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(last updated 3 Apr 2024)

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NEW MEXICO

> See also Issues for: New Mining Projects · Operating Mines · Legislation & Regulations
> See also Data for: Deposits, Proposed and Active Mines · Old Mines and Decommissioning

> Dashboard maps: Formerly Operating Uranium Mine and Mill Sites in New Mexico (New Mexico Environment Department)

> See also: New Mexico court rules uranium mines are covered by state law, ensuring cleanup

> See also: MARP - Pending and Approved Mine Applications: Regular - Existing (EMNRD Mining and Minerals Division)

> See also: The Uranium Legacy: A Congressional Briefing Book, Compliments of the New Mexico Uranium Mining and Tailings Task Force, May 5-8, 2009 (3.9M PDF - powertechexposed.com)

> See also: Abandoned or inactive uranium mines in New Mexico , by Orin J. Anderson, New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, Open-File Report 148, 1981, 778 p.

> See also: Uranium Legacy and Development Sites In New Mexico and the Navajo Nation , Southwest Research and Information Center, February 26, 2013 (77k PDF)

General

New Mexico to start on uranium cleanup plan

The New Mexico Environment Department plans this year to start on a uranium cleanup implementation plan, which includes drafting cleanup policies and procedures as well as assessing what sites in New Mexico are high risk.
There are 261 former uranium mine sites and eight former uranium mills across private, tribal, state and federal land in New Mexico, according to a dashboard from the New Mexico Environment Department and the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
Many of the former uranium sites in New Mexico are on tribal land. More than 50 mine sites are on Navajo reservation, allottee or trust land, according to the dashboard, and there are over a dozen mine sites on Laguna Pueblo and at least one on Zia Pueblo.
A bill passed in the 2022 New Mexico Legislature requires the New Mexico Environment Department to "coordinate efforts across the state to clean up and reclaim former uranium mine and mill sites." It also created a revolving fund for the reclamation efforts.
(Albuquerque Journal Apr. 1, 2024)

Bill introduced in New Mexico Legislature to address the 1,100 abandoned uranium mine sites in the state

New Mexico State Senators Jeff Steinborn (D-Las Cruces), Shannon Pinto (D-Tohatchi), and Representative Debra M. Sariñana (D-Albuquerque), have introduced the Uranium Mine Cleanup & Reclamation Act. This legislation (Senate Bill 89) stems from recommendations presented to the Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Interim Committee during a hearing held in Gallup in September 2021.
According to latest estimates from the Bureau of Business and Economic Research [BBER] at the University of New Mexico, there are approximately 1,100 uranium mining, milling, and exploratory drilling sites in New Mexico. Additionally, the BBER found extensive groundwater contamination surrounding many of these extraction sites, most on or adjacent to tribal communities. Hundreds of these mines now sit abandoned, with little or no way to identify and hold accountable the parties responsible for the environmental damage.
Senate Bill 89 directs the New Mexico Department of Environment to take an active and urgent role in coordinating efforts to clean up and reclaim former uranium mine and mill sites. With mining sites spanning across multiple jurisdictions and in close proximity to numerous cultural and spiritual landmarks, the state will be tasked to collaborate with federal, local, tribal, and private stakeholders.
Representative Sariñana has also introduced the same legislation in the House of Representatives as House Bill 164. (Senate Democrats New Mexico Feb. 2, 2022)
> Download: Senate Bill 89 - Uranium Mine Cleanup & Reclamation
> Download: House Bill 164 - Uranium Mine Cleanup
> Download: The economic opportunities and challenges of uranium mine cleanup in New Mexico , Prepared for the New Mexico Legislature Indian Affairs Committee, by Rose Elizabeth Rohrer, Jeffrey Mitchell, John Betak, UNM Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Fall 2020 (4.4MB PDF)

The state Senate endorsed legislation late Wednesday [Feb. 16] directing a state agency to coordinate efforts to clean up old uranium mines throughout New Mexico. The proposal, House Bill 164, would also create a revolving fund that could be used to help with the effort, perhaps with federal funding. (Albuquerque Journal Feb. 16, 2022)

San Mateo Creek Basin (McKinley and Cibola counties)

EPA reaches agreement with three mining companies to investigate impacts and possible remedies of groundwater contamination at San Mateo Creek Basin Site in New Mexico: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reached an agreement with three potentially responsible parties (PRPs) to begin remedial investigation work at the San Mateo Creek Basin Legacy Uranium Mines site, comprised of former uranium mines in McKinney and Cibola Counties in western New Mexico.
The Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent requires the PRPs to investigate groundwater contamination in the Central Study Area of the site, north of the Homestake Mine Superfund site. The agreement also commits the PRPs to pay response costs EPA incurs in the future, starting with a payment of $700,000. (EPA Region 6, Nov. 8, 2019)
> View: EPA Region 6 release , Nov. 8, 2019
> Download: Administrative Settlement Agreement , Nov. 7, 2019 (30.3MB PDF)
[The companies involved are: Homestake Mining Company of California, Rio Algom Mining, LLC, and United Nuclear Corporation]

EPA releases Phase 2 Groundwater Investigation report for San Mateo Creek Basin Legacy Uranium Mines Site: On Mar. 6, 2019, EPA finally released the 'Phase 2 of Groundwater Investigation report for San Mateo Creek Basin Legacy Uranium Mines Site', which covers the following four former uranium mill sites and tailings disposal facilities:

The first phase (Phase 1) of the ground-water investigation focused on the shallow alluvial ground water and was completed in 2016. This Phase 2 ground-water investigation began in 2015 as an expansion of the Phase 1 study to fill in data gaps and to assess potential impacts to bedrock ground water, with a focus on the Dakota Sandstone aquifer in the Ambrosia Lake valley.
> Download: Phase 2 - Ground Water Investigation Report for the San Mateo Creek Basin Legacy Uranium Mines Site, Cibola and McKinley Counties, New Mexico - Revision 1 , U.S. EPA, Oct. 1, 2018
> Download: San Mateo Creek Basin Ground Water Investigation - Phase 1 , U.S. EPA Nov. 2016 (9.4MB PDF)

Cibola County opposes Superfund listing of San Mateo Creek Basin: Cibola County commissioners late last month expressed their opposition to an Environmental Protection Agency proposal to put the San Mateo Creek Basin on its Superfund National Priorities List, saying such a designation might foreclose the "potential of the return" of the uranium mining industry. (Santa Fe New Mexican May 7, 2018)

EPA wants to list San Mateo Creek Basin, contaminated by former uranium mining in the Grants Mining District, as cleanup priority: Federal environmental regulators want to add a northwestern New Mexico creek basin in an area with a history of uranium mining to a list of priorities for cleanup.
The Gallup Independent reports the Environmental Protection Agency is seeking concurrence from the state and local governments to add the San Mateo Creek Basin in McKinley and Cibola counties to the Superfund National Priorities List. The basin comprises approximately 321 square miles (831 sq. kilometers) within the Rio San Jose drainage basin, which contains numerous legacy uranium mines. Water from many of the mines was discharged into San Mateo Creek. A Nov. 16 EPA letter to the New Mexico Environment Department says there's evidence that hazardous substances have impacted private drinking water wells and threaten to impact public water supplies. (Albuquerque Journal Jan. 6, 2018)

The San Mateo Creek Basin comprises approximately 321 square miles within the Rio San Jose drainage basin in McKinley and Cibola counties, New Mexico. This basin is located within the Grants Mining District (GMD).
The 85 legacy uranium mines with recorded production and 4 legacy uranium mill sites comprising the GMD may have contributed to degradation of ground water quality within the San Mateo Creek Basin. Some background ground water contaminant concentrations associated with remediation of the Homestake Mining Company (HMC) Superfund Site exceed federal and state drinking water standards as well as state ground water standards. (U.S. EPA)
> Download related documents: San Mateo Creek Basin (U.S. EPA)
The 4 legacy uranium mill sites in question are: Homestake Mill, Bluewater Mill, Ambrosia Lake/Rio Algom Mill, and Ambrosia Lake/Phillips Mill.

