COVE AREA ABANDONED URANIUM MINES
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN
United States
li 1'Km Environmental Protection
I ¦! Ik Agency
2016

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

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EPA and community member discuss location of past mining operations in the distance.
Community Involvement Plan 2

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View of Cove Valley from Buffalo Pass overlook on Route 13.
3 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
PLAN ORGANIZATION
5
THE COMMUNITY This section provides a brief community profile and
identifies issues and concerns raised during the
community interviews.
THE COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
ACTION PLAN
This section explains EPA's plan for addressing the issues
and concerns identified in the interviews, and outlines
opportunities for community members to provide input
during EPA's process.
APPENDICES
The appendices include information about:
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•	EPA's Superfund Process on Navajo Nation
•	Glossary
•	List of Acronyms
•	Technical Assistance Needs Assessment
Recommendations
•	Uranium and Radiation Resource List

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THE COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The Cove community is located in a remote and
isolated area, surrounded by the Lukachukai and
Carrizo Mountains. Hie Chapter House is about
42 miles from U.S. Highway 491 and 10 miles
west of Red Valley Arizona, on Navajo Route 33.
The community is part of the larger Northern
AUM Region, located on the eastern side of
Navajo Nation, which includes the areas of
Navajo Nation roughly between Tsaile, Arizona,
and White Mesa, Utah. This region includes 11
Navajo Nation Chapters: Aneth, Red Mesa, Teec
Nos Pos, Beclabito, Sweetwater, Shiprock, Red
Valley, Sanostee, Round Rock and Lukachukai as
well as Cove.
'1 he Northern AUM Region is part of Navajo
Nations larger Northern Agency. The region
lies within Navajo and Apache counties in
Arizona, San Juan County in Utah, and San Juan
and Mc Kin ley counties in New Mexico. The
Northern AUM Region borders other Navajo
Nation Chapters as well parts of Colorado's
western and southern state lines.
From the late 1940s through 1967, uranium
ore near the Cove Mesa area was mined from
the mesas and cliff faces. Ore bodies at or near
the surface were mined as open pits; buried