona (800) 528-5011 watering points Water quality of NTUA piped water NTUA Fort Defiance, Arizona (928) 729-6207 in your home, or from an NTUA Ask for "consumer confidence public water system report · Alsc available online at" http://wwwntua.com'ccr14.html Surface \WtBr and NNEPA, Water Quality Program (928) 871-7185 Fort Defiance, groundwater quality Chinle (505) 368-1037 Northern, Eastern (928) 890-7599 Western Operation and maintenance of Navajo Department of Water Rescurces (NDWR), Technical. Contact a district office livestock 'Water sources Construction, and Operations Branch (505) 908-2740 To'hajiilee Locations of unregulated sources, (928) 674-2210 Chin le livestock vvells windmills, (505) 786-2396 Crownpoint earthen dams (928) 657-8094 Dilkon (928) 729-4003 Fort Defiance (928) 755-5971 Ganado (928) 686-3289 Leupp (505) 655-5402 Pueblo Pintada (505) 368-1062 Shiprock (505) 368-1146 Shiprock (928) 656-3674 Teec Nos Pos (928) 283-3170 Tuba City (505) 778-5337 Vanderwagon Tuba City Cumpsite ProJect lead BIA, Western Regional Office, Phoenix, Arizona (602) 379-3723 BIA coordination BIA, Divismn of Environmental and Cultural Resources, (703) 390-6482 Washington, DC BIA community outreach BIA, Navajo Regional Off,;e, Gallup, N....v Mexico (505) 863-8285 Hopi Tribal water The Hopi Tribe, Water Resources Program, (928) 734-3712 Kykotsmovi, Arizona Remedial investigatkm and EPA, Region 9 Superfund Program, (800) 231-3075 feasibility study oversight San Francisco. California Navajo Nation Solid \/Vaste Act NNEPA, Resource Conservation and Reoovery Program, (928) 871-7816 W indow Rock, Arizona

Abbreviations Navajo Nation Community AML Abandoned Mine Lands Outreach Network Office ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (928) 810-2100 AUM abandoned uranium mine #2 Beacon Road BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs P.O. Box 2909 W indow Rock, Arizona 86515 EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (across from the Navajo Arts and Crafts LM U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy Management Enterprise building south of Highway 264) LTS&M long.term surveillance and maintenance NAIHS Navajo Area Indian Health Service Milton Bluehouse NDDH Navajo Department of Hea~h Navajo Nation Outreach Liaison (970) 773-8347 Cellphone NDWR Navajo Department of 'Nater Resources Mil [email protected] NNEPA Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Red Water Pond Road Community Association sign, NTUA Navajo Tribal Utility Authority near the site. RESEP Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program UMTRA Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Program

Community Involvement Plan 27 The United Nuclear Corporation Mill Site Community Involvement Plan ft United States 2018 .,.w~ EA~ Environmental Protection ~, Agency