 

Cleanup of abandoned Isabella, Doris, Faith, and Hope uranium mines in McKinley County

Under revised settlement agreement, bankrupt Energy Future Holdings' would still pay less than 20% of cleanup cost of four abandoned uranium mines: "EFH Properties shall pay to the United States on behalf of EPA the settlement payment of $4,000,000.00".
Submit comments by August 19, 2016.
> Federal Register Volume 81, Number 150 (Thursday, August 4, 2016) p. 51488-51489 (download full text )
> Download Notice of Settlement and Settlement Agreement (during comment period only!)

Under settlement plan, bankrupt Energy Future Holdings' would pay less than 10% of cleanup cost of four abandoned uranium mines: Energy Future Holdings, Texas' largest power company, would pay the federal government as much as $2 million to help clean up long-abandoned uranium mines in northwest New Mexico, under a settlement filed late Tuesday (Dec. 1). And under the agreement, the U.S. Department of Justice would drop its objection to the company's plan to emerge from one of the biggest bankruptcies in American history.
Energy Future, the parent of Luminant, would pay far less than the $23 million the justice department originally sought on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency for cleaning up the toxic legacy of four uranium mines in New Mexico's McKinley County. The sites, active during the 1970s and 1980s, left local land and water highly radioactive, according to court filings. Those familiar with uranium mines say even the original federal estimate of $23 million for cleanup costs appeared surprisingly low. (Longview News-Journal Dec. 2, 2015)
Submit comments by January 9, 2016.
> Download Bankruptcy court documents (DOJ)
> Federal Register Volume 80, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 2015) p. 76710-76711 (download full text )

Energy Future Holdings' bankruptcy reorganization plan jeopardizes cleanup of four abandoned uranium mines: Late last month, the U.S. Department of Justice filed an objection to [electric utility company] Energy Future's proposal to settle its debts, saying the plan could leave taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars to clean up long-shuttered uranium mines in northwest New Mexico that one of its subsidiaries inherited. Energy Future's reorganization plan, the department argued on behalf of the Environmental Projection Agency, would free some of the conglomerate's offspring from liabilities - the cleanup costs, in this case - without earmarking money to address them. The end result, the filing argued, could present "a danger to public health and safety and the environment."
In a response last week, Energy Future asked U.S. District Judge Christopher Sontchi to overrule the department's objection and dismiss the claim for cleanup costs.
The back and forth in bankruptcy court highlights the difficulties of holding shape-shifting companies responsible for pollution that often stays put.
Environmental regulators have documented scattered waste piles at the site and high readings of radioactivity on land and in the water. Water samples at nearby livestock wells showed uranium levels as high as four times the federal limit, according to court filings. And an EPA aerial survey of the mines showed higher-than-normal gamma radiation. Some homes are just 1 to 3 miles away from the four sites in question, the filings said. (Texas Tribune Nov. 6, 2015)
[The mines in question are the Isabella, Doris, Faith, and Hope Mines in McKinley County.]
> Download DOJ objection , Oct. 23, 2015 (123k PDF)

 

EPA enters into agreement with Chevron to investigate soil contamination at Mariano Lake uranium mine site on the Navajo Reservation

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.
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. 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. (EPA Aug. 1, 2011)

Bill introduced in U.S. Senate to allow New Mexico to spend federal funds for cleanup of abandoned uranium mines

U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today (May 5) introduced legislation that would allow New Mexico to spend federal funds to clean up abandoned uranium mines. U.S. Senator Tom Udall is a cosponsor.
Under the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program, the U.S. Department of the Interior is authorized to collect revenue from coal companies for a fund that cleans up abandoned mines. Each state receives a share of the AML fund, but the Interior Department currently restricts the ability of states to use some of that funding to clean up non-coal mines. As a result, New Mexico has not been able to focus the funding on one of its priorities – to clean up uranium mines.
Bingaman's legislation (S. 897 ) makes clear that those funds can be used for non-coal cleanup, paving the way for New Mexico to tap into its $21 million over the next few years to clean up abandoned uranium mines.
> View Bingaman release May 5, 2011
On July 14, 2011, Senator Jeff Bingaman announced that the legislation has been approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. That move clears the bill for full Senate consideration.

New Mexico, BLM team up to address abandoned mines

The Bureau of Land Management and the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department are teaming up to address abandoned mines around the state. The BLM recently granted $988,000 to the state's abandoned mine land program to safeguard and remediate abandoned mines. The state plans to use the money to develop an inventory of abandoned uranium mine sites. It also will be used for remedial reclamation of abandoned uranium mine sites in the Poison Canyon area northwest of Grants, and for safeguarding mines in the Cookes Peak area north of Deming. It's estimated there are more than 15,000 abandoned mine hazards scattered throughout New Mexico. (AP May 11, 2010)

State awards contract for assessment of some abandoned uranium mines

The Mining and Minerals Division awarded a contract to Intera Incorporated to assess over thirty-five abandoned uranium mines located throughout New Mexico on federal and private lands. The abandoned uranium mines that will be addressed as part of this contract were part of the legacy of a uranium mining boom which took place during the 1940's, 50's and 60's before there were regulations requiring reclamation and clean-up. (EMNRD Dec. 14, 2009)

 

Cleanup of San Mateo Uranium Mine (New Mexico)

Comment invited on proposed Consent Decree involving government payment for cleanup work at San Mateo Uranium Mine: The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday (Oct. 3) filed a notice inviting public comment on a proposed agreement stipulating that the government will pay three uranium mining companies nearly $1.6 million for response costs connected to the San Mateo Uranium Mine Site in Cibola County, New Mexico. The proposed consent decree would resolve a case in New Mexico federal court. It would also require the mining companies to pay $25,000 to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Hazardous Substance Superfund. (Law360 Oct. 3, 2017)
Submit comments November 3, 2017.
> Federal Register Volume 82, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 4, 2017) p. 46286-46287 (download full text )
> Download: Consent Decree, United Nuclear Corp., El Paso Natural Gas Co., L.L.C., and Homestake Mining Co. of California v. United States of America, Civil Action No. 15-CV-411 KG/WPL , Sep. 22, 2017 (United States District Court, District of New Mexico)

Cleanup of old San Mateo uranium mine nearing completion: The remediation process, which began last August, is scheduled for completion next month. The end result includes a 40-acre site surrounded by an eight-foot high chain link fence. (Cibola Beacon Feb. 19, 2013)

