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Salt Lake City Mill 11 e.(2) Disposal Site South Clive Disposal Cell (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site 11 e.(2) Disposal Site (page 3) Site Size- 14.6 hectares (36.2 acres) Current Landlord- Envirocare of Utah Expected Future Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy (Atlas) Moab Mill (page 5) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring; groundwater monitoring; access restrictions; erosion control Site Size- 162 hectares (400 acres) Start/End Years- yet to be determined Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2005-2006- $16,500 (EFN) White Mesa Site (page 9) Site Size- 202 hectares (500 acres) Current Landlord -International Uranium Corporation Expected Future Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Green River Site (page 13) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring; groundwater monitoring; access restrictions; inspections; maintenance Site Size- 10 hectares (25 acres) Start/End Years - engineered unit - 1989/in perpetuity, groundwater- 2009-2018 Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006- $88,300 Utah Long-Term Stewardship Site Highlights Mexican Hat Site (page 17) Major Activities - groundwater monitoring; disposal cell monitoring Site Size- 48 hectare (119 acre) Start/End Years - disposal cell1997 - in perpetuity; groundwater 1999-2004 Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006- $139,000 Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties (page 23) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring; institutional control enforcement; supplemental standards area monitoring; groundwater monitoring Site Size- 2,300 hectares (5, 700 acres) Start/End Years- 2001/in perpetuity Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006- $286,000 (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site (page 33) Total Site Area· unknown Current Landlord- U.S. Energy Corporation through its subsidiary, Plateau Resources Limited Expected Future Landlord· U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Mexican Hat Site Green River Site (Atlas) Moab Mill (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties (EFN) White Mesa Site (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site (page 37) Site Size- 130 hectares (330 acres) Current Landlord- Rio Algom through its subsidiary, Rio Algom Mining Corporation Expected Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Salt Lake City Mill (page 41) Major Activities- groundwater monitoring; land use restrictions; record keeping Site Size Area- 52 hectares (128 acres) Start-End Years -1989-2004 Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006- $25,000 South Clive Disposal Cell (page 45) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring Site Size- 40 hectares (99 acres) Start/End Years -1997/in perpetuity Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006- $32,342
Transcript
Page 1: Utah

Salt Lake City Mill

11 e.(2) Disposal Site

South Clive Disposal Cell

(Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site

11 e.(2) Disposal Site (page 3) Site Size- 14.6 hectares (36.2 acres) Current Landlord- Envirocare of Utah Expected Future Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy

(Atlas) Moab Mill (page 5) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring; groundwater monitoring; access restrictions; erosion control Site Size- 162 hectares (400 acres) Start/End Years- yet to be determined Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2005-2006-$16,500

(EFN) White Mesa Site (page 9) Site Size- 202 hectares (500 acres) Current Landlord -International Uranium Corporation Expected Future Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office

Green River Site (page 13) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring; groundwater monitoring; access restrictions; inspections; maintenance Site Size- 10 hectares (25 acres) Start/End Years - engineered unit - 1989/in perpetuity, groundwater- 2009-2018 Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006-$88,300

Utah

Long-Term Stewardship Site Highlights

Mexican Hat Site (page 17) Major Activities - groundwater monitoring; disposal cell monitoring Site Size- 48 hectare (119 acre) Start/End Years - disposal cell1997 - in perpetuity; groundwater 1999-2004 Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006-$139,000

Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties (page 23) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring; institutional control enforcement; supplemental standards area monitoring; groundwater monitoring Site Size- 2,300 hectares (5, 700 acres) Start/End Years- 2001/in perpetuity Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006-$286,000

(Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site (page 33) Total Site Area· unknown Current Landlord- U.S. Energy Corporation through its subsidiary, Plateau Resources Limited Expected Future Landlord· U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office

Mexican Hat Site

Green River Site

(Atlas) Moab Mill

(Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site

Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties

(EFN) White Mesa Site

(Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site (page 37) Site Size- 130 hectares (330 acres) Current Landlord- Rio Algom through its subsidiary, Rio Algom Mining Corporation Expected Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office

Salt Lake City Mill (page 41) Major Activities- groundwater monitoring; land use restrictions; record keeping Site Size Area- 52 hectares (128 acres) Start-End Years -1989-2004 Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006-$25,000

South Clive Disposal Cell (page 45) Major Activities- disposal cell monitoring Site Size- 40 hectares (99 acres) Start/End Years -1997/in perpetuity Estimated Average Annual Cost FY 2000-2006-$32,342

Page 2: Utah
Page 3: Utah

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

11e.(2) Disposal Site ..................................................................... 3

(Atlas) Moab Mill ....................................................................... 5

(EFN) White Mesa Site ................................................................... 9

Green River Site ........................................................................ 13

Mexican Hat Site ....................................................................... 17

Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties ................................................. 23

(Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site .......................................................... 33

(Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site ........................................................... 37

Salt Lake City Mill ..................................................................... 41

South Clive Disposal Cell ................................................................ 45

Utah 1

Page 4: Utah

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

Utah 2

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lle.(2) Disposal Site

lle.(2) DISPOSAL SITE1

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

Envirocare of Utah, which is a commercial low-level waste disposal site, contains within its boundaries a disposal cell for byproduct material defined under the Atomic Energy Act, as amended. This disposal cell, known as the "11e.(2) Disposal Site," is located approximately 137 kilometers (85 miles) west of Salt Lake City and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of U.S. Interstate 80 in Tooele County, Utah. The disposal cell is currently 14.6 hectares (36.2 acres), but could ultimately be 37.1 hectares (91.7 acres) and hold up to 4.2 million cubic meters (5.5 million cubic yards) of waste.

Envirocare of Utah owns a license to receive, store, and dispose of 11e.(2) byproduct material onsite. 11e.(2) byproduct material is defined by law under Section 11e.(2) of the Atomic Energy Act, as amended by Title II of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978, as: tailings or waste produced by the extraction or concentration of uranium or thorium from any ore processed primarily for its source material (i.e., uranium or thorium) content. A portion of the material disposed at the lle.(2) Disposal Site originated from the removal of waste from sites remediated under the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP).

To date, approximately 900,000 cubic meters (one million cubic yards) of material have been disposed in the cell. The active portion of the cell occupies 10 hectares (24.9 acres) and a cap has been placed over 4.6 hectares (11.3 acres). The disposal cell lies in a flat ancient lake bed along the eastern edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert, which extends approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Nevada/Utah border. The surrounding area is sparsely

SITE HIGHLIGHTS

Total Site Area- 14.6 hectares (36.2 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants-900,000 cubic meters (1 million cubic yards) Current Landlord- Envirocare of Utah Expected Future Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy

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1This report is developed in response to a Congressional request in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As requested by the Act, this report addresses current and anticipated long­term stewardship activities at each site or portion of a site by the end of calendar year 2006 ("Conference Report on S.l059, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000," Congressional Record, August 5, 1999).

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Based on current planning, the lle.(2) Disposal Site is not expected to require long-term stewardship until after 2006, and for this reason the site is not the primary focus of this report. This brief summary of the site cleanup activities is provided for background information and potential future long-term stewardship activities. (See Section 3.2 of Volume I).

Utah 3

Page 6: Utah

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

populated, with the nearest residences at least 48 kilometers (30 miles) from the site. Roads in the area are used for recreation and for access to military firing ranges south of the site. Vegetation in the area is sparse, and the semi-arid low shrub land is used primarily for grazing.

For additional information about the lle.(2) Disposal Site, please contact:

Envirocare of Utah, Inc. Suite 116 46 W. Broadway Salt Lake City, UT 84101-2019 Phone: 801-532-1330

Utah 4

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(Atlas) Moab Mill

(ATLAS) MOAB MILL

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The (Atlas) Moab Mill is the location of a former uranium milling site that operated from 1956 until1988. The site is located on 162 hectares (400 acres) of land on the northwest shore of the Colorado River in Grand County, Utah, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the city of Moab. Adjacent to the mill on the north and west are U.S. Highway 191 and Utah Highway 279, respectively. Arches National Park is north of the site across U.S. Highway 191. The Rio Grande Railroad traverses a small section of the property, just west of Highway 279. Milling operations at the site created uranium mill tailings and other process-related wastes, which occupy approximately 53 hectares (130 acres) of the site and are located about 230 meters (750 feet) from the Colorado River.

The current mission of the (Atlas) Moab Mill site has been modified by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2001. The U.S.

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities -yet to be determined Total Site Area- 162 hectares (400 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants­groundwater unknown; surface water unknown; soil unknown Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- yet to be determined* Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Cost FY 2005-2006- $16,500 Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office *The long-term stewardship start and end years will depend on the remedial action selected and completion date. Long­term stewardship activities are not expected to begin until after 2006.

Department of Energy (DOE) will be responsible for conducting long-term stewardship activities at the site, if any are necessary.

In the NDAA forFY 2001, the (Atlas) Moab Mill site'sremediation schedule and plans were changed. To satisfy the site's remediation procedures in the NDAA for FY 2001, DOE must prepare a remediation plan for the site, in accordance with Title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA), that includes considering the relocation of the mill tailings and contaminated media to an offsite disposal cell (most likely a disposal cell constructed specifically to contain the remediated materials from the (Atlas) Moab Mill site) and restoration of the groundwater. As part of the development of this remediation plan, DOE must cooperate with the National Academy of Sciences and thoughtfully consider its recommendations on various remedial alternatives. Also, DOE will develop, in consultation with the Trustee, NRC, and the State of Utah, an efficient and legal means for transferring all responsibilities and title of the (Atlas) Moab Mill site, and all the materials therein, from the Trustee to DOE. This remediation plan must be completed no later than one year after the date of the enactment of the NDAA for FY 2001; and DOE must begin remedial action at the site as soon as practicable after the completion of the plan.

The license for the materials at the (Atlas) Moab Mill site, issued by NRC, will terminate one year after the date ofthe enactment of the NDAA for FY 2001, unless DOE determines that the license can be terminated earlier. Until the license is terminated, the Trustee, subject to the availability of funds appropriated specifically for the site's remediation or the funds made available by the Trustee from the site's trust, may carry out (1) interim measures to reduce or eliminate the localized high ammonia concentrations in the Colorado River; (2) activities to dewater the mill tailings at the site; and (3) other activities related to the site, subject to the authority of the NRC and in consultation with DOE.

The historical mission of the uranium milling site was to process uranium for sale to the U.S. Government and

Utah 5

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

other industries. More than half of the uranium produced at the site was used to support the U.S. Government national defense program. The Uranium Reduction Company (URC) built the (Atlas) Moab Mill and began operations in October 1956. Atlas Corporation purchased the site from URC in 1962 and operated the mill until 1984. The majority of the ore processed at the (Atlas) Moab Mill was transported to the mill from the Big Indian Uranium District, approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) to the southeast. The ore was ground to a sufficiently fine consistency to allow efficient chemical reactions to occur, and was then processed, using either the acid-leach or alkaline-leach process. After milling, the combined waste slurry from both processes was pumped into the tailings impoundment.

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

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Contamination at the (Atlas) Moab Mill resulted from the previous uranium milling operations conducted by URC and Atlas Corporation. Approximately 10,500,000 tons (Atlas) Moab Mill

of uranium mill tailings are currently located on the site. In addition to the tailings, soil and building debris are contaminated with uranium, radium, and thorium.

In 1988, the Atlas Corporation began decommissioning the site and constructing an interim cover for the tailings disposal area. The former mill was decommissioned and the wastes were consolidated under an interim cover that was completed in 1995. In 1998, the Atlas Corporation declared bankruptcy. As a result ofthe bankruptcy proceedings, the Moab Uranium Mill Site Transfer Agreement was established, which provided for the transfer of the site's NRC license to a trustee that was to be responsible for completing the site's remediation. In January 2000, PricewaterhouseCoopers was selected as the trustee and agreed to oversee and ensure that remediation of the (Atlas) Moab Mill was completed in accordance with the conditions of the NRC license and the site's transfer agreement. However, as stated above, the Trustee will relinquish all responsibility to DOE within one year of enactment of the NDAA for FY 2001.

