EPA enters into agreement with Chevron to investigate soil contamination at uranium mine on the Navajo Reservation (AZ, NM)
SAN FRANCISCO -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached an
agreement with Chevron USA Inc. to investigate radium-contaminated
soil at the Mariano Lake Mine site, a former uranium mine located
on the Navajo Nation near Gallup, New Mexico. The
agreement is the latest result of an ongoing effort by EPA and
Navajo Nation to address contamination from the legacy of uranium
mining in the Navajo Nation.
Under the agreement,Chevron will conduct a
radiological survey and sample radium-contaminated soil throughout
the 31-acre Mariano Lake Mine site and surrounding area, including
10 residences and two nearby water wells. Chevron also agreed to
pay EPA's oversight costs.
“This investigation is part of EPA's
commitment to help the Navajo Nation deal with the significant
impacts of historic uranium mining,” said Jared Blumenfeld,
Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Region. “We are
working to make sure that every responsible party takes the steps
needed to protect Navajo families from radioactive
contamination.”
Ben Shelly, Navajo Nation President, said, "On
behalf of the communities in and around Mariano Lake, I extend my
sincere appreciation for the agreement today between the U.S. EPA
and Chevron. I look forward to the data that will be generated in
this investigation, and I respectfully request U.S. EPA to
understand our desires for the most protective clean up plans that
will help restore harmony in our communities and homes. This type
of agreement will continue to help us as we work to correct the
harmful legacy of past uranium mining and milling on the Navajo
Nation."
EPA and the Navajo EPA will oversee field work, which will include
construction of a fence and application of a sealant to
contaminated soils where people live, work and play while the
investigation is carried out. The order also requires Chevron to
post signs, lock gates and prevent livestock from getting into
areas of known contamination prior to cleanup.
The Mariano Lake Mine site operated as a uranium ore mine from
approximately 1977 to 1982, and includes one 500-foot deep shaft,
waste piles, and several surface ponds. Exposure to elevated levels
of radium over a long period of time can result in anemia,
cataracts, fractured teeth, and cancer, especially bone
cancer.
Chevron is the fifth responsible party that EPA has required to
take actions at former uranium mines on the Navajo Nation.
EPA’s work with Navajo Nation to identify and enforce against
responsible parties is part of a 5-year plan to address the
problem, which can be found at https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-9-pacific-southwest