Public comment invited on cleanup of San Mateo Uranium Mine: The San Mateo Uranium Mine will soon undergo an environmental cleanup under the auspices of the Mount Taylor Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service. According to a Forest Service statement, “[...] The recommended cleanup alternative is to consolidate waste rock piles and place them in an on-site repository. A geomembrane would be placed above the waste rock in the repository, covered with clean soil, re-vegetated and armored with rock”. Cleanup costs will be underwritten by the current mine owners. The original mining claims for the San Mateo Mine were filed in 1955 by Rare Metals Corp. and passed through several other corporations until the mine was purchased by United Nuclear Corp., which operated it until 1971. (Cibola Beacon Nov. 19, 2009)
Public input and comments will be accepted until close of business on January 15, 2010.
> View U.S. Forest Service announcement Nov. 23, 2009
> Download Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA)

 

Grants Mineral Belt legacy uranium mining and milling sites

EPA seeks comment on draft 2015 - 2020 Five-Year Plan to Assess and Address Health and Environmental Impacts Of Uranium Mining and Milling in Grants Mining District

The purpose of this 2015 – 2020 Five-Year Plan is to report to the public the progress made in implementing the 2010 Five-Year Plan and to memorialize priorities and activities for the next five years in the Grants Mining District. The plan is intended to promote and advance the assessment and cleanup, when warranted, of contamination caused by legacy uranium mining and milling operations.
> Submit comments by November 13, 2015 [presumably not 2105, as shown on download page].
> Access background info (EPA)
> Download Draft Grants Mining District, New Mexico, 2015 – 2020 Five-Year Plan to Assess and Address Health and Environmental Impacts Of Uranium Mining and Milling , October 9, 2015

BLM invites public comment on proposed cleanup of former Barbara J Mine Complex

On Friday (Sep. 18), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a 30-day public comment period for the Barbara J Mine Complex (Site) Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA). The Site is located approximately 12 miles north of Milan, New Mexico, in the Ambrosia Lake Sub-district of the Grants Uranium Belt, an area of widespread uranium ore mining and milling that was active from the 1950s to the 1980s. The Site consists of three separate mines, each developed with shafts, vents, waste rock piles, and other debris. Construction is scheduled to begin in late October.
The BLM has determined that the Site poses a risk to human health and the environment.  Site evaluations found contaminants in waste rock piles left from past mining activity. Pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the BLM will undertake a removal action to reduce the risk of exposure to radioactive materials, uranium, and metal. Analysis of the Site shows there is a risk to Site visitors and from migration of contaminants off-Site by wind and water transport, potentially reaching the San Mateo Creek. The action consists of excavating contaminated waste rock and burial of the wastes on Site. Additional actions include sealing shafts and drill holes. (Cibola Beacon Sep. 22, 2015)
> Access Administrative Record for the Barbara J Mine Complex Removal Action (BLM NM)

Phenomenal achievement after 25 years: U.S. EPA cleans up eight (8) vicinity properties in Grants Mineral Belt

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed the removal of thousands of tons of contaminated soil from eight residential properties near San Mateo, NM, known as the Crossroads area. The properties are part of the Grants Mining District Superfund site, an area of legacy contamination associated with uranium mining operations.
Workers excavated 6,900 cubic yards [5,275 m3] of soil contaminated with excess gamma radiation from the eight properties and replaced it with clean soil. Two residences with elevated radon levels also had radon abatement systems installed.
An area known as the Grants Mining Belt produced much of the world's uranium from the 1950s to the late 1990s. During this period, the Crossroads area was surrounded by many working uranium mines and two large uranium mills. As trucks transported uranium ore from the mines to the mills, contaminated debris routinely spilled onto roads, where it was left to further contaminate nearby properties. (EPA Region 6, July 10, 2015)

Agencies start joint effort for assessments of legacy uranium mines and milling activities in the Grants Mineral Belt

On Oct. 20 agencies from the state, nation and tribes focused on some of what was left behind because of little regulation - abandoned mines and issues involving the environment, people's health and water.
The EPA is responsible for assembling a multi-agency five-year plan. Components of the five-year plan are: assess and remediation of contaminated residential structures; water contamination sources assessment; assessment and remediation of abandoned area mines (130, according to the EPA) in the area; assessment and long term management of mills; and assess impact to human health and the environment. The five-year plan is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2010, according to the EPA.
Bill Brancard of the state Mining and Minerals Division was also at the meeting. "In regard to the legacy," Brancard said, "there are 259 uranium mines in the state, 95 percent of them are within the Grants Mineral Belt. Some have been reclaimed, some not. There are 130 mines that we have no record of reclamation."
Kelly Gallagher from the state Department of Health informed attendees that a recent study done by her department indicated that there are several spots in the state that have a high level of uranium in their water and it is affecting person's kidneys. However, only 1,000 people were tested and no one within the Grants Mineral Belt. (Cibola Beacon Oct. 22, 2009)

Region 6 of the U.S. Environmental Agency has issued a report on the community meeting held in Grants on Oct. 20, 2009, to address the environmental legacy from uranium mining and milling in the Grants Mineral Belt. (Cibola Beacon Feb. 1, 2010)
> View EPA Region 6 Superfund Program: Grants Mining District, New Mexico

Multiple federal and state agencies and Tribes collaborated to compile a multi-year plan to address contamination from the legacy uranium milling and mining. Written comments will be accepted on the Grants Mining District Draft Five-Year Plan through May 26, 2010.

 

New Mexico seeks federal help for cleanup of hundreds of abandoned uranium mines

New Mexico legislators are in Washington D.C. this week to press the federal government to help clean up hundreds of abandoned uranium mines that dot the state's landscape. The trip comes on the heels of an appropriation of $150,000 included in this year's state budget to help complete the painstaking work of assessing the extent of the problem, said Bill Brancard, director of the state's Mining and Minerals Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.
So far, his agency has listed 259 mines that have reported uranium production at some point. And there may be many more than that, he said. Of the 259 mines that reported uranium production to the state, 137 have no record of any kind of clean up or restoration work. Those mines are the targets of the assessment being undertaken by the mining and minerals agency. (New Mexico Independent May 7, 2009)

Study: Increased likelihood of kidney disease and diabetes among people who live close to abandoned uranium mines

Dr. Johnnye Lewis , director of the Community Environmental Health Department in the College of Pharmacy at UNM's Health Sciences Center, is currently heading up an effort to assess the health impact of uranium mines in 20 chapters of the Eastern Agency of the Navajo Nation.
"Some of the mines don't even look like mines," Lewis explained. "You'd never know they're there or might not recognize them for what they are." "No wonder then that people use abandoned ore in their homes, that kids swim in contaminated water or play around mine waste, or that people shelter livestock in abandoned mines," she added.
Lewis's team has only finished the first stage of the study, but initial findings show an increase in likelihood of kidney disease and diabetes among people who live close to mines, she said. (New Mexico Independent May 7, 2009)

New Mexico warns well users within San Mateo Creek Basin of contamination

The New Mexico Environment Department advises people with private wells within the San Mateo Creek Basin in Cibola and McKinley counties that their water may contain contaminants from naturally-occurring ore deposits within the "Grants uranium belt" and from former uranium mine and mill processing of those deposits in the area. Well water in the area could exceed federal and state drinking water standards for several contaminants that could pose health problems for residents.
Contaminants may include chloride, gross alpha, lead, manganese, nitrate, pH, radium-226 and radium-228, selenium, sulfate, total dissolved solids and uranium. Other contaminants detected for which federal drinking water standards have not been established include, iron, molybdenum, thorium-230, and vanadium. (NMED Jan. 8, 2009)