Groundwater at the site is contaminated with radioactive materials, including radium and uranium, and nitrogen compounds from the uranium ore processing. The Colorado River is contaminated with localized, high concentrations of ammonia. The initial monitoring program of water resources at and around the site began in 1976, after approximately 20 years of mill operation. The monitoring program was designed to collect surface water samples from the Colorado River and groundwater samples from the alluvial aquifer situated beneath the tailings impoundment. NRC has indicated that remediating contaminated groundwater will require a substantially longer period of time than will be involved in the surface reclamation of the mill tailings.

Utah 6

Page 9: Utah

(Atlas) Moab Mill

2.0 SITE-WIDE LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP

2.1 Long-Term Stewardship Activities

The DOE Grand Junction Office will be responsible for performing long-term stewardship activities at the (Atlas) Moab Mill site, if any are required. The types of long-term stewardship activities that may be needed at the site will not be known until the site's remediation plan is prepared and the remedial action is completed. DOE provides a 24-hour phone line for reporting site concerns.

Site records will be kept in permanent storage at the DOE Grand Junction Office in Colorado. The types of records that will be maintained include site characterization data, remedial action design information, the radiological assessment, long-term monitoring plans, annual inspection reports, and current and historic monitoring data.

2.2 Specific Long-Term Stewardship Activities

Groundwater

The groundwater is expected to require annual monitoring. The specific monitoring requirements will be prescribed in the site's long-term surveillance plan that will be developed after remediation is completed, and if long-term stewardship activities are required.

Surface Water/Sediments

STAKEHOWER INVOLVEMENT

DOE will assume the lead role in stakeholder involvement during remedial action as a result of the NDAA for FY 2001. Once remediation is complete, the annual inspection reports for the (Atlas) Moab Mill will be distributed to the local libraries and to any stakeholders requesting them. The reports, once published, will be available on the DOE Grand Junction Office website at www.doegjpo.com.

The surface water may require periodic monitoring if it is not completely cleaned up during the site's remedial action. The specific monitoring requirements will be prescribed in the site's long-term surveillance plan that will be developed after remediation is completed, and if long-term stewardship activities are required.

2.3 Regulatory Regime

The long-term stewardship activities, if required, at the (Atlas) Moab Mill will be governed by several requirements in the following regulations: Title I ofUMTRCA; the Atomic Energy Act; EPA standards, including Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192 Subparts B and C; and the National Environmental Policy Act, as amended.

2.4 Assumptions and Uncertainties

The site's remediation strategy has not yet been selected. DOE assumes that the tailings will be removed to an offsite disposal cell. The costs for conducting long-term stewardship activities at an offsite disposal cell will be similar to other UMTRCA Title II, offsite disposal cells.

The (Atlas) Moab Mill site will undergo groundwater restoration activities for a currently undetermined length of time; after which, the site is expected to be eligible for unrestricted use.

3.0 ESTIMATED LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP COSTS

The cost estimates, identified in the table below, are based on the actual costs of long-term stewardship activities at other similar sites under DOE's management. Actual costs will vary depending upon the groundwater

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

sampling frequency, number of analyses sampled, and the number of sampling points (e.g., wells). Contingency costs, such as cap replacement, have not been incorporated in the cost estimates.

Site Long-Term Stewardship Costs (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount

FY2000 $0 FY2008 $16,500 FY 2036-2040 $81,800

FY 2001 $0 FY 2009 $16,500 FY 2041-2045 $81,800

FY 2002 $0 FY2010 $16,500 FY 2046-2050 $81,800

FY 2003 $0 FY 2011-2015 $78,500 FY 2051-2055 $81,800

FY 2004 $0 FY 2016-2020 $76,400 FY 2056-2060 $81,800

FY 2005 $16,500 FY 2021-2025 $76,600 FY 2061-2065 $81,800

FY 2006 $16,500 FY 2026-2030 $81,000 FY 2066-2070 $81,800

FY 2007 $16,500 FY 2031-2035 $81,800

4.0 FUTURE USES

Assuming that the contaminated materials are relocated to an offsite disposal cell, title to the (Atlas) Moab Mill site will likely be transferred or sold after remediation activities at the site are completed. The future use of the site will depend on the remedial action that is selected in the site's remediation plan, but DOE anticipates that the site will ultimately be remediated to unrestricted use.

The associated, anticipated disposal cell will be a permanent mill tailings repository under DOE ownership with the necessary use restrictions.

For more information about the (Atlas) Moab Mill site, please contact:

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone: 970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

Utah 8

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(EFN) White Mesa Site

(EFN) WHITE MESA SITE1

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The (EFN) White Mesa Site is the location of a currently operating uranium milling site. The site is located in San Juan County, Utah, approximately eight kilometers (five miles) south of Blanding. The (EFN) White Mesa site is currently owned and operated by the International Uranium Corporation (formerly owned and operated by Energy Fuels Nuclear, Inc). The site covers approximately 202 hectares (500 acres).

Once the site is transferred to DOE in 2025, the only site mission will be the long-term surveillance and

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Total Site Area- 202 hectares (500 acres) Current Landlord- International Uranium Corporation Expected Future Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Reason Not Subject to NDAA Requirements - This site is an UMTRCA Title II site that will not be transferred to DOE until 2025

maintenance of the disposal cell. The exact number of acres that will be transferred to DOE has not yet been determined.

The current and historic mission of the site is to extract uranium oxide concentrate (commonly called yellowcake) from uranium ores found in the region. The (EFN) White Mesa Site uranium milling site was constructed in the late 1970s by Energy Fuels Nuclear, Inc. to process uranium ores from the Colorado Plateau. After two- and-a­half years of operation, the mill was shut down. In May 1997, International Uranium Corporation, the current owner and site operator, purchased the mill assets. The mill operated intermittently throughout the 1980s and 1990s and is currently in operation. From its inception through April 1999, the mill processed a total of 3.8 million tons of uranium ore.

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

The International Uranium Corporation will be responsible for conducting all remediation activities at the (EFN) White Mesa site. All contamination at the site will be remediated and disposed of in two onsite disposal cells. Materials and debris associated with the decommissioning of the mill facility will be placed in one of the lined disposal cells. Contaminated soils, crystals, and the synthetic liner from an existing evaporation pond will be consolidated in the other cell, along with offsite soils contaminated by wind-blown mill tailings. When remediation activities are completed, the site will have two disposal cells containing approximately two million cubic meters (2.6 million cubic yards) of uranium mill tailings. The precise size of the disposal cells will not be known until remediation is completed. Once the cells reach capacity, they will be capped with a one-meter (three-foot) layer of soil, followed by a layer of compacted clay and eight-to-20 centimeters (three-to-eight inches) of rock riprap for erosion control. The cells will be designed to limit the infiltration of precipitation,

1This report is developed in response to a Congressional request in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As requested by the Act, this report addresses current and anticipated long­term stewardship activities at each site or portion of a site by the end of calendar year 2006 ("Conference Report on S.l059, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000," Congressional Record, August 5, 1999).

Based on current planning, the (EFN) White Mesa Site is not expected to be transferred to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for long-term stewardship until 2025, and for this reason the site is not the primary focus of this report. This brief summary of the site cleanup activities is provided for background information and potential future long-term stewardship activities. (See Section 3.2 of Volume I).

Utah 9

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

prevent erosion, and control radon gas releases.

No groundwater contamination has been detected by the site's existing groundwater detection monitoring program. Because contamination has not been detected, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Reclamation Plan for the (EFN) White Mesa Site does not require any corrective measures for groundwater.

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2.0 EXPECTED FUTURE USES AND SITE RESPONSIBILITY

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Once the (EFN) White Mesa Site is transferred to DOE in 2025, the DOE Grand Junction Office will be responsible for long-term stewardship activities. The two disposal cells at the site will be similar to other uranium mill tailings disposal cells and will have similar long-term stewardship activities.

Anticipated site-wide long-term stewardship activities include restricting access by fencing and posting warning signs along the site boundary. DOE will repair the fence and replace the signs, as necessary. DOE will staff a 24-hour phone line for reporting site concerns. Drilling and other intrusive activities will be prevented within site boundaries through institutional controls. DOE expects to conduct annual surface inspections to ensure the integrity of the disposal cell covers and other engineered features. Groundwater is likely to be monitored annually as a "best management" practice.

Site records will be placed in permanent storage at the DOE Grand Junction Office in Colorado. The types of records maintained include site characterization data, remedial action design information, the site completion report, long-term monitoring plans, annual inspection reports, and current and historic monitoring data.

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(EFN) White Mesa Site

For additional information about the (EFN) White Mesa Site, please contact:

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone:970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

Utah

Bill Von Till, Project Manager Uranium Recovery and Low-Level Waste Branch U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Stop 7J8 Washington, DC 20555-001 Phone: 301-415-6351 or visit the Internet website at http://www.nrc.gov

11

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

Utah 12

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Green River Site

GREEN RIVER SITE

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The Green River Site is the location of a former uranium milling site that operated between 1958 and 1961. The site covers approximately 10 hectares (25 acres) and is located in Grand County in the east -central portion of Utah. The site is 1.6 kilometers (one mile) southeast of the City of Green River and 113 kilometers (70 miles) west of the Utah-Colorado border. The U.S. Army's White Sands Missile Range, Utah Launch Complex, uses most of the vacant land south and east of the site. Agriculture is the predominant land use in this sparsely populated area.

The milling operations used to process the uranium ore created approximately 292,200 cubic meters (382,000 cubic yards) of process-related waste and uranium mill tailings. The tailings were originally deposited onsite in a two-meter (seven-foot) thick pile covering four hectares (nine acres). The U.S. Department of Energy

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities- disposal cell monitoring; groundwater monitoring; access restrictions; inspections; maintenance Total Site Area- 10 hectares (25 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants­engineered unit 292,200 cubic meters (382,000 cubic yards); groundwater 685,200 cubic meters (181 million gallons) Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- engineered unit- 1998-in perpetuity; groundwater- 2009-2018 Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Cost FY 2000-2006- $88,300 Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office

(DOE) encapsulated the tailings in an engineered disposal cell in 1989.

The current mission of the Green River Site is monitoring and maintaining the onsite disposal cell. The site is subject to Title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA). As such, DOE is responsible for remediation and long-term stewardship activities of the site. DOE began long-term stewardship activities for the engineered unit in 1998.

The historic mission of the Green River site was to provide uranium for the U.S. Government's national defense program. Union Carbide built the uranium processing mill in 1958 and operated it until1961. Later, the mill buildings were used for assembly of missile components for the Utah Launch Complex. The State of Utah acquired ownership of the mill and tailings site in 1988.

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

Remediation of the site involved consolidating and stabilizing the residual radioactive material in a disposal cell at the former processing site and remediating 17 vicinity properties. The State of Utah and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) concurred in DOE's decision to consolidate the tailings onsite in an engineered disposal cell.

Radioactive materials from the original pile, the demolished or decontaminated mill buildings, and contaminated vicinity properties were consolidated into a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-compliant disposal cell. The cell was excavated to bedrock and lined with two meters (six feet) of low-permeability soil. The cell measures 137 meters (449 feet) by 162 meters (532 feet) at the base and rises 13 meters (43 feet) above the surrounding land. Most of the contaminated materials are below grade. Approximately 292,200 cubic meters (382,000 cubic yards) of contaminated materials, including uranium, radium, and thorium, were placed in the 2.5-hectare (six-acre) cell (equivalent to 501,000 dry tons of contaminated material with an estimated activity

Utah 13

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Tenn Stewardship Report

of 30 curies of radium-226). A clay-rich soil layer placed over the contaminated materials extends to the edge of the cell below grade and serves as a low permeability radon barrier. Above grade, the radon barrier is covered by a layer of rock placed on granular bedding material. The cell design promotes rapid precipitation runoff to minimize leachate. Surface remedial action was completed in September 1989.