State awards contract for clean up of a few abandoned uranium mines

The Mining and Minerals Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has awarded a contract to Golder Associates to initiate cleanup work at abandoned uranium mines in New Mexico. This project will involve a field assessment of over a dozen abandoned uranium mines northwest of Grants followed by the development and implementation of plans for the cleanup of these sites. "Abandoned uranium mines in New Mexico, dating back to the 1950s, have left a legacy of dangerous mine openings and, in many cases, contaminated soils and water," stated Bill Brancard, Director of the Mining and Minerals Division.
The abandoned uranium mines that will be addressed, were part of the legacy of a uranium mining boom which took place during the 1950's, 60's and 70's before there were regulations requiring clean-up. (NM EMNRD July 1, 2008)

New Mexico Governor vetoes bill on cleanup program for abandoned uranium mines

> View here

New Mexico House approves bill on cleanup program for abandoned uranium mines

> View here

Mt. Taylor mine, Cibola County

Permit No. CI002RE

> View deposit info
> View Pending Mine Applications, Regular Existing: Mount Taylor Mine, Closure Plan Activities (NM EMNRD)

> View older issues

Jackpile-Paguate mine, Cibola County

Aerial view: Google Maps · MSRMaps

Arco demands jury trial over cleanup liability for former Jackpile uranium mine site

Following failed settlement talks, oil company Arco [subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation] has notified a federal court it wants a jury trial over cleanup liability for a Superfund site on tribal land, a former uranium mine that Arco departed in the mid-1980s with a cleanup payment of $43 million.
In a one-sentence filing Wednesday (Sep. 11), Arco - also known as Atlantic Richfield Co. - said it "demands a trial by jury on any … issue so triable" with regard to the Jackpile site on Pueblo of Laguna land 40 miles west of Albuquerque. The site was mined [by Arco's division Anaconda Minerals Company] for uranium from approximately 1953 to 1982. (Law360 Sep. 16, 2019)

ATSDR invites public comment on Public Health Assessment for residents at former Jackpile-Paguate uranium mine

Conclusions Comment period ends: March 9, 2018.
> View ATSDR release Dec. 18, 2017
> Download: Public Health Assessment for Jackpile-Paguate uranium mine, Laguna Pueblo, Laguna, Cibola County, New Mexico , Nov. 29, 2017 (1.5MB PDF)

EPA adds Jackpile-Paguate uranium mine to National Priorities List of Superfund Sites

> Federal Register Volume 78, Number 239 (Thursday, December 12, 2013) p. 75475-75483 (download full text )

EPA proposes to add Jackpile-Paguate uranium mine to National Priorities List of Superfund Sites

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine in Laguna Pueblo has been proposed to be added to the National Priorities List (NPL) of Superfund sites, a list of sites that pose risks to people's health and the environment. Superfund is the federal program that investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country.
About 40 miles west of Albuquerque in Cibola County, the mine lies in an area of canyons and arroyos near the village of Paguate. Anaconda Minerals Company operated the 7,868-acre [31.8 km2] site from 1953 to 1982, leaving open pits, waste dumps, and ore stockpiles. Contaminants found at the site include uranium, arsenic, barium, chromium, and lead. While previous attempts clean up the site have been made, an assessment in 2007 determined these were not enough.
The nearby Rio Paguate and Paguate Reservoir have shown elevated levels of isotopic uranium, which could affect cultural and ceremonial uses of these water bodies. Although the site had undergone reclamation previously, a 2007 report concluded that effort left several issues unaddressed. (EPA March 13, 2012)
Comments must be submitted on or before May 14, 2012.

> Federal Register Volume 77, Number 51 (Thursday, March 15, 2012) p. 15344-15351 (download full text )
> View EPA Superfund · New Proposed NPL Sites
> View EPA Region 6
> Access Docket ID EPA-HQ-SFUND-2012-0069

Homestake Grants uranium mill tailings site, Cibola County

> View extra page

JJ Number 1 / L-Bar Mine, Cibola County

Permit CI007RE

> View: Pending and Approved Mine Applications: Regular - Existing: JJ No. 1 / L-Bar Mine (NM EMNRD)

State approves clean-up for closed JJ No.1/L-Bar uranium mine

The Mining and Minerals Division approved the reclamation plan for the closed uranium mine JJ No. 1/L-Bar Mine, once operated by Sohio Western Mining Company, now under the responsibility of Rio Tinto Energy of America, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
The JJ No.1/L-Bar is located in Cibola County, 3.5 miles southeast of Seboyeta, on the Cebolleta Land Grant. The inactive underground mine produced uranium from 1976 to 1981. Most of the mine was reclaimed in 1986-87, however eleven vent shafts remained. Final reclamation of the mine will involve the closure of the eleven vent shafts, regrading, topsoil application and revegetation. This will permanently stabilize the surface and eliminate any potential hazards to humans or wildlife. Rio Tinto will start reclaiming the site this during the fall of 2009.

> Download EMNRD release Oct. 30, 2009 (PDF)

EMNRD releases SOHIO Western Mining Co.'s revised closeout plant for the JJ No.1/L-Bar Mine

JJ No. 1 Mine - SOHIO Western Mining Co. c/o Kennecott Energy Co., Permit CI007RE Closeout Plan Documentation-Revision 1 (8/30/2007)

> View Mining Act Reclamation Program (MARP) New Permit Applications and Closeout Plans

Investigation into groundwater contamination at former JJ Number 1 / L-Bar Mine

Sohio Western Mining Company (SWMC) -- which operated the JJ Number 1/L-Bar Mine about 2 miles north of Laguna Pueblo -- submitted a proposal to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to conduct a ground water investigation at the former mine.
The Stage 1 abatement plan consists of assessing ground water quality at the mine site. NMED requires the proposed activities at the site because past ground water sampling showed that concentrations of groundwater exceed New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission standards for one or more of the following parameters: uranium, radium, manganese, iron, total dissolved solids, sulfate, and pH. There has been limited site assessment work conducted at the former mine.
The SWMC mine, which is about 4 miles southeast of Seboyeta and two miles northeast of Moquino, operated from 1976 to 1981 in conjunction with the L-Bar uranium mill and associated mill tailings facility. The mine closed between 1986 and 1987. (NMED Aug. 15, 2006)

Sohio L-Bar uranium mill tailings site, Cibola County, New Mexico

NRC Docket No. (SOHIO WESTERN MINING CO., SALT LAKE CITY, UT)
NRC Material License No. SUA-1472

> U.S. DOE Office of Legacy Management: L-Bar site

Aerial view: Google Maps · MSRMaps

Erosion found at Sohio L-Bar uranium mill tailings site

On May 6, 2009, NRC staff visited the L-Bar Disposal Site to review the erosion that had recently occurred at the site.
It appeared that the major cause of the excess erosion was the presence of easily eroded spoil material that had been placed by the L-Bar licensee directly into the channel and over-bank area of a major gully just upstream of the sedimentation basin. The placement of this material and its high potential for erosion were not known and considered when the license was terminated and the site was turned over to DOE. During recent storms, new gullies had formed, deepened, and widened in that area, causing excess sediment to build up in the sedimentation basin. (NRC site visit report June 29, 2009)

NRC terminates license for Sohio L-Bar uranium mill tailings site

Establishment of the U.S. Department of Energy as the Long-Term Custodian of the L-Bar Uranium Mill Tailings Site Near Seboyeta, NM, and Termination of the Sohio Western Mining Company Source Materials License for the L-Bar Site
Federal Register: November 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 219) p. 65661 (download full text )

> See also DOE release Dec. 21, 2004 (PDF)

Relaxed groundwater standards

Federal Register March 3, 1999 (Vol. 64, No. 41), p. 10331-10332 (download full notice ):
"SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposes to amend Sohio Western Mining Company's (Sohio's) Source Material License SUA-1472, to allow alternate concentration limits (ACLs) for ground water hazardous constituents at the L-Bar uranium mill site in Cibola County, New Mexico. An Environmental Assessment (EA) was performed by the NRC staff in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR Part 51. The conclusion of the EA was a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for this licensing action."
The ACLs concern ground water constituents selenium and uranium.
A request for hearing must be filed within 30 days from March 3, 1999.