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Green River Site

Approximately 685,200 cubic meters (181 million gallons) of groundwater in the vicinity of the Green River Site are contaminated with materials generated during uranium ores processing. Uranium processing-related contaminants have been identified in the alluvium and in the upper Cedar Mountain Formation beneath the site. An upward hydraulic gradient prevents these contaminants from migrating into lower strata. Groundwater in these aquifers is not suitable for agricultural or domestic use because of naturally occurring contamination and low water yields. The groundwater is not a current or potential source of drinking water, as defined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192. Therefore, no active groundwater remediation is planned. DOE is currently monitoring groundwater to provide additional characterization and to develop a groundwater compliance strategy for regulatory approval.

2.0 SITE· WIDE LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP

2.1 Long-Term Stewardship Activities

The DOE Grand Junction Office manages the site according to a long-term surveillance plan prepared specifically for the Green River Site. Under provisions of the plan, the Grand Junction Office conducts annual

Utah

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

Community interaction has been minimal since the surface remedial action was completed. Copies of the annual inspection report for Green River Site and other sites are distributed to the local library and to any stakeholders requesting them. The annual inspection reports are also published on the DOE Grand Junction Office website at www.doegjpo.com ..

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Green River Site

inspections of the site to evaluate the condition of surface features. DOE also performs site maintenance, such as fence repair and sign replacements, as necessary. A locked security fence surrounds the perimeter of the cell to control access.

The disposal site is owned by the Federal Government, which controls land use within the site boundaries. DOE performs long-term stewardship activities, as required under the NRC general license (10 CPR 40.27), to maintain protectiveness of the remedy and to ensure compliance with the applicable regulations. A chain- link fence with locked gates restricts access to the disposal cell, and warning signs are posted every 152 meters (500 feet) along the site boundary. DOE staffs a 24-hour phone line for reporting site concerns. Drilling and other intrusive activities are prevented within site boundaries through the use of institutional controls.

DOE maintains and updates specific records and reports required to document the long-term stewardship activities at the Green River Site. DOE submits an annual report to NRC that documents the results of the long­term surveillance plan, as required by NRC regulations in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 27, Appendix A, Criterion 12. Site records are kept in permanent storage at the DOE Grand Junction Office in Colorado and are available for review by the public. The types of records maintained include site characterization data, remedial action design information, the site completion report, long-term monitoring plans, annual inspection reports, and current and historic monitoring data. Real property records are maintained at the DOE Albuquerque Operations Office in New Mexico.

2.2 Specific Long-Term Stewardship Activities

Engineered units

Long-term stewardship activities for the disposal cell include conducting annual inspections to assess the integrity of the cell cover and other engineered features, and ensuring effectiveness of institutional controls. No significant repairs are anticipated for the disposal cell. The Green River Site disposal cell is designed and constructed to last for 200 to 1,000 years. However, DOE's responsibility for the safety and integrity of the Green River Site will continue in perpetuity. Under the provisions of the long-term stewardship plan, DOE will monitor groundwater on a quarterly basis through at least 2001 to demonstrate the effectiveness of the cell in isolating the encapsulated wastes from the groundwater. After 2001, the groundwater monitoring strategy will be reevaluated. It is expected to continue beyond 2001, but at a reduced frequency.

Groundwater

No groundwater remediation occurred at the Green River Site because of the already high levels of naturally occurring constituents in the groundwater. DOE is currently developing a groundwater compliance strategy for regulatory approval. The monitoring frequency and duration will be determined by the compliance strategy. Current planning assumes that DOE will monitor the groundwater once every five years until2018.

2.3 Regulatory Regime

In 1998, the Green River Site came under a general license issued by NRC for custody and long-term care of residual radioactive disposal sites (contained in Title 10 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations, Section 40.27). The purpose of the general license is to ensure that such sites will be cared for in a manner that protects human health and safety and the environment. The general license went into effect when NRC agreed that the site conformed to cleanup standards and formally accepted the site's long-term surveillance plan.

Long-term stewardship activities at the Green River Site are governed by several requirements in the following regulations: UMTRCA; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; EPA Groundwater Protection Standards,

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including Subparts A, B, and C of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 192; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

2.4 Assumptions and Uncertainties

Because long-term stewardship activities have been conducted since 1998, the long-term stewardship activities at the site are well known and are not expected to change dramatically.

DOE expects that the disposal cap will not need to be replaced for a minimum of 200 years. Groundwater and disposal cell monitoring will occur in perpetuity.

3.0 ESTIMATED LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP COSTS

Long-term stewardship costs for the Green River Site are based on historical costs incurred while conducting actual surveillance and maintenance activities. Costs for fiscal years (FY) 2001 through 2006 include prorated costs associated with decommissioning unnecessary monitoring wells at similar sites. Contingency costs, such as cap replacement, have not been incorporated in the cost estimates.

Site Long-Term Stewardship Costs (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount

FY 2000 $41,000 FY 2008 $29,000 FY 2036-2040 $142,400

FY 2001 $105,200 FY 2009 $29,000 FY 2041-2045 $142,200

FY2002 $111,400 FY 2010 $29,000 FY 2046-2050 $142,400

FY 2003 $99,400 FY 2011-2015 $129,700 FY 2051-2055 $142,200

FY 2004 $112,200 FY 2016-2020 $129,600 FY 2056-2060 $142,400

FY 2005 $73,900 FY 2021-2025 $132,800 FY 2061-2065 $142,200

FY 2006 $75,100 FY 2026-2030 $141,000 FY 2066-2070 $142,400

FY 2007 $29,200 FY 2031-2035 $142,200

4.0 FUTURE USES

The future use of the site will be restricted to long-term monitoring and maintenance of the disposal cell in perpetuity.

For more information about the Green River Site, please contact:

Art K1einrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone: 970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

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Mexican Hat Site

MEXICAN HAT SITE

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The Mexican Hat Site is the location of a former uranium processing mill that operated from 1957 until 1965, and a sulfuric acid plant that operated from 1957 to 1970. The site also contains a disposal cell for the uranium mill tailings and other process-related wastes from the former mill at the site and from the Monument Valley Site in Arizona). The Mexican Hat Site is located on Navajo Nation land in San Juan County, Utah, east of U.S. Highway 163. The 48-hectare (119-acre) site lies between the towns of Halchita and Mexican Hat, approximately 13 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of Bluff, Utah, and 16 kilometers (10 miles) north of the Arizona border.

Contamination of the site resulted from previous uranium milling and acid production operations. The

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities -groundwater monitoring; disposal cell monitoring Total Site Area- 48 hectares (119 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants- disposal cell2.66 million cubic meters (3.48 million cubic yards); groundwater 416,400 cubic meters (544,600 cubic yards) Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- disposal cell1997-in perpetuity; groundwater 1999-2004 Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Cost FY 2000-2006-$139,000 Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office; Navajo Nation

milling operations created process-related wastes and tailings. Before remedial action was completed, the site consisted of two tailings piles totaling 29 hectares (72 acres). One covered 10 hectares (25 acres) and the other covered 19 hectares (47 acres). The site also contained seven mill buildings and associated debris, a concrete pad, contaminated soil, and wind-blown material. An estimated 2.2 million cubic meters (2.8 million cubic yards) of contaminated material were contained in these two tailings piles and on an additional! 01 hectares (250 acres) of adjacent land. The contaminated material at this site and contaminated material from the Monument Valley Site was stabilized in a 29-hectare (72-acre) disposal cell at the Mexican Hat Site. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) closed the cell and completed surface remediation of the site in January 1995.

The current mission of the Mexican Hat Site is to perform long-term stewardship activities, including disposal cell monitoring and the groundwater monitoring at the former mill site. The site is subject to Title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA). As such, DOE is responsible for any remediation and long-term stewardship activities. DOE began conducting long-term stewardship activities at the site in 1997.

The historic mission of the Mexican Hat Site was to process uranium for sale to the U.S. Government. The mill at the site was constructed and operated from 1957 to 1963 by Texas-Zinc Minerals Corporation. The Atlas Corporation purchased the mill in 1963 and operated it until it was closed in 1965. When the Atlas lease expired in 1970, control of the site reverted to the Navajo Nation. Much of the ore processed at the Mexican Hat Site came from the White Canyon area of Utah and contained a considerable amount of copper sulfide and other sulfide minerals. During its operation, the uranium mill processed 2.2 million tons of ore and produced 5,700 tons of uranium concentrate.

At the time of the remedial action, the concrete pad for the mill building and several associated buildings and structures (e.g., scale house, office building, and tanks) were left in place. One or two of the smaller buildings appeared to be used for storage, and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority operated a small electrical substation and sewage system (three lagoons) at the site. Access to the site was not restricted; however, the Navajo Environmental Protection Administration has discouraged any activity at the site since 1978.

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~ Groundwater Contamination

0.25 0.5

Miles

To Salt Lake City, UT (-275 miles)

El<tent of Contamination Unknown

Mexican Hat Site

Monument Valley Site (-12 miles)

~

The Mexican Hat Site is also the repository for residual radioactive material from the Monument Valley Site and eleven vicinity properties. The Monument Valley Site's residual radioactive material was transported to the Mexican Hat Site and was placed on top of the residual radioactive material in the disposal cell.

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

The source of contamination at the Mexican Hat Site was the residual tailings that remained after the milling process extracted the uranium. DOE completed surface remedial actions in 1995 under the provisions of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA), in accordance with a remedial action plan approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRC). Remedial action involved consolidation of approximately 2 million cubic meters (2.66 million cubic yards) of residual radioactive material in place at the bottom of what is now the Mexican Hat disposal cell, followed by placement of approximately 703,200 cubic meters (925,200 cubic yards) of residual radioactive material from the Monument Valley Site, for a total of approximately 2.66 million cubic meters (3.48 million cubic yards) of residual radioactive material. Eleven vicinity properties were also remediated concurrent with site remediation activities.

The final disposal cell covers approximately 29 hectares (72 acres). The disposal cell includes a radon cover and rock surface layer to control erosion. In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, the disposal cell was designed to remain effective for 200 to 1,000 years.

Groundwater contamination at the Mexican Hat Site was caused by the discharge of waste water and tailings from uranium milling. Seepage of construction water resulting from consolidation during material compaction may have contributed to the contamination. Approximately 416,400 cubic meters (544,600 cubic yards) of

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Mexican Hat Site

groundwater are contaminated with nitrate, molybdenum, selenium, uranium, net gross alpha, arsenic, chromium, and radium. Contamination is present in the residual process water within the upper part of the Halgaito Formation. The former uranium mill was the largest source of contamination. The sulfuric acid plant probably contributed little additional contamination when compared to the uranium mill. The approved groundwater compliance strategy for the Mexican Hat Site is to perform no remediation and to continue monitoring the seeps

below the disposal cell. Site data indicate that groundwater in the uppermost aquifer (the lower unit of the Halgaito Formation) beneath the site is not suitable for use because of the presence of hydrogen sulfide and hydrocarbons. Contamination introduced from uranium processing is present in the perched, ephemeral groundwater system at a higher stratigraphic level in the Halgaito Formation. Based upon data from intermittent seeps downgradient of the disposal cell, it appears that flow rates may be decreasing, and may cease over time. Monitoring of contaminant concentrations in the seeps will continue as long as water is present.

2.0 SITE-WIDE LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP

2.1 Long-Term Stewardship Activities

The DOE Grand Junction Office is responsible for performing long-term stewardship activities at the Mexican Hat Site, including maintaining access restrictions and enforcing institutional controls. DOE will also conduct annual inspections of the site to evaluate the condition of surface features, perform site maintenance, as necessary, and monitor the groundwater in the seeps. The seeps will be monitored below the disposal cell for flow rate and contaminant levels to demonstrate the effectiveness of the cell in isolating the encapsulated wastes from the local groundwater system until 2004. No drilling or other intrusive activities are allowed within the

property.

The site records for the Mexican Hat Site are kept in permanent storage at DOE's Grand Junction Office Colorado. The types of records kept include the characterization data, remedial action design, completion report, long-term monitoring plan, annual inspection reports, and monitoring data.

2.2 Specific Long-Term Stewardship Activities

Engineered Units

The disposal cell contains 4,400,000 dry tons of contaminated material, with a total activity of 1,800 curies of radium-226. The disposal cell measures 394

meters by 591 meters (1,200 feet by 1,800 feet) at the base and occupies an area of 29 hectares (72 acres) on the 49-hectare (119-acre) site. It abuts a rock outcrop on the south and rises 16 meters (50 feet) above the surrounding land on the other sides. A posted wire fence surrounds the cell. A low-permeability radon barrier, consisting of clayey soil, covers the contaminated materials to prevent precipitation from percolating into the underlying tailings and to reduce

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

Frequent meeting with representatives of the Navajo Nation have been held during remediation and since. Tribal members frequently participate in sampling events and annual inspections. Copies of the annual inspection report for this site are distributed to the local library and any stakeholders that request copies. The report is also published on the GJO website at www.doegjpo.com.

radon emissions. The radon barrier is covered by granular bedding material and a layer of rock (riprap) on the top, the side slopes, and the aprons. The cell design promotes rapid runoff of precipitation to minimize leachate. Runoff water flows down the slide slopes into the surrounding rock apron. The site location and design were selected to minimize the potential for erosion from onsite runoff or storm water flow. All surrounding remediated areas were regraded and reseeded with native species. Existing gullies in the vicinity of the cell were turned into trenches by excavating the gullies down to the underlying bedrock. Riprap-protected diversion ditches were

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installed to channel runoff water away from the cell. The rock cover on the top and side slopes of the disposal cell also prevents erosion. The stock fence prevents unauthorized access to the property. The disposal cell is designed to last for 200 to 1,000 years. However, DOE's responsibility for the safety and integrity of the Mexican Hat Site will last indefinitely. DOE has a permanent agreement with the Navajo Nation for access to the site.

Groundwater

Monitoring of springs and seeps will be conducted from 1999 to 2004.

2.3 Regulatory Regime

In 1997, the Mexican Hat Site came under a general license issued by NRC for custody and long-term care of residual radioactive disposal sites (contained at Title 10 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations, Section 40.27). The purpose of the general license is to ensure that such sites will be cared for in a manner that protects human health and safety and the environment. The general license went into effect when NRC concurred that the site conformed to cleanup standards and formally accepted the site-specific long-term surveillance plan.

Long-term stewardship activities of the Mexican Hat Site are governed by several requirements in the following regulations: UMTRCA; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; EPA Groundwater Protection Standards, including Subparts A, B, and C of Title 40 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations Part 192; a cooperative agreement between DOE and the State of Utah; a cooperative agreement between DOE and the Navajo Nation; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

2.4 Assumptions and Uncertainties

DOE assumes that groundwater compliance monitoring will be required in perpetuity. DOE assumes that the site is institutionally and physically stable. Because DOE is already conducting long-term stewardship activities at the site, activities are well known and are not expected to change dramatically. Caps are expected to last for a minimum of 200 years.

3.0 ESTIMATED LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP COSTS

Site Long-Term Stewardship Costs (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount

FY 2000 $118,300 FY 2008 $47,700 FY 2036-2040 $222,800

FY 2001 $155,700 FY2009 $47,300 FY 2041-2045 $229,400

FY 2002 $164,500 FY 2010 $47,400 FY 2046-2050 $222,900

FY 2003 $147,400 FY 2011-2015 $209,100 FY 2051-2055 $229,400

FY 2004 $165,500 FY 2016-2020 $214,100 FY 2056-2060 $222,800

FY 2005 $111,100 FY 2021-2025 $220,700 FY 2061-2065 $229,400

FY 2006 $112,900 FY 2026-2030 $220,400 FY 2066-2070 $222,900

FY 2007 $47,700 FY 2031-2035 $222,800

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Mexican Hat Site

The following table shows the estimated long-term stewardship costs for the Mexican Hat Site. Fiscal Years (FY) 2000 through 2006 include costs for well decommissioning. Cost estimates reflect the current site agreements and monitoring frequencies. Because DOE is already conducting long-term stewardship activities at the site, cost estimates are based on the actual cost of those activities.

4.0 FUTURE USES

The Mexican Hat Site and the adjacent property is owned by the Navajo Nation, which controls land use within site boundaries. However, the long-term surveillance of the disposal cell is the responsibility of DOE through a Custodial Access Agreement between the Navajo Nation and the Federal Government. Provisions of the Custodial Access Agreement grant DOE permanent access to the disposal cell and include restrictions, as necessary, to protect public health and safety, and the environment. Under the provisions of this agreement, public access to the disposal cell is restricted indefinitely.

For more information about the Mexican Hat Site, please contact:

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone: 970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

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Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties

MONTICELLO MILL SITE AND VICINITY PROPERTIES

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The Monticello Mill Site is the location of the former Monticello uranium and vanadium ore-processing mill, which operated from 1942 to 1960. The Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties occupy approximately 2,300-hectares ( 5, 700-acres) ofland near and within the City of Monticello in San Juan County, Utah. The Monticello Mill Site is located on a 44.5-hectare (110-acre) tract of land on the southeast edge of Monticello, along Montezuma Creek. Processing of the ores generated mill tailings (a sandlike radioactive waste product), which were stored in four tailings piles occupying almost 50 percent of the mill site. Contamination at the mill site consisted of uranium and vanadium mill tailings; radium, thorium, and uranium in soils; groundwater; and construction debris. Due to wind and water erosion, the mill tailings spread to 34 peripheral properties near and downstream from the mill site. In addition, the mill tailings were used for construction purposes throughout the City of Monticello and, therefore, contaminated 424 vicinity properties.

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities - disposal cell monitoring; institutional control enforcement; supplemental standards area monitoring; groundwater monitoring Total Site Area- 2,300 hectares (5,700 acres) *Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants -soil unknown; groundwater 379,000 cubic meters (495,000 cubic yards); engineered units 2 million cubic meters (2.6 million cubic yards) Portions in Long-Term Stewardship as of 2006 - 3 Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Cost FY 2000-2006 - $286,000 Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office *The estimated volume indicates only the known amounts of residual contaminants. For certain portions discussed for this site, exact volume is not known at this point. For specific discussions, please see Section 3.0.

The Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties were placed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Priorities List (listed as the Monticello Mill Tailings Site and Monticello Vicinity Properties Site). The National Priorities List is EPA's list of top-priority sites for cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) began remediation activities at the mill site in 1983 and anticipates completion of these activities by 2000. DOE completed remediation activities at the 34 peripheral properties and the 424 vicinity properties in 1998. However, some of the properties were remediated to supplemental EPA standards and will not be released for unrestricted use. Currently, two million cubic meters (2.6 million cubic yards) of mill tailings and other contaminated material from the mill site, peripheral properties, and vicinity properties have been relocated to a 148-hectare (365-acre) DOE-owned site and stabilized in a 38-hectare (95-acre) disposal cell.

The current mission of the Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties is to perform long-term stewardship activities, including monitoring and maintaining the disposal cell, monitoring supplemental standards areas, enforcing institutional controls, and, possibly, remediating the groundwater. DOE's Grand Junction Office conducts and funds these activities. The historic mission of the Monticello mill site was to provide uranium and vanadium ores for the Federal Government. The original Monticello mill was built in 1941 to provide an additional supply of vanadium during World War II. The plant was later modified to mill uranium ore. Vanadium and uranium were milled intermittently until January 1, 1960, when the mill was permanently closed. Part of the land was transferred for a period of time to the Bureau of Land Management, but, otherwise, the site remained under the control of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, a predecessor agency to DOE.

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To Salt Lake City, UT (·250 miles)

-- Supplemental Standards Area Boundary

E;S§3 Groundwater Contamination

0 2

Miles

Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

When the mill was closed, approximately 1.7 million cubic meters (2.3 million cubic yards) of low-level radioactive mill tailings, contaminated soil, and other miscellaneous debris remained onsite. Remediation consisted of excavating mill tailings and other contaminated materials, and hauling them south of the mill site to a permanent disposal cell on DOE-owned property. The mill site was mostly backfilled, using clean material from the site, and revegetated. Mill site soils have been remediated to regulatory cleanup levels, and part of the mill site and peripheral properties containing surface contamination have been proposed for deletion from the National Priorities List. However, the remediation will not be complete until the groundwater meets the negotiated cleanup levels. Surface areas were remediated to standards established in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192, and DOE Order 5400.5.

In addition to the mill site, 34 peripheral properties and 424 vicinity properties were contaminated with residual uranium mill tailings, which typically contain toxic heavy metals, and radioactive thorium and radium. Remediation activities consisted of excavating the mill tailings and other contaminated materials from the peripheral and vicinity properties and relocating the materials to the permanent disposal cell on DOE-owned land. Surface areas were remediated to meet the radium-226 standards established in Title 40 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations, Part 192, and DOE Order 5400.5. Some areas within the peripheral and vicinity properties were remediated to supplemental standards, as defined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 192.22, because remediation would be unjustifiably expensive or would result in environmental damage, and the contamination poses no present or future risk. Long-term stewardship activities will be performed in these areas to ensure continued protection of human health and the environment.

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Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties

Surface water and groundwater were also contaminated by the Monticello mill site and are being addressed as a separate issue. A remedial strategy for this area has not been determined and is not expected until2005. The interim remedial strategy consists of institutional controls, millsite dewatering and treatment, monitoring, and installation and evaluation of a permeable reactive treatment wall. Activities associated with this interim action began in May 1999 and will continue for four to five years after mill site restoration is completed. At the end of that time, sufficient information is expected to have been collected on the ground and surface water conditions at the site to select a final remedy.

2.0 SITE-WIDE LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP

2.1 Site-Wide Long-Term Stewardship Activities

DOE is required to conduct long-term surveillance and maintenance activities at the disposal site and in the supplemental standards areas. In addition, long-term stewardship activities may also be necessary for groundwater areas. DOE will assume these responsibilities at the site following remediation. DOE will conduct annual inspections of the site to evaluate the condition of surface features; perform site maintenance, as necessary; and ensure that institutional controls remain effective. In addition to long-term surveillance and maintenance of the permanent repository (i.e., the disposal cell and adjacent area), DOE will be responsible for post-remediation CERCLA inspection of the repository, supplemental standards areas, and any National Priorities List deletion activities conducted after 2001 (e.g., groundwater remediation). The site-specific long-term surveillance plan, which is not yet complete (except for the supplemental standards areas), will fully define long­term stewardship duration, activities, and final land use restrictions.

DOE, EPA, and the State of Utah are determining the final land-use restrictions that will be incorporated into the Monticello long-term surveillance plan for the disposal site, supplemental standards areas, and affected groundwater areas. With the possible exception of groundwater remediation, all surface remedial activities at the mill site, vicinity properties, and peripheral properties are complete. For the mill site and downgradient peripheral properties, groundwater use restrictions will be necessary until the water quality reaches acceptable levels. Deed restnctwns, Memoranda of Understanding, restrictive easements,

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

Community interaction has been and will continue to be extensive. The Monticello Site Specific Advisory Board was established to give Monticello residents a forum for participating in DOE decisions about Monticello environmental restoration activities. A full-time DOE employee, residing in Monticello, will meet with City of Monticello personnel frequently and will be on call24 hours a day.

and other legal instruments are used to prevent exposure to contaminated groundwater or to soil areas to which supplemental EPA standards have been applied.

DOE maintains and updates the specific records and reports required to document long-term stewardship activities at the Monticello disposal site, supplemental standards areas, and affected groundwater areas. DOE submits an annual report that documents the results of the long-term stewardship activities. Site records are kept in permanent storage at the DOE Grand Junction Office in Colorado, and real property records are retained at the DOE Albuquerque Operations Office in New Mexico. The types of records maintained include site characterization data, remedial action design information, the site completion report, long-term monitoring plans, annual inspection reports, and current and historic monitoring data. Additionally, DOE will prepare CERCLA five-year reviews for submittal to EPA and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

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2.2 Assumptions and Uncertainties

Surface remediation of the former mill site was completed in 2000, with the exception of re-establishing statutory wetlands. Surface areas that meet the radium-226 standards will be released for unrestricted use to the City of Monticello. Remediation of the groundwater has not been completed. DOE assumes that groundwater compliance will be achieved through natural flushing and that active remediation will not be required. DOE anticipates conducting long-term groundwater monitoring activities indefinitely, or until cleanup levels are achieved. Affected groundwater areas are associated with a restrictive easement applied to the supplemental standards area in the Montezuma Creek corridor. In addition, DOE assumes that groundwater monitoring for the disposal cell will continue indefinitely or until the engineered unit demonstrates infiltration control. The disposal cell cover is not expected to be replaced for a minimum of 200 years.