Site Degradation

"Meeting to Discuss Sedimentation at the Sohio Western L-Bar Uranium Mill Tailings Site

On December 10, 1998, Division of Waste Management staff participated in a Meeting requested by representatives of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensee, Sohio Western Mining Company (Sohio), to discuss methods of resolution of staff concerns related to observed degradation of erosion protection features at the L-Bar uranium mill tailings disposal site, located in New Mexico. Before staff can conclude that reclamation at the L-Bar site is complete and terminate the license, Sohio must resolve staff's concerns related to degradation. The announced public Meeting was held at NRC Headquarters, and was attended by NRC staff and Sohio representatives. Sohio presented two alternatives for mitigating the buildup of sedimentation, both of which appear acceptable to the staff. The licensee proposed to submit the necessary engineering plans for its preferred alternative in early 1999. Pending staff approval, Sohio plans to commence construction of a new erosion protection channel in fiscal year 1999." (NRC Weekly Information Report For the Week Ending December 18, 1998)

"Meeting on Sedimentation at L-Bar Uranium Mill Tailings Site

On October 15, 1998, staff from the Division of Waste Management met with staff from Sohio Western, the licensee for the L-Bar site, to discuss possible buildup of sedimentation in the site runoff diversion channels. The Meeting took Place in New Mexico, and involved visiting several sites discussed in a recent report submitted by Sohio Western consultants as analogs of the L-Bar site to estimate the quantity of sediment expected to be deposited yearly in the diversion channels. As a follow up to the Meeting with the licensee, staff will issue a review of the analog report. The Sohio Western representative requested that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission provide its review as soon as possible to allow Sohio Western Time to plan any necessary construction for the 1999 construction season, beginning in April 1999."
(U.S. NRC Weekly Information Report for the week ending October 23, 1998)

"Visit to Sohio L-Bar Uranium Recovery Site

On February 11, 1998, staff from the Division of Waste Management and its Colorado State University Contractor visited the Sohio L-Bar, New Mexico, site to discuss the licensee's approach to dealing with site degradation due to sedimentation of erosion protection channels. The L-Bar site is one of the eight old uranium mill tailings sites where previously-approved reclamation plans may not meet current staff guidance for erosion protection. For these sites, the Commission determined that the licensees should not be required to redesign to meet current criteria unless the staff identified a situation where significant degradation had occurred. The staff observed trenching and trench logging activities conducted by the licensee to ascertain the amount of sediment deposited in drainage channels at the site since construction in 1989. The licensee proposes to provide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission with a report of the results of its findings, including a plan of action to correct and prevent future degradation of the reclaimed tailings, in early March."
(U.S. NRC Weekly Information Report for the week ending February 20, 1998)

ARCO Bluewater uranium mill site, Cibola County, New Mexico

NRC Docket No. (ATLANTIC RICHFIELD CO., GRANTS, NM)
NRC Material License No. SUA-1470

> U.S. DOE Office of Legacy Management: Bluewater site

Aerial view: Google Maps · MSRMaps

Contaminant plumes in groundwater leaving Bluewater uranium mill tailings deposit continue to exceed New Mexico groundwater standard for uranium

"Groundwater was sampled in December 2019 and August 2020. Analytical results indicate that alternate concentration limits (ACLs) were not exceeded. However, groundwater leaving the site in both the alluvial and bedrock aquifers has uranium concentrations exceeding the New Mexico groundwater standard. No known domestic wells within the contaminant plumes have uranium concentrations exceeding the drinking water standard (equivalent to the groundwater standard), and the plumes are not expected to impact local municipal water supplies. (2020 Annual Site Inspection and Monitoring Report for Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Title II Disposal Sites, U.S. DOE Legacy Management, December 2020)

DOE starts planning for repair of Bluewater uranium mill tailings deposit cover

DOE Legacy Management (LM) proposes a repair project for the depressions found on the top slope of the Bluewater uranium mill tailings deposit cover, comprising, in particular, construction of a new disposal cell spillway, among others.
> Download: DOE LM letter to NRC, Sep. 23, 2020 (PDF)

Uranium plumes in groundwater extending beyond Bluewater uranium mill tailings site remain unchanged, DOE report finds

In February 2019, DOE reported that in 2017 the "interpreted extent" of the uranium plumes in the San Andres-Glorieta (SAG) aquifer and in the alluvial aquifer was similar to 2013. DOE concludes that the SAG uranium plume "does not appear" to pose public health and safety concerns, and, that DOE continues to comply with the NRC-approved health-based standard of 0.44 mg/L at the respective Bluewater point-of-exposure (POE) wells.
> Download: DOE cover letter Mar. 20, 2019 (142kB PDF)
> Download: 2017 Uranium Plumes in the San Andres-Glorieta and Alluvial Aquifers at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site , U.S. DOE Legacy Management, February 2019 (34.2MB PDF)

Continuing settling observed at Bluewater uranium mill tailings deposit cover raises concerns over UMTRA disposal cell design

A topographic survey performed on the Bluewater uranium mill tailings deposit in 2016 revealed that the entire top slope has settled since the cell was completed in 1995. The top slope continues to settle, but at a decreasing rate. Precipitation runoff ponds in depressions on the north portion of the top slope. There is no evidence that top slope runoff has ever spilled over the north edge of the top slope as originally designed. The largest pond to date has been approximately 4.3 million gallons [16,277 cubic metres].
Based on these observations, DOE raises concern about restoring the top slope to the design grade:
"The disposal cell was designed to allow all runoff on the top slope of the disposal cell to spill evenly over the north edge of the top slope. Erosion protection of the top slope and side slopes was designed in accordance with UMTRCA Title I requirements. The adequacy of the design should be evaluated against subsequent design requirements for UMTRCA Title II disposal cells.
No spillage has occurred to date because all runoff water is captured in depressions that have formed on the north portion of the top slope. Therefore, the top slope is not functioning as designed.
The top slope should not be restored to the original design grade at this time because settlement continues to occur. The added weight of cover materials necessary to bring the top slope back to design grade could cause settlement to occur at a faster rate or to a greater degree.
The greatest concern with restoring the top slope to its original design grade is the design itself. Runoff water, either as overflow of a pond or from a direct precipitation event (assuming the cover is regraded to prevent ponding), will begin to spill at the lowest point (or points) along the north edge of the top slope. As soon as this occurs, the compacted soil surface under the rock cover will likely erode at the spill point. Erosion would accelerate as all runoff spills over at that point. Assuming 7.1 million gallons [26,876 cubic metres] of water in the largest possible pond spilled over, or assuming a probable maximum precipitation event occurs, erosion at the spill point would be expected to cut through the soil containment dike and eventually expose and transport tailings materials." [emphasis added]
DOE rather proposes a number of other options that should be considered in lieu of restoring the top slope to its design grade.
> Download: Evaluation of Disposal Cell Topography Using LiDAR Surveys, Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site , U.S. Department of Energy, Legacy Management, October 2016, with DOE cover letter dated March 31, 2017 (first released by NRC on Mar. 30, 2018)