2.3 Estimated Site-Wide Long-Term Stewardship Costs

Long-term stewardship costs for the Monticello disposal site, supplemental standards areas, and anticipated costs for Monticello surface and groundwater, identified in the table below, are based on historic costs incurred while conducting actual surveillance and maintenance activities at similar sites. Contingency costs, such as disposal cap replacement, have not been incorporated in the cost estimate. Cost estimates reflect the current site agreements and monitoring frequencies. For purposes of this report, long-term stewardship costs are shown until fiscal year (FY) 2070; however, it is anticipated that long-term stewardship activities will be required in perpetuity.

Site Long-Term Stewardship Costs (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount

FY 2000 $0 FY 2008 $510,000 FY 2036-2040 $2,600,000

FY 2001 $0 FY 2009 $510,000 FY 2041-2045 $2,600,000

FY 2002 $230,000 FY 2010 $510,000 FY 2046-2050 $2,600,000

FY 2003 $230,000 FY 2011-2015 $2,600,000 FY 2051-2055 $2,600,000

FY 2004 $230,000 FY 2016-2020 $2,600,000 FY 2056-2060 $2,600,000

FY 2005 $230,000 FY 2021-2025 $2,600,000 FY 2061-2065 $2,600,000

FY 2006 $510,000 FY 2026-2030 $2,600,000 FY 2066-2070 $2,600,000

FY 2007 $510,000 FY 2031-2035 $2,600,000

3.0 PORTION OVERVIEW

The Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties consists of three portions that will require long-term stewardship activities as of 2006. For purposes of this report, a "portion" is defined as a geographically contiguous and distinct area (which may involve residually contaminated facilities, engineered units, soil, groundwater, and/or surface water/sediment) for which cleanup, disposal, or stabilization will have been completed and long-term stewardship activities will be required as of 2006.

The site consists of three portions: (1) the Disposal Site, (2) the Supplemental Standards Areas, and (3) the Groundwater Areas. Each portion is listed in the table below, with accompanying discussion of cleanup and long-term stewardship activities in Sections 3.1 through 3.3.

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Long-Term Stewardship Information

Portion Long-Term Stewardship Long-Term Stewardship Start Year End Year

Disposal Site

Supplemental Standards Areas

Groundwater Areas

3.1 Disposal Site Portion

DOE constructed a 38-hectare (95-acre) disposal cell (i.e, repository) on 148-hectares (365-acres) of DOE­owned land east of U.S. Highway 191 and approximately two kilometers (one mile) south of the former mill site. Two million cubic meters (2.6 million cubic yards) of mill tailings and other contaminated material from the mill site and peripheral and vicinity properties are isolated in the disposal cell. An evaporation pond, located just east of the repository, is retained to collect drainage from the tailings for an expected five to 20 years. Also at the repository site is a temporary storage area for tailings removed after cell closure from public utilities, rights-of-way, and other supplemental standards areas. DOE maintains the

2001 In perpetuity

2001 In perpetuity

2006 In perpetuity

DISPOSAL SITE PORTION HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities- disposal cell and evaporation pond monitoring Portion Size- 147.7 hectares (365 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants- disposal cell2 million cubic meters (2.6 million cubic yards) Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- 2001-in perpetuity Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Costs FY

2000-2006- $230,000 (includes Supplemental Areas Portion)

storage facility to manage contaminated material until it can be transported to the Cheney Disposal Cell or another approved facility for permanent disposal.

The disposal cell incorporates leak detection and leachate collection systems and an associated evaporation pond. A wire fence with a locked gate surrounds the Monticello disposal site to prevent unauthorized access. Warning signs are posted on the site perimeter. In addition, DOE staffs a 24-hour phone line for reporting any site concerns. No drilling or other intrusive activities are allowed on the property unless authorized by DOE.

The disposal cell is compliant with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). However, DOE does not have a RCRA permit for the disposal cell. Several requirements in the following regulations govern long­term stewardship activities of the Monticello disposal site: CERCLA Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 300; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; EPA groundwater protection standards, including Subparts Band C of Title 40 ofthe Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192; a cooperative agreement between DOE and the State of Utah; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

3.1.1 Engineered Units

The disposal cell cover is a multilayered earthen (clean topsoil, vegetation, and rock) and geomembrane (plastic) design, which meets EPA standards for longevity, radon control, and groundwater protection. In accordance with EPA standards, the cover is designed to remain effective for 200 to 1,000 years. Placement of contaminated material in the repository was completed in 1999. Following emplacement of the cover components and revegetation, the repository cell will be the responsibility of DOE's Grand Junction Office for long-term surveillance and maintenance in perpetuity.

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewm·dship Report

The evaporation pond collects leachate (water with leached contaminants) from the mill tailings. Contaminated solids will remain after the water evaporates, and the remaining sludge will likely go to the Cheney Disposal Cell. A wildlife fence was installed around the pond to protect the liner from damage by deer and other wildlife. No discharge from the pond to the environment is expected to occur, as this is a triple-lined pond with leak-detection capability.

Engineered Units Long-Term Stewardship Activities

The disposal cell will require long-term surveillance and maintenance to ensure continued protection of human health and the environment. Long-term stewardship activities for the disposal cell will include annual surface inspections, maintenance of institutional controls, and minor maintenance of as-built features, as needed. Annual inspections will be conducted to detect progressive change caused by slow-acting natural processes and to identify potential problems before extensive maintenance, repairs, or corrective actions are needed. DOE does not plan to conduct significant maintenance of the disposal cell. However, DOE will perform minor maintenance (e.g., fix fence) or repair, as needed, or determined from site inspections. It is estimated that it will take two or three years for the vegetation to become established. To protect the vegetation, a wildlife fence around the area will restrict grazing by deer and cattle for a minimum of five years. Groundwater monitoring is not required at the disposal site because the cell has an automated state-of-the-art leak detection system and a leachate collection system installed in the bottom double liner. However, DOE will address any potential contamination of groundwater beneath the disposal cell if threshold leakage rates are exceeded.

Long-term stewardship activities for the evaporation pond will include monitoring, fence repair, and sign replacements, as needed. Initially, the evaporation pond will require frequent visits, perhaps monthly. After a few years, the monitoring frequency will decrease substantially. The evaporation pond will be maintained until it is no longer needed, at which time it will be removed. In 2009, DOE anticipates decontaminating and decommissioning the pond.

3.1.2 Estimated Long-Term Stewardship Costs for Disposal Site

The long-term stewardship costs, identified in the table below, include both the Disposal Site Portion and the Supplemental Standards Areas Portion. Approximately 50 percent of the costs are for monitoring activities at the disposal site, and approximately 50 percent are for monitoring and maintenance of the supplemental standards areas. The long-term stewardship costs are based on historic costs incurred while conducting actual surveillance and maintenance activities at similar sites. Contingency costs, such as disposal cap replacement, have not been incorporated in the cost estimate. For purposes of this report, long-term stewardship costs are shown until FY 2070; however, it is anticipated that long-term stewardship activities will be required in perpetuity.

Long-Term Stewardship Costs (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

F¥2000- F¥2011- FY 2021- F¥2031- FY2041- FY2051- FY2061- Estimated F¥2010 F¥2020 FY2030 F¥2040 FY2050 F¥2060 FY2070 Total

$2,070,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $2,400,000 $16,470,000

3.2 Supplemental Standards Areas Portion

The Supplemental Standards Areas Portion consists of peripheral and vicinity properties which were cleaned to EPA supplemental standards, as defined in Title 40 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations Part 192.22. Peripheral and vicinity properties are considered one portion because the properties share similar uranium and vanadium mill tailings contamination, remediation standards, and long-term stewardship activities.

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Thirty-four peripheral properties and 424 vicmity properties were remediated. However, some areas were remediated to EPA supplemental standards, as defined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 192.22, rather than to EPA numerical standards. Supplemental standards may be applied when the activities required to cleanup the property would be cost-prohibitive relative to the health benefits or would cause excessive environmental damage, and the material to be left poses no present or future health risks. Supplemental standards were applied to four peripheral properties adjacent to Montezuma Creek and three DOE-owned properties south of Montezuma

Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties

SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS AREAS PORTION HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities - institutional controls Portion Size - 911 hectares (2,250 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants- soil unknown Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- 2001-in perpetuity Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Costs FY 2000-2006-$230,000 (includes Disposal Site Portion)

Creek. Of the vicinity properties, supplemental standards, as defined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 192.22, were applied to one private property, portions ofthe city street and utility easements, and state highway rights-of-way within the City of Monticello. Appropriate institutional controls (i.e., restrictions on land access and usage) and long-term monitoring have been implemented for these properties.

Permanent surveillance features on the government-owned Supplemental Standards Areas include the use of fences and signs. On privately-owned Supplemental Standards Areas, there are no permanent surveillance features.

In September 1999, the site-specific long-term surveillance plan for the Supplemental Standards Areas was approved. Long-term stewardship activities of the supplemental standards areas are governed by several requirements in the following regulations: CERCLA Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 300; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; EPA groundwater protection standards, including Subparts B and C of Title 40 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations, Part 192; a cooperative agreement between DOE and the State of Utah; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

3.2.1 Soil

Thirty-four peripheral properties with wind-blown and waterborne contamination comprise approximately 240 hectares (600 acres) of land adjacent to the mill site. The remedy involved excavating approximately 230,000 cubic meters (300, 000 cubic yards) of soil containing tailings and byproduct materials from mill processing areas and moving the soil to the repository. After the tailings and contaminated soils were remediated to EPA standards, the disturbed areas were graded and revegetated. Remedial activities were completed in 1998, and the properties were released for unrestricted use, except for those areas where the supplemental standards, as defined in Title 40 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations Part 192.22, applied. The supplemental standards on these properties will reduce damage to riparian habitat and wetlands and to stands of pinon juniper and scrub oak on the sloping hillsides south of the millsite.

Throughout the operating period, mill tailings from the Monticello mill were used in the City of Monticello for construction purposes. Mill tailings were used in foundations, masonry, sidewalks, patios, and fill material. Vicinity properties were also contaminated by wind-blown tailings from the mill site. The main contaminants of concern are radium-226 and the associated radon gas. Remedial action consisted of removing radioactively contaminated material from the 424 residential and commercial properties identified and replacing it with clean material. Removed materials were temporarily relocated to the former mill site and were then transported along with mill site tailings to the permanent disposal cell south of the mill site. Remediation of the last property was completed in December 1998. In September 1999, EPA approved the cleanup and, as of February 28,2000, the Monticello Vicinity Properties site has been deleted from the National Priorities List. The properties have been

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

released for unrestricted use, except for those where supplemental standards were applied, as defined in Title 40 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations Part 192.22.

Soil Long-Term Stewardship Activities

DOE is responsible for long-term surveillance and maintenance of areas where the supplemental limits have been applied. DOE will perform CERCLA five-year reviews for the Supplemental Standards Areas because these areas cannot be released for unrestricted use. Where mill tailings have been left in place, a DOE authorized technician will scan any excavations prior to disposal of soils. No residential development will be allowed in these areas. The total affected area is approximately 900 hectares (2,250 acres). Operating plans and procedures for these properties have been approved by EPA and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. The properties include the following:

The city streets and utilities area, where contamination might exist, consists of the rights-of-way owned by the City of Monticello. The total affected area is 659 hectares (1,628 acres). Long-term stewardship activities will consist of periodic inspections and radiological support for excavation activities. DOE will dispose of any contaminated material found during excavation. The long-term stewardship activities are defined in a Memorandum of Understanding between DOE and the City of Monticello.