Uranium plume in groundwater leaving the former Bluewater uranium mill site "does not present an imminent or foreseeable risk to community water systems", DOE report

Site Status Report: Groundwater Flow and Contaminant Transport in the Vicinity of the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, LMS/BLU/S11381, November 2014, U.S. Department of Energy, Legacy Management
> Download: Part 1 · Part 2 · Part 3 · Part 4 · Part 5 · / · Plate 1 · Plate 2 · Plate 3 · Plate 4 · Plate 5 · Plate 6 · Plate 7

Contaminated San Andres/Glorieta aquifer groundwater is leaving the former Bluewater uranium mill site

"Bedrock wells 11(SG), 13(SG), 14(SG), 15(SG), 16(SG), and 18(SG) were installed in summer 2012; [...] uranium concentrations in downgradient wells 13(SG) [0.116 mg/L] and 18(SG) [0.207 mg/L], located along the site boundary, substantially exceed the UMTRCA MCL. Therefore, contaminated San Andres/Glorieta aquifer groundwater is leaving the site" [emphasis added]
(Data Validation Package, November 2012 Water Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, February 2013, LMS/BLU/S01112)

"[...] the uranium concentrations in downgradient wells 13(SG) [0.106 mg/L] and 18(SG) [0.212 mg/L], located along the site boundary, substantially exceed the UMTRCA MCL. Therefore, contaminated San Andres/Glorieta aquifer groundwater is leaving the site [...]."
(Data Validation Package, January 2013 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, April 2013, LMS/BLU/S00113)

"[...] the uranium concentrations in downgradient wells 13(SG) [0.123 mg/L] and 18(SG) [0.232 mg/L], located along the site boundary, continue to exceed the UMTRCA MCL. Therefore, San Andres/Glorieta aquifer groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site [...]."
(Data Validation Package, May 2013 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, August 2013, LMS/BLU/S00513)

"[...] the uranium concentrations in downgradient wells 13(SG) [0.0985 mg/L] and 18(SG) [0.127 mg/L], located along the site boundary, continue to exceed the UMTRCA MCL. The uranium concentration in HMC-951 [offsite, 0.0313 mg/L] exceeded the New Mexico drinking water standard of 0.03 mg/L. Therefore, San Andres/Glorieta aquifer groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site [...]."
(Data Validation Package, November 2013 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, February 2014, LMS/BLU/S01113)

"[...] the uranium concentrations in downgradient wells 13(SG) [0.108 mg/L] and 18(SG) [0.134 mg/L], located along the site boundary, continue to exceed the UMTRCA MCL and the New Mexico drinking water standard. The uranium concentration at the sampled depth in POE [point-of-exposure] well I(SG) [0.288 mg/L] also exceeded these standards. The uranium concentration in HMC-951 [0.0317 mg/L] exceeded the New Mexico drinking water standard. Therefore, San Andres aquifer groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site [...]"
(Data Validation Package, April 2014 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, September 2014, LMS/BLU/S00414)

"[...] the uranium concentrations in downgradient wells 13(SG) [0.10 mg/L] and 18(SG) [0.22 mg/L], located along the site boundary, continue to exceed the UMTRCA MCL and the New Mexico drinking water standard. The uranium concentration at the sampled depth in POE [point-of-exposure] well I(SG) [0.32 mg/L] also exceeded these standards. The uranium concentration in HMC-951 [0.02 mg/L] was equal to the New Mexico drinking water standard. These results indicate San Andres aquifer groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site [...]"
(Data Validation Package, May 2016 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, September 2016, LMS/BLU/S00516)

Contaminated alluvial groundwater is leaving the former Bluewater uranium mill site

"New alluvium well 21(M) is located adjacent to the southern site boundary [...]. The concentrations in the new wells are below their respective ACLs [...]. However, the uranium concentration [of 0.13 mg/L] in well 21(M) exceeded the UMTRCA MCL of 0.044 mg/L, and the selenium concentration was equal to the MCL of 0.01 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1). Based on the elevated uranium concentration for this single sampling event, it is possible that contaminated groundwater is leaving the site." [emphasis added]
(2011 Annual Inspection and Monitoring Report for Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Title II Disposal Sites, December 2011)

"The uranium concentrations in the new wells are below the ACL [...]. However, the uranium concentrations in both wells [...] continue to exceed the UMTRCA MCL of 0.044 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1). Based on the elevated uranium concentration in well 21(M), contaminated groundwater is apparently leaving the site." [emphasis added]
(2012 Annual Inspection and Monitoring Report for Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Title II Disposal Sites, November 2012)

"The uranium concentration was 0.134 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in POE well X(M), and was 0.132 mg/L in well 21(M); both concentrations exceed the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 0.044 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1). Therefore, contaminated alluvial groundwater is leaving the site [...]." [emphasis added]
(Data Validation Package, November 2012 Water Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, February 2013, LMS/BLU/S01112)

"The uranium concentration was 0.139 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in POE well X(M), and was 0.128 mg/L in well 21(M); both concentrations exceed the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 0.044 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1). Therefore, contaminated alluvial groundwater is leaving the site [...]."
(Data Validation Package, January 2013 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, April 2013, LMS/BLU/S00113)

"The uranium concentration was 0.148 milligrams per liter (mg/L) in well 21(M), which exceeds the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 0.044 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1). Therefore, alluvial groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site [...]."
(Data Validation Package, May 2013 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, August 2013, LMS/BLU/S00513)

"The uranium concentration was 0.137 milligram per liter (mg/L) in well 21(M), and was 0.145 mg/L in point-of-exposure (POE) well X(M); these results exceed the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 0.044 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1). Therefore, alluvial groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site [...]"
(Data Validation Package, November 2013 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, February 2014, LMS/BLU/S01113)

"The uranium concentration was 0.137 mg/L in well 21(M), and was 0.121 mg/L in point-of exposure (POE) well X(M); these results exceed the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 0.044 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1) and the New Mexico drinking water standard of 0.03 mg/L. Therefore, alluvial groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site [...]"
(Data Validation Package, April 2014 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, September 2014, LMS/BLU/S00414)

"[...] the uranium concentration was 0.13 mg/L in well 21(M), and was 0.11 mg/L in point-of-exposure (POE) well X(M); these results exceed the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 0.044 mg/L (40 CFR 192, Table 1) and the New Mexico drinking water standard of 0.03 mg/L. [...] These results indicate alluvial groundwater with elevated uranium is leaving the site. [...]"
(Data Validation Package, May 2016 Groundwater Sampling at the Bluewater, New Mexico, Disposal Site, September 2016, LMS/BLU/S00516)

Uranium concentrations in groundwater at former Bluewater mill site exceed standard

On March 1, 2011, U.S. DOE issued to NRC a Notification of Alternate Concentration Limit Exceedance at the Bluewater, New Mexico, UMTRCA Title II Disposal Site.
The uranium concentration for a sample collected on November 9, 2010, was 0.557 mg/L, while the alternate concentration limit (ACL) is 0.44 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
On Aug. 31, 2011, U.S. DOE provided a Proposed Evaluative Monitoring Work Plan to determine the cause of the uranium Alternate Concentration Limit exceedance.
According to the 2011 Annual Inspection and Monitoring Report for Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Title II Disposal Sites, the uranium concentration for the confirmatory sample collected in April 2011 was 0.525 mg/L, and the July 2011 result was 0.530 mg/L.
According to the 2012 Annual Inspection and Monitoring Report for Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act Title II Disposal Sites, the uranium concentration for the sample collected in May 2012 had increased further to 0.55 mg/L.

Uranium concentrations in monitoring well at former Bluewater mill site expected to exceed standard soon

"The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been sampling the point-of-compliance (POC) monitoring wells at the Bluewater, New Mexico, disposal site since 1999 in accordance with the Long-Term Surveillance Plan. [...] To date, no monitored constituents have exceeded an approved alternate concentration limit (ACL). However, uranium concentrations in the alluvium POC well T(M) have been trending upward and have increased substantially in the past couple of years [...]. The most recent result from a sample collected on November 10, 2009, was 0.41 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The trend suggests that the ACL of 0.44 mg/L may be exceeded in the very near future."
DOE "strongly suspects" that a nearby production well used for Homestake's Grants uranium mill tailings reclamation project is negatively impacting the groundwater system at the Bluewater site.

> Download DOE letter to NRC, May 26, 2010 (ADAMS Acc. No. ML101620158)

License Termination

(Oct.3, 1997) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has granted the request of Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) to terminate its license for a uranium mill site near Grants, New Mexico, and has placed the site under the custody and long-term care of the Department of Energy, which is now the licensee for the site.
> View NRC press release No. 97-146
> See also Notice in Federal Register Vol.62 p. 51914 (Oct. 3, 1997), (Notice of placing the Bluewater uranium mill and tailings disposal site near Grants, New Mexico, in the custody and long-term care of the U.S. Department of Energy under the general licensing provisions of 10 CFR part 40.28; and notice of opportunity for a hearing.)

United Nuclear St. Anthony uranium mine, Cibola County (New Mexico)

Mine Permit MK006RE

> View: Pending and Approved Mine Applications: Regular - Existing: St. Anthony Mine, Closeout Plan (NM EMNRD)

Aerial view: Google Maps · MSRMaps

 

United Nuclear seeks weakened groundwater standards for decommissioning of former St. Anthony uranium mine

At the Public Meeting scheduled for July 11, 2017, the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) is to decide on United Nuclear's 'Petition for Alternative Abatement Standards for the Former St. Anthony Mine'.
> View: Pleadings Log, in the matter of: the petiton for alternative abatement standards for the former St. Anthony mine, Cibola county in the state of New Mexico (Water Quality Control Commission, New Mexico Environment Department)

 

St. Anthony Mine Closeout Plan, January 2006 (8M PDF, EMNRD)

Southwest Resources Inc. Section 12 uranium mine, McKinley County (New Mexico)

Permit MK046RE

> View: Pending and Approved Mine Applications: Regular - Existing: Section 12 Mine (NM EMNRD)

 

EMNRD issues Draft Reclamation Plan for Section 12 uranium mine

> Download: Draft Final Reclamation Plan, Section 12 Mine, Southwest Resources Inc. , Feb. 19, 2020 (23.7MB PDF - EMNRD)

EMNRD issues Order of Abatement on Consent re reclamation of Section 12 uranium mine

> Download: Director's Order of Abatement on Consent with Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in the Matter of Southwest Resources Inc.'s Section 12 Mine , Jan. 14, 2020 (3.3MB PDF - EMNRD)
> See also: Joint Guidance for the Cleanup and Reclamation of Existing Uranium Mining Operations in New Mexico , March 2016 (297kB PDF - EMNRD)

EMNRD issues Draft Conceptual Reclamation Plan for Section 12 uranium mine

> Download: Draft Conceptual Reclamation Plan, Section 12 Mine, McKinley County, New Mexico , June 28, 2019 (10.5MB PDF - EMNRD)

Rio Algom Ambrosia Lake Old Stope Leaching, McKinley County, New Mexico

Permit: MK009RE

> View: Pending and Approved Mine Applications: Regular - Existing, Rio Algom Old Stope Leach Permit (NM EMNRD)

 

Reclamation of uranium mining legacy in Ambrosia Lake Valley complicated by historic use of stope leaching, heap leaching, and tailings backfill: On Mar. 22, 2022, Rio Algom Mining LLC supplied NRC with an overview of past uranium recovery processes beyond uranium milling that have been used in the Ambrosia Lake Valley, namely:

  1. Mine water uranium recovery/treatment via IX [ion exchange]
  2. Mine stope leaching with chemically fortified mine water
  3. Backfilling of stopes with classified or unclassified uranium mill tailings ("sandfilling")
  4. Heap leaching
> Download: Summary of Select Historical Uranium Recovery Processes at In-Scope Mines in the Ambrosia Lake Valley , RIO ALGOM MINING LLC - Ambrosia Lake Valley, McKinley County, NM, Mar. 21, 2022

EMNRD invites commment on Interim Closure/Closeout Plan for Rio Algom Ambrosia Lake Old Stope Leaching:
On Sep. 11, 2019, EMNRD opened a 30-day comment period for the Interim Closure/Closeout Plan.
> Download: Interim Closure/Closeout Plan , June 27, 2019 (8.2MB PDF)

Quivira Mining Ambrosia Lake uranium mill site, McKinley County, New Mexico

> View extra page

United Nuclear North East Church Rock and Section 27 uranium mines, McKinley County (New Mexico)

Section 27 Mine: Permit MK005RE
North East Church Rock Mine: Permit MK004R

Aerial View: Google Maps · MSRMaps
> View: Pending and Approved Mine Applications: Regular - Existing, Section 27 Mine Modification 11-1 (NM EMNRD)

 

Insurer must pay United Nuclear Corp. US$ 9.6 million for cleanup of Northeast Church Rock uranium mine

A New Mexico state court jury rendered a verdict awarding $9.6 million to United Nuclear Corp., a former uranium miner, which was seeking coverage for remediation and other costs from Lloyd's of London underwriting syndicates.
"The verdict was the first in New Mexico in favor of a policyholder against its insurers in connection with the environmental cleanup of a former uranium mine," attorney Keith Lynott [...], lead counsel for United Nuclear, said in an email this week. "This bodes well for other owners and operators of uranium mines throughout New Mexico that seek to establish coverage under liability policies they purchased in the 1960s and 1970s."
The McKinley County jury reached its verdict on Jan. 30. Besides awarding United Nuclear the $9.6 million in past investigation and remediation costs incurred in connection with the closed Northeast Church Rock uranium mine near Gallup, New Mexico, the jury also determined the company is entitled to coverage for its future cleanup costs under all of the policies it purchased from Lloyd's and the other London market insurers, covering nine annualized periods from 1965 to 1973, Mr. Lynott said. (Business Insurance Feb. 13, 2015)

 

Cleanup of contaminated soil begins near abandoned Northeast Church Rock and Quivira Mines