The Highways 191 and 666 rights-of-way area, where contamination might exist, consists of rights-of­way owned by the Utah Department of Transportation. The total affected area is 24 hectares (58 acres). Long-term stewardship activities will consist of periodic inspections, reporting, and radiological support for excavation activities. The Utah Department of Transportation may return contaminated material to an excavation site; otherwise, DOE will dispose of the contaminated material. The long-term stewardship activities are defined in a Memorandum of Understanding between DOE and the Utah Department of Transportation Quality.

The Pinyon/Juniper Property is partly government-owned and partly privately-owned. The government area consists of 17 hectares ( 42 acres), where radium-226 concentrations in soil exceed EPA standards. Supplemental standards were approved because remediation would cause environmental harm, and the contamination does not pose a current or future risk to public health or the environment. These areas were located on five DOE-owned parcels totaling 110 hectares (271 acres). The parcels have been transferred to the City of Monticello. They are addressed by deed restrictions and a Memorandum of Understanding that restricts future land use to public recreation, prohibits extended occupation (camping), prohibits installation of wells in regions with contaminated groundwater, and prohibits removal of material from areas where minor radium-226 contamination was left in place. Long-term stewardship activities will consist of periodic inspections and reporting. In addition, signs and fencing will be maintained around the properties. The privately-owned Pinyon/Juniper Property area consists of a one-hectare (two-acre) parcel, where contaminated soil was left in place to avoid damage to a mature forest. Long-term stewardship activities will consist of periodic inspections and reporting, radiological support for excavation activities, and periodic assessment of institutional controls. DOE will dispose of the contaminated material removed during excavation. The long-term stewardship activities are defined in a deed restriction between DOE and the owner.

3.2.2 Estimated Long-Term Stewardship Costs for Supplemental Standards Areas

Refer to Section 3.1.2 for the long-term stewardship costs for the Supplemental Standards Areas Portion.

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3.3 Groundwater Areas Portion

The Groundwater Areas Portion consists of ground and surface water contaminated by the former millsite. The ground and surface water are considered one portion because similar uranium and vanadium mill tailings contamination is present, and similar remediation strategies will be employed.

The mill site and adjoining areas within the Montezuma Creek valley are underlain by two groundwater-bearing units (aquifers). The upper unit is called the alluvial aquifer; the surface of the alluvial aquifer (water table) is generally encountered between one and three meters (two and ten feet) below the ground surface. Mill tailings have contaminated this alluvial aquifer, which

Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties

GROUNDWATER AREAS PORTION HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities- institutional controls Portion Size- 133.5 hectares (330 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants -groundwater 379,000 cubic meters (495,000 cubic yards) Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- 2006-in perpetuity Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Costs FY 2006 - $280,000

discharges to Montezuma Creek in several areas east of the mill site. The sandstone aquifer beneath the alluvial aquifer is not contaminated. This lower aquifer is separated from the upper alluvial aquifer at and directly east of the mill site by layers of sandstone and shale that restrict the downward movement of water.

Several requirements in the following regulations govern the long-term stewardship activities of the Groundwater Areas Portion: CERCLA Title 40 of the Code ofF ederal Regulations, Part 300; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; EPA groundwater protection standards, including Subparts B and C of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192; a cooperative agreement between DOE and the State of Utah; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

3.3.1 Groundwater

Former milling operations at the Monticello site caused groundwater, surface water, and stream-deposited contaminants in Montezuma Creek Canyon. Specifically, the identified contaminants of concern in the ground and surface water include arsenic, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, uranium, vanadium, radium-226, lead-210, and gross alpha. Approximately 379,000 cubic meters (495,000 cubic yards) of groundwater are contaminated with materials from processing ores to recover vanadium and uranium. The groundwater plume is approximately 130 hectares (330 acres) within the alluvial aquifer, which extends beyond the mill site. DOE will remediate the contaminated sediments and surface water in Montezuma Creek Canyon to acceptable risk­based standards negotiated with the EPA and the State of Utah.

DOE is also responsible for remediation of contaminated groundwater downgradient of and beneath the site. However, ground and surface water conditions at the mill site changed because of tailings excavation activities. These changing conditions made it impractical to proceed with selecting a final cleanup remedy for groundwater and surface water. Instead, an interim remedial strategy was selected that consisted of institutional controls, mill site dewatering and treatment, monitoring, and installation and evaluation of a permeable reactive treatment wall. Activities associated with this interim action began in May 1999. Groundwater is monitored through the use of wells, and surface water is monitored by taking "grab" samples in Montezuma Creek. Monitoring will be conducted until the negotiated remediation levels are met. These interim activities will continue for four to five years after mill site restoration is completed. At the end of that time, sufficient information is expected to have been collected on the ground and surface water conditions at the site to select a final remedy. The final remedy is currently planned for the year 2005.

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewm·dship Report

Groundwater Long-Term Stewardship Activities

DOE is responsible for ensuring that institutional controls effectively restrict the use of contaminated groundwater while groundwater remediation is in progress. Granting access to water rights will be prohibited, and a moratorium will be placed on drilling new water wells in the contaminated alluvial aquifer. These controls will be administered through the Utah State Engineer's Office. On May 1999, the State of Utah issued a Groundwater Management Policy which states that new applications to appropriate water for domestic use from the contaminated alluvial groundwater will not be approved. The policy does not affect existing water rights, nor does it affect applications to drill wells into the deeper, uncontaminated lower aquifer. In addition, groundwater use restrictions have been added to the deeds for some affected properties. Long-term stewardship activities will also consist of monitoring and periodic inspections and reporting.

3.3.2 Estimated Long-Term Stewardship Costs for Groundwater Areas

The long-term stewardship costs, identified in the table below, are based on anticipated groundwater monitoring as conducted at similar sites. The cost estimates reflect the current site agreements and monitoring frequencies. Contingency costs, such as groundwater monitoring well replacements, have not been incorporated in the cost estimates. For purposes of this report, long-term stewardship costs are shown until FY 2070; however, it is anticipated that long-term stewardship activities will be required in perpetuity.

Long-Term Stewardship Costs (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

FY2000- FY2011 • FY2021- FY2031- FY2041- FY2051- FY2061· Estimated FY2010 FY2020 FY2030 FY2040 FY2050 FY2060 FY2070 Total

$1,400,000 $2,800,000 $2,800,000 $2,800,000 $2,800,000 $2,800,000 $2,800,000 $18,200,000

4.0 FUTURE USES

DOE, EPA, and the State of Utah have determined final land use restrictions for areas where supplemental standards, as defined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 192.22, have been applied. No residential development will be allowed in the supplemental standards areas. The Monticello mill site, plus portions of the peripheral properties, will be deeded to the City of Monticello for recreational use. DOE will retain ownership of the Monticello disposal site in perpetuity. Anticipated future use of the ground and surface water will be agricultural.

For more information about the Monticello Mill Site and Vicinity Properties, please contact:

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone: 970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

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(Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site

(PLATEAU) SHOOTARING CANYON SITE1

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Total Site Area· unknown Current Landlord- U.S. Energy Corporation through its subsidiary, Plateau Resources Limited Expected Future Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office

The (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon site (also known as Shoo taring Canyon) is the location of a former uranium milling site that operated for two months in 1982. The site is located in Shootaring Canyon on the Colorado Plateau near the town of Ticaboo, Utah, about 18 kilometers (11 miles) north of Lake Powell. The U.S. Energy Corporation privately owns the site through its subsidiary Plateau Resources Limited. Currently, the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site mill is on standby status (not in operation). As a result of past operations, the site contains a small amount of uranium mill

Reason Not Subject to NDAA Requirements - This site is an UMTRCA Title II site that will not be transferred to the Department of Energy until after 20 15

tailings, a sand-like waste product containing radioactive materials and other contaminants, and radium, thorium, and uranium in soils.

The (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site is subject to Title II of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA). UMTRCA Title II sites are privately owned and operated sites that were licensed when UMTRCA was passed, or thereafter. The majority of the mining and milling conducted at these sites was for private sale, but a portion was sold to the U.S. Government. Under UMTRCA Title II, DOE is responsible for long-term stewardship activities, but the site owner, U.S. Energy Corporation, is responsible for remediation.

The (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site is awaiting approval of its remediation strategy. U.S. Energy Corporation, through its subsidiary Plateau Resources Limited, has requested that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) amend its uranium mill operation license. The license amendment would approve the site's reclamation plan and allow U.S. Energy Corporation to begin remediation of the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site. Once the site's license amendment is approved, its mission will be to remediate the site.

The historic mission of the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site was to provide uranium for commercial markets. Between 1981 and 1982, Plateau Resources Limited built the site's mill-- the last uranium mill built in the United States. The mill only operated for two months to make sure the system worked before it closed when the price of uranium dropped suddenly in 1982. Since 1982, the mill has been maintained in a standby condition. The U.S. Energy Corporation purchased the mill when it acquired Plateau Resources Limited and a nearby mine in 1993, and slowly refurbished and updated the equipment in anticipation of higher uranium prices in the future. The mill, however, never resumed operations.

1This report is developed in response to a Congressional request in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As requested by the Act, this report addresses current and anticipated long­term stewardship activities at each site or portion of a site by the end of calendar year 2006 ("Conference Report on S.1059, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000," Congressional Record, August 5, 1999).

Based on current planning, the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site is not expected to be transferred to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for long-term stewardship until2015, and for this reason the site is not the primary focus of this report. This brief summary of the site cleanup activities is provided for background information and potential future long-term stewardship activities. (See Section 3.2 of Volume 1).

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Wayne County

Garfield County

· (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site •

0 15 30

Miles

" To Salt Lake Ciy, UT (-180 miles)

Plateau Shootaring Canyon Site

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

The proposed decommissioning and reclamation activities include removing mill structures and regrading disturbed areas to blend with the surroundings; constructing a disposal cell and then disposing of process-related wastes, contaminated soils and concrete in the cell; covering and stabilizing the tailings impoundment area; replacing stockpiled topsoil in selected areas for plant growth; and revegetating disturbed areas. The volume of contaminated materials that will be contained in the disposal cell and the size of the disposal cell will not be known until remediation is completed.

An environmental and effluent monitoring program is currently in place to monitor effluent releases and determine if applicable regulatory limits are exceeded. Radiological effluents from site operations have been below the regulatory limits and are expected to remain so after site remediation is completed. Because the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon mill barely operated, there is likely to be no groundwater contamination. No groundwater remediation is expected to be necessary. Any facility built after 1978 is required to have a Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA)-style, double-lined, tailings impoundment.

The U.S. Energy Corporation is expected to remediate the site. At some future date, the site will be transferred to the DOE Grand Junction Office for custody and long-term care. To transfer the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site to DOE, the U.S. Energy Corporation must conduct NRC-approved reclamation of any and all onsite radioactive waste, and make a one-time payment to the U.S. Treasury fully funding monitoring and ongoing maintenance activities under Title II of UMTRCA.

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(Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site

2.0 POTENTIAL LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES

The DOE Grand Junction Office will be responsible for long-term monitoring and maintenance activities at the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site. DOE estimates that its future long-term stewardship activities at the site will cost approximately $24,000 per year. The disposal cell will be similar to other uranium mill tailings disposal cells and will require similar long-term stewardship activities.

Anticipated site-wide long-term stewardship activities include restricting access by fencing and posting warning signs along the site boundary. DOE will repair the fence and replace signs, as necessary. DOE will staff a 24-hour phone line for reporting any site concerns. Drilling and other intrusive activities within site boundaries will be prevented through institutional controls.

Site records will be kept in permanent storage at the DOE Grand Junction Office in Colorado. The types of records maintained include site characterization data, remedial action design information, the site completion report, long-term monitoring plans, annual inspection reports, and current and historic monitoring data.

3.0 EXPECTED FUTURE USES AND SITE RESPONSIBILITY

The U.S. Energy Corporation is currently responsible for all activities at the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site. After remediation is complete, the site is expected to be transferred to DOE in 2015 to perform long-term stewardship activities.

For additional information about the (Plateau) Shootaring Canyon Site, please contact:

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone:970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

Utah

Richard W. Weller, Project Manager Uranium Recovery and Low-Level Waste Branch U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, DC 20555-001 Phone: 301-415-7287 or visit the Internet website at http://www.nrc.gov

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(Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site

(RIO ALGOM) LISBON VALLEY SITE1

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site (also known as the Lisbon Valley Uranium Mill) is located in rural southeast Utah, south of the city of Moab. The uranium milling site was operated by Rio Algom's wholly-owned subsidiary, Rio Algom Mining Corporation, from 1972 through 1988. Currently, Rio Algom owns the site. The site is approximately 130 hectares (330 acres), and contains two evaporation ponds and an 823-meter (2,700-foot) deep mine. The site is contaminated with byproduct material that resulted from processing uranium ores. The byproduct material consists primarily of mill tailings and radioactive soil and rock that remained after the

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Total Site Area- 130 hectares (330 acres) Current Landlord- Rio Algom through its subsidiary, Rio Algom Mining Corporation Expected Long-Term Stewardship Start Year- 2010 Expected Future Landlord· U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office Reason Not Subject to NDAA Requirements -This site is an UMTRCA Title II site that will not be transferred to the U.S. Department of Energy until2010

uranium ore was processed. The mill has been dismantled, and there is one active disposal cell at the site, which is expected to be permanently closed and capped by December 31, 2000. A new disposal cell has yet to be constructed to hold the contaminated materials remediated from the two evaporation ponds.

The (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site is subject to Title II of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA). UMTRCA Title II sites are privately owned and operated sites that were licensed when the Act was passed. The majority of the uranium produced at these sites was for private sale, but a portion was sold to the U.S. Government. Under UMTRCA Title II, DOE is responsible for long-term stewardship activities, but the site's owner, Rio Algom, is responsible for remediation.

The current mission of the (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site is to complete decommissioning activities and remediation of contaminated areas. The (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site is expected to be transferred to DOE in 2010. The number of acres that will be transferred has not been determined. Once the site is transferred to DOE, the only site mission will be long-term monitoring and maintenance of the two disposal cells. The historic mission of the site was to process uranium ore. The Rio Algom Mining Company began operations at the Lisbon Valley uranium milling site in 1972 and closed the mill in 1988 when the price of uranium dropped.

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

The site contains approximately four million tons (3 .6 million metric tons) of uranium mill tailings. All identified contaminated materials will be disposed in two engineered disposal cells (one for the evaporation ponds and the

1This report is developed in response to a Congressional request in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As requested by the Act, this report addresses current and anticipated long­term stewardship activities at each site or portion of a site by the end of calendar year 2006 ("Conference Report on S.l059, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000," Congressional Record, August 5, 1999).

Based on current planning, the (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site is not expected to be transferred to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for long-term stewardship until2010, and for this reason the site is not the primary focus of this report. This brief summary of the site cleanup activities is provided for background information and potential future long-term stewardship activities. (See Section 3.2 of Volume 1).

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

other for the mill tailings and other contaminated materials) that comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

The Rio Algom Mining Corporation requested an amendment to its NRC license that will revise one of its site-reclamation milestones (Federal Register, February 4, 2000). If this amendment is approved, then the completion deadline for the final radon barrier on the tailings disposal cell (which does not include contaminated sludge from the evaporation ponds) will be December 31, 2000. A larger disposal cell is expected to contain approximately 3,900,000 tons (3,538,000 metric tons) of tailings and other associated contaminated materials. This disposal cell is currently covered with a temporary soil and clay cover. The final radon barrier on the second disposal cell will be completed by 2014, under the proposed license amendment, since the evaporation ponds are still in use. Once the ponds are no longer in use, significant time will be required for the water to evaporate from the ponds so that the sludge can be collected and disposed of in the second disposal cell.

0

\Atlas:)'Moab, Mil('

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~ 10 20

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(Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site

The groundwater is contaminated with seepage from the tailings disposal and storage area. This seepage is being pumped to the evaporation ponds. The licensee, Rio Algom Mining Corporation, must submit a groundwater corrective action plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) (the site regulator) by June 2000. Alternate concentration limits (ACLs ), cleanup standards based on site-specific considerations, for uranium have been proposed to NRC. For the alternate concentrations to be approved, evidence must be provided that the ACLs will not adversely impact human health or the environment. Active remediation must be complete before the site can be transferred to DOE to perform long-term stewardship activities (expected in 2010).

2.0 POTENTIAL LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES

The potential long-term stewardship activities will predominantly involve groundwater monitoring, surveillance and maintenance of the disposal cells, and implementing institutional controls.

3.0 EXPECTED FUTURE USES AND RESPONSIBILITY

Once the (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site is transferred to DOE in 2010, DOE's Grand Junction Office will be responsible for long-term stewardship activities at the site. The precise size of the two disposal cells will not be known until remediation is completed. The disposal cells will have a low-permeability radon barrier with an erosion control layer. Erosion control will be provided for all potentially vulnerable features, and the site will be graded to provide positive drainage. Disturbed areas will be revegetated. The disposal cells will be similar to other uranium mill tailings disposal cells and will have similar long-term stewardship activities.

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(Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site

Anticipated site-wide long-term stewardship activities include restricting access by fencing and posting warning signs along the site boundary. DOE will repair the fence and replace signs, as necessary. DOE will staff a 24-hour phone line for reporting any site concerns. Drilling and other intrusive activities on the site will be prevented through institutional controls.

Groundwater at the site is known to be contaminated as a result of the site's historical uranium processing activities. The extent of groundwater contamination that will be present at the time of site transfer cannot be reasonably estimated; however, future remediation by DOE is not required. DOE assumes that groundwater monitoring will be required on a periodic basis to verify compliance with ACLs (i.e., if the groundwater readings are in compliance with ACLs, then the disposal cells are performing as designed). Precise monitoring requirements will be prescribed in the site-specific long-term surveillance plan. This surveillance plan will be developed and approved by NRC at the time of site transfer.

Site records will be kept in permanent storage at the DOE Grand Junction Office in Colorado. The types of records maintained will include site characterization data, remedial action design information, the site completion report, long-term monitoring plans, annual inspection reports, and current and historic monitoring data.

For additional information about the (Rio Algom) Lisbon Valley Site, please contact:

Jill S. Caverly, Project Manager Uranium Recovery and Low-Level Waste Branch U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Stop 7J9 Washington, DC 20555 Phone: 301-415-6699 or visit the Internet website at http://www.nrc.gov

Utah

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone:970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

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Salt Lake City Mill

SALT LAKE CITY MILL

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The Salt Lake City Mill is the location of a former mill that processed uranium and vanadium from 1951 to 1968. The 52-hectare (128-acre) site is located about four miles south-southwest of the center of Salt Lake City, Utah. The Salt Lake City Mill is in an urban area, bounded by a sewage treatment plant on the north, a railroad on the east, and city streets on the south and west. The Jordan River is 457 meters (1,500 feet) west of the site, and Mill Creek, a perennial stream, flows along the site's northern boundary. In addition, an irrigation ditch (South Vitro Ditch) traverses the site, and a small wetland is just east of the site. An unconfined aquifer approximately 14 meters (45 feet) thick lies underneath the Salt Lake City Mill and is composed of sand, clay, and silt. This aquifer is

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities­groundwater monitoring; land use restrictions; record keeping Total Site Area- 52 hectares (128 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants­groundwater 1.3 million cubic meters (1.7 million cubic yards) Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- 1989-2004 Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Cost FY 2004-2006- $25,000 Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office

recharged by precipitation and leakage from a lower confined aquifer. Groundwater flow is toward the northwest and discharges into Mill Creek and the Jordan River.

The site is governed by Title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA). The site is owned by the Central Valley Wastewater Treatment District; however, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for performing all long-term stewardship activities associated with the site. There is no ongoing mission at the site except monitoring groundwater, enforcing land use restrictions, and maintaining permanent records. The site began long-term stewardship activities in 1989.

Historically, uranium and vanadium were milled at the site. The ore-processing mill, ore storage, and transportation facilities were located on 3.2 hectares (8 acres) on the eastern portion of the site and operated between 1951 and 1968. The milling operations created process-related waste and mill tailings. Tailings at one time occupied the remaining 48.6 hectares (120 acres) with piles up to 4.8 meters (16 feet) high. The facility was dismantled in 1970; however, reclamation of the site was not initiated until1989.

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

Reclamation of the Salt Lake City Mill was initiated by the State of Utah, under the direction of DOE, in 1984 and was completed in 1989. Approximately 2.1 million cubic meters (2.8 million cubic yards) of residual radioactive materials were removed from the Salt Lake City Mill and were disposed of in an engineered disposal cell at the South Clive Disposal site built by DOE, in the western part of the state. The mill structures were demolished, and the soils were remediated to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192).

Approximately 1.3 million cubic meters (1.7 million cubic yards) of groundwater in the alluvial aquifer at the Salt Lake City Mill are contaminated. Groundwater monitoring has been conducted at the site since the 1980s. Surface water samples indicate that the site-related contaminated groundwater has not adversely affected surface water quality. Limited sediment sampling indicates that the South Vitro Ditch may have high levels of molybdenum, but the remaining samples show no adverse effects from site-related contamination. Background

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

groundwater has a total dissolved solids content ranging from 300 to 550 milligrams per liter and sulfate levels ranging from 2.0 to 6.0 milligrams per liter. Arsenic has exceeded the maximum concentration limit in most background groundwater samples. A contaminant plume exists beneath the site, and molybdenum, net gross alpha, and uranium have exceeded the maximum concentration limits in some onsite and downgradient monitoring wells at least twice since 1990.

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There is no evidence that contaminants derived from uranium processing have entered the lower confined aquifer beneath the site, as a result of the upward gradient between the lower confined and unconfined aquifers. Because of its poor quality and minimal well yield, the upper aquifer has very limited potential use for domestic or agricultural purposes. Residents of Salt Lake City obtain water from a municipal supply system that is up gradient of the processing site. The City of South Salt Lake is planning to install a water supply well within the site boundary that will draw water from an uncontaminated aquifer below the site.

2.0 SITE-WIDE LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP

2.1 Long-Term Stewardship Activities

The DOE Grand Junction Office became responsible for long-term stewardship activities at the Salt Lake City Mill in 1989. These activities at the site are expected to continue until 2004. DOE's Grand Junction Office conducts annual groundwater monitoring and enforces land use restrictions, including prevention of drilling or other intrusive activities on the property. Access to the site is restricted by the Wastewater Treatment District, whose facility occupies most of the property. Site records are maintained in permanent storage at DOE's Grand Junction Office. The types of records maintained include characterization data, remedial action design

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Salt Lake City Mill

information, the site completion report, the groundwater compliance plan, and groundwater monitoring results.

2.2 Specific Long-Term Stewardship Activities

Groundwater

DOE will conduct groundwater-related long-term stewardship activities in accordance with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-approved Groundwater Compliance Action Plan. The proposed compliance strategy is to use supplemental standards, as defined in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 192.22, because the groundwater in the affected aquifer is naturally of poor quality. Active groundwater remediation will not be required. Groundwater monitoring will continue annually through until 2004, at which time DOE will evaluate the need for continued monitoring. Groundwater institutional controls will be enforced for as long as necessary.

2.3 Regulatory Regime

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

Community interaction has been minimal since the remedial action was completed. Copies of the annual inspection report are distributed to the local library and any stakeholders that requests copies. The report is also published on the DOE Grand Junction Office website at www .doegjpo.com.

The Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA) authorized DOE to care for the uranium mill tailings sites under a general license issued by NRC for the long-term care of residual radioactive material disposal cells. However, for the actual processing site where the residual radioactive materials were relocated off the site, such as is the case with Salt Lake City Mill, NRC will not license the site. Compliance with EPA ground water standards will require NRC concurrence.