This month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is beginning three uranium mine clean up actions on the Navajo Nation. [...]
North of Church Rock, EPA will oversee work by General Electric/United Nuclear Corporation and Rio Algom Mining to clean up soils and a road located near the Northeast Church Rock Mine, the largest underground uranium mine in the U.S, and the Quivira mine which is located approximately 1/4 mile to the northeast. The UNC mine was operated from 1967 to 1984 and produced approximately 9.8 million pounds of uranium [3,769 t U]. The Quivira Mine was operated between 1976 and 1985 and produced 3.1 million pounds of uranium [1,192 t U]. This fall's $4 million dollar work at the two areas near the Northeast Church Rock and Quivira mines precedes a larger $44 million cleanup of the Northeast Church Rock Mine expected to begin in 2016, contingent upon federal agency approvals. (EPA Region 9, Sep. 18, 2012)

 

Relocation of contaminated soil from Northeast Church Rock Mine to Church Rock tailings site

> See also: Disposal of contaminated soil from the North East Church Rock Mine site on top of the existing Church Rock uranium mill tailings disposal cell

EPA announces Proposed Plan for relocation of contaminated soil from Northeast Church Rock Mine to Church Rock tailings site The relocation of 1 million cubic yards of contaminated soil from the Northeast Church Rock Mine site to the Church Rock tailings site would cost US$ 41.5 million and take 4 years.
Submit comments by September 21, 2012.
> Download Surface Soil Operable Unit Proposed Plan, United Nuclear Corporation Superfund Site, July 20, 2012 (1.2M PDF - EPA Region 6)

EPA announces plan to clean up Northeast Church Rock Mine - largest abandoned uranium mine on the Navajo Nation On Sep. 29, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has approved a plan and committed to clean up the Northeast Church Rock Mine, the largest and highest priority uranium mine on the Navajo Nation. The cleanup will include removal of approximately 1.4 million short tons of radium and uranium contaminated soil. The cleanup will place the contaminated soil in a lined, capped facility ... on top of the existing Church Rock uranium mill tailings disposal cell. The multi-year cleanup will be conducted in several phases. The cleanup will allow unrestricted surface use of the mine site for grazing and housing. (EPA Sep. 29, 2011)
> View Addressing Uranium Contamination in the Navajo Nation: Northeast Church Rock Mine (NECR) (EPA Region 9 Superfund)

 

State approves clean-up for closed Section 27 uranium mine

The Mining and Minerals Division approved the reclamation plan for the closed uranium mine Section 27 Mine, once operated by the United Nuclear Corporation of Gallup, New Mexico.
The Section 27 Mine is located in McKinley County, 35 miles north of Grants, in the Ambrosia Lake District. The inactive, former underground uranium mine includes about nine acres of surface disturbance that requires reclamation including two mine shafts, three vent holes, and a number of non-economic ore piles, waste rock piles and topsoil stockpiles. The mine operated during the early to mid 1970's and has been inactive since 1977. United Nuclear Corporation plans to perform the reclamation during 2010. The reclamation plan will include the sealing of the shafts and vent holes, encapsulation of non-economic ore piles, regrading and covering old rock piles with three feet of topsoil, followed by revegetation with native plants, and addressing radiation hazards at the mine site.

> Download EMNRD release Oct. 30, 2009 (PDF)

EPA settlement requires United Nuclear Corporation to clean up additional soil released from Northeast Church Rock Mine

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency settled with United Nuclear Corporation and General Electric, UNC's indirect parent corporation, requiring the companies to immediately clean up a portion of radium-contaminated soil released from the Northeast Church Rock Mine Site, near Gallup, N.M.
The settlement requires UNC to excavate radium-contaminated soil in an area closest to where people live -- up to Red Water Pond Road -- and provide temporary housing for three homes that are within or adjacent to the area being addressed. UNC will also clear contaminated sediments out of the arroyo or wash. In addition, the companies have agreed to reimburse the EPA up to $1.5 million in past response costs at the mine, and additional costs the EPA may incur later. (EPA July 28, 2009)

EPA releases North East Church Rock mine cleanup plan for public comment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released its proposed cleanup plan for the Northeast Churchrock Mine, kicking off a 30-day public comment period.
EPA's preference for addressing potential exposure risks from radium- and uranium-contaminated soils is to move all the contaminated waste material from the mine to an existing disposal cell at the United Nuclear Corp. mill site or to a newly constructed cell at the UNC mill facility. Any cell would be lined and capped and would receive long-term monitoring. The waste would include ore, waste rock, buildings, foundations, adjacent soil and contaminated sediment.
Waste with a high concentration of radium and uranium would be transported to an off-site licensed disposal facility such as the one at Grandview, Idaho.
Once the waste has been removed, the mine site would be restored for livestock grazing, according to EPA. (Gallup Independent June 15, 2009)
The public comment period has been extended to September 9, 2009.

> Download related EPA Region 9 Superfund documents :

> See also Northeast Church Rock EECA - Emails and Attachments (NRC ADAMS Acc. No. ML091680255)

EPA to clean up residential properties contaminated from former Northeast Church Rock uranium mine site

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, will begin cleaning up radium-contaminated soil the second week in May 2007 at five residential properties in the Coyote Canyon Chapter of the Navajo Nation, near Gallup, New Mex.
The EPA believes rain and flash floods likely washed contaminated soils from the former Northeast Church Rock uranium mine site into an unnamed arroyo and ultimately onto the residential properties. The area's prevailing winds are also believed to have transported contaminated dust from the mine site.
The 125-acre Northeast Church Rock Mine site operated from approximately 1967 to 1982, and includes two underground uranium shafts, waste piles, several surface ponds, buried waste and sand fill areas. (EPA Region 9, May 1, 2007)

EPA settles with United Nuclear to investigate contamination at former Church Rock uranium mine and mill site

On Sep. 28, 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached an agreement with the United Nuclear Corporation requiring the company to further investigate contamination related to its historic uranium mining and processing operations at the Northeast Church Rock Mine site located on the Navajo Nation, approximately 16 miles northeast of Gallup, New Mex.
Under the agreement, the company is required to investigate site and facility-related contamination, including an unnamed arroyo, and take radiation and soil samples. The company must also replace an inadequate fence that currently allows individuals and livestock to enter areas of potential contamination.
The EPA will evaluate the results of the investigation and consult with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency on any cleanup plans. The EPA will then attempt to reach a separate settlement with United Nuclear Corporation in which the company would clean up the area and pay for past costs related to the site.
In January 2006, the EPA detected elevated levels of alpha radiation at the site and radium-226 in the surface soils. Residences to the northeast of the mine permit area may have been affected by releases of hazardous substances and contaminants transported by wind, historic dewatering of mining operations, and runoff during snow, rain and flood events. (EPA Region 9, Sep. 28, 2006)

United Nuclear submits reclamation plans for Church Rock uranium mines

22 years after shutdown, United Nuclear Corp. has submitted reclamation plans for the 137-acre [55 ha] Northeast Church Rock Mine and the 14-acre [5.6 ha] Section 27 Mine. The sites would be reseeded, revegetated, and have all mine shafts closed. The UNC proposals are being reviewed by the Mining and Minerals Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and by the state Environment Department. (AP Feb. 21, 2004)

> Download Reclamation Plans: EMNRD

United Nuclear Church Rock uranium mill and mill tailings, McKinley County (New Mexico)

> View extra page

> View background information on Uranium Mill Tailings Management - USA

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