The long-term stewardship activities of the site are governed by several requirements in the following regulations: UMTRCA; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; EPA Groundwater Protection Standards, including Subparts Band C of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192; a cooperative agreement between DOE and the State of Utah; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

2.4 Assumptions and Uncertainties

Because DOE is already conducting long-term stewardship activities at the Salt Lake City Mill, these activities are well known and not expected to change dramatically. Long-term stewardship activities are based on actual, historical activities that have occurred at the site. It is unknown if groundwater monitoring will be required after 2004.

3.0 ESTIMATED LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP COSTS

Long-term stewardship costs for the Salt Lake City Mill are based on the historic costs incurred while conducting actual surveillance and maintenance activities and other long-term stewardship activities. Costs in FY 2000 are associated primarily with abandoning unneeded monitor wells. From FY 2001 to 2004, costs include annual groundwater monitoring. After 2004, DOE will reevaluate the need for continued monitoring.

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National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

Site Long-Term Stewardship Costs (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount

FY 2000 $83,800 FY 2008 $0 FY 2036-2040 $0

FY 2001 $10,300 FY 2009 $0 FY 2041-2045 $0

FY 2002 $10,200 FY 2010 $0 FY 2046-2050 $0

FY 2003 $10,300 FY 2011-2015 $0 FY 2051-2055 $0

FY 2004 $10,300 FY 2016-2020 $0 FY 2056-2060 $0

FY 2005 $0 FY 2021-2025 $0 FY 2061-2065 $0

FY 2006 $0 FY 2026-2030 $0 FY 2066-2070 $0

FY 2007 $0 FY 2031-2035 $0 $0

4.0 FUTURE USES

The 52 hectares ( 128 acres) of the former Salt Lake City Mill are now used for a golf driving range and a sewage treatment facility. The future use of this site is restricted to industrial use, and no drilling or other subsurface uses are permitted.

For more information about the Salt Lake City Mill, please contact:

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy ,Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone:970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

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South Clive Disposal Cell

SOUTH CLIVE DISPOSAL CELL

1.0 SITE SUMMARY

1.1 Site Description and Mission

The South Clive Disposal Cell is the location of a disposal cell built by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to retain mill tailings and other process related wastes from former mill operations at the Salt Lake City Mill. The disposal site is located approximately 137 kilometers (85 miles) west of Salt Lake City and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of U.S. Interstate 80 in Tooele County, Utah. The 40-hectare (99-acre) site lies in a topographically flat area along the eastern edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert, which extends approximately 97 kilometers (60 miles) from the Nevada/Utah border. East of the site, the Cedar Mountains rise to elevations of approximately 2,340 meters (7,700 feet) above sea level. The proximity of this mountain range causes surface drainage to flow

LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Major Long-Term Stewardship Activities -disposal cell monitoring Total Site Area- 40 hectares (99 acres) Estimated Volume of Residual Contaminants- disposal cell 2.1 million cubic meters (2.8 million cubic yards) Long-Term Stewardship Start-End Years- 1997-in perpetuity Average Annual Long-Term Stewardship Cost FY 2000-2006-$32,342 Landlord- U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office

toward the site. The site is adjacent to the Envirocare of Utah, Inc. facility, a commercial low-level radioactive materials disposal operation. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, and the nearest residences are at least 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the site. Roads in the area are used for recreation and for access to military firing ranges south of the site. Vegetation in the area is sparse and is typical of semi-arid low shrub land.

The disposal cell is subject to Title I of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 (UMTRCA). As such, DOE is responsible for any long-term stewardship activities. DOE is the current owner of the South Clive Disposal Cell and is responsible for conducting all long-term stewardship activities. There is no ongoing mission at the site except monitoring and maintenance of a disposal cell that was used to dispose of residual radioactive materials from the Salt Lake City Mill. The DOE Grand Junction Office expects to conduct only routine maintenance activities for the South Clive Disposal Cell.

In the late 1980s, approximately 2.1 million cubic meters (2.8 million cubic yards) of residual radioactive materials were removed from the Salt Lake City Mill, transported 137 kilometers (85 miles) to the South Clive Disposal Cell, and stabilized in the site's disposal cell. Remedial action was conducted by the State of Utah under the direction of the DOE Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Surface Project in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The completed disposal cell occupies approximately 22 hectares (54 acres) of the 40-hectare (99-acre) rectangular site. The disposal cell is surrounded by a toe drain, a maintenance road, and a perimeter diversion channel. The site is enclosed by a locked gate and fence, and the perimeter is marked with warning signs, boundary markers, and survey monuments.

1.2 Site Cleanup and Accomplishments

Approximately 1.2 million cubic meters (1.6 million cubic yards) of radioactively contaminated material and 650,000 cubic meters (850,000 cubic yards) of other contaminated material were at the Salt Lake City Mill when it was remediated. A total of approximately 2.1 million cubic meters (2.8 million cubic yards) of mill tailings and residual radioactive materials were transported from the Salt Lake City Mill for disposal at the South Clive Disposal Cell.

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National Defense Autho1·ization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Report

Remedial action at the Salt Lake City Mill consisted of excavating residual radioactive materials and relocating these materials to a disposal cell constructed at the South Clive Disposal Cell. The disposal cell was constructed in accordance with requirements of Title 40 of Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192. The unlined disposal cell is covered with a 2.1-meter (7-foot) layer of silty clay that acts as a low­permeability radon barrier. The top and side slopes of the disposal cell are covered with a 0.4-meter (1.5-foot) rock barrier and a 15.24-centimeter (6-inch) thick sand layer to resist erosion and root intrusion. In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, the cover is designed to remain effective for 200 to 1,000 years. The construction completion report for the South Clive Disposal Cell was submitted to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 1996. In 1997, the disposal cell was accepted under the NRC general license and DOE began conducting long-term stewardship activities.

Based on background groundwater monitoring conducted at the South Clive Disposal Cell, the groundwater is classified as "limited use" because

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total dissolved solids exceed 10,000 milligrams per liter. Groundwater on the site is neither a current nor potential source of drinking or irrigation water. The EPA has determined that the South Clive Disposal Cell qualifies for supplemental groundwater standards [under Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulation, Part 192.21(g)] and, therefore, groundwater monitoring at this site is not required. Groundwater wells on the South Clive Disposal Cell property were transferred to Envirocare of Utah, Inc., when the site license was issued to DOE.

2.0 SITE-WIDE LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP

2.1 Long-Term Stewardship Activities

Under the provisions of the site-specific long-term surveillance plan, the DOE Grand Junction Office conducts annual inspections of the site to evaluate the condition of surface features, performs site maintenance as necessary, maintains institutional controls, and monitors the disposal cell. Annual inspections of the disposal site are conducted to detect progressive change caused by slow-acting natural processes and to identify potential problems before the need for extensive maintenance, repairs, or corrective action. Groundwater monitoring is not required because the groundwater has been classified as "limited use."

The permanent surveillance features at the South Clive Disposal Cell include survey and boundary monuments, site markers, and entrance and perimeter signs. In addition, DOE staffs a 24-hour phone line for reporting any site concerns. Unauthorized access to the property is prevented by the locked security fence. No drilling or other intrusive activities are allowed on the property unless authorized by DOE.

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DOE maintains and updates the specific records and reports required to document the long-term stewardship activities at the South Clive Disposal Cell. DOE submits an annual report to the NRC that documents the results of the annual inspection, as required by NRC regulations. Site records are maintained in permanent storage at the DOE Grand Junction Office in Colorado. The types of records maintained include site characterization data, remedial action design information, the completion report, long-term monitoring plans, annual inspection reports, and current and historic monitoring data. Real

South Clive Disposal Cell

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT

Community interaction has been minimal since the remedial action was completed. Copies of the annual inspection report for the South Clive Disposal Cell and other sites are distributed to the local library and any stakeholders that requests copies. The report is also published on the DOE Grand Junction Office website at www.doegjpo.com.

property records are maintained at the DOE Albuquerque Operations Office in New Mexico.

2.2 Specific Long-Term Stewardship Activities

Engineered Units

The South Clive Disposal Cell measures approximately 340 meters by 643 meters (1, 115 feet by 2,110 feet) and occupies 22 hectares (54 acres) of the 40-hectare (99-acre) site. The cell extends approximately 2.7 meters (9 feet) below grade and rises 10.6 meters (35 feet) above the surrounding terrain. The disposal cell contains approximately 2.1 million cubic meters (2.8 million cubic yards) of mill tailings and other radioactive materials such as soils contaminated with uranium, radium, and thorium and construction debris. The cover of the South Clive Disposal Cell consists of three layers. The low-permeability radon barrier is a densely compacted, silty clay layer designed to prevent release of radon and infiltration of precipitation. The radon barrier is protected by a sand filter layer, over which a rock layer was placed to protect against wind and water erosion, plant root intrusion, and burrowing animals. The disposal cell cover promotes rapid runoff of precipitation to minimize leachate. The cell is unlined; however, the excavation subgrade was scarified and compacted before fill placement. Rock-lined drainage ditches around the base of the disposal cell intercept runoff and direct the flow into the natural drainage west of the site. The ditches have gentle slopes and the capacity to carry the runoff from a 100-year, one-hour storm event. A maintenance road and a perimeter diversion channel surround the cell.

The DOE Grand Junction Office manages the site according to the site-specific long-term surveillance plan for the South Clive Disposal Cell. Under provisions of the plan, the DOE Grand Junction Office conducts annual site inspections to evaluate the condition of surface features and performs additional maintenance, as necessary. The disposal cell at South Clive is designed and constructed to last for 200 to 1,000 years.

2.3 Regulatory Regime

In 1997, the South Clive Disposal Cell came under a general license issued by NRC for custody and long-term care of residual radioactive disposal sites (contained at Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Section 40.27). The purpose of the general license is to ensure that such sites will be cared for in a manner that protects human health and safety and the environment. The general license went into effect when NRC concurred that the site conformed to cleanup standards and formally accepted the site-specific long-term surveillance plan.

Long-term stewardship activities of the South Clive Disposal Cell are governed by several requirements in the following regulations: UMTRCA; the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192; a cooperative agreement between DOE and the State of Utah; and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended.

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National Defense Authm·ization Act (NDAA) Long-Term Stewardship Repm·t

2.4 Assumptions and Uncertainties

Because the site has been monitored since 1992, the long-term stewardship activities at the site are well known and are not expected to change dramatically.

3.0 ESTIMATED LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP COSTS

Long-term stewardship costs for the South Clive Disposal Cell are based on historic costs incurred while conducting actual surveillance and maintenance activities at this site. Annual costs for long-term stewardship between fiscal year (FY) 2001 and FY 2006 reflect distributed costs for program-wide decommissioning of unnecessary monitoring wells.

Site Long-Term Stewardship Cost by Fiscal Year (Constant Year 2000 Dollars)

Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount Year(s) Amount

FY 2000 $13,700 FY 2008 $10,700 FY 2036-2040 $56,000

FY 2001 $38,800 FY 2009 $10,700 FY 2041-2045 $56,000

FY 2002 $41,100 FY 2010 $10,700 FY 2046-2050 $56,000

FY 2003 $36,600 FY 2011-2015 $51,100 FY 2051-2055 $56,000

FY 2004 $41,300 FY 2016-2020 $51,100 FY 2056-2060 $56,000

FY 2005 $27,200 FY 2021-2025 $52,400 FY 2061-2065 $56,000

FY 2006 $27,700 FY 2026-2030 $55,500 FY 2066-2070 $56,000

FY 2007 $10,800 FY 2031-2035 $56,000

4.0 FUTURE USES

Future use of the site will be limited to monitoring and maintaining the disposal cell and monitoring the groundwater. Public access to the site will be restricted in perpetuity.

For more information about the South Clive Disposal Cell, please contact:

Art Kleinrath, Long-Term Surveillance and Maintenance Program Manager U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction Office 2597 B3/4 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503 Phone: 970-248-6037 or visit the Internet website at http://www.doegjpo.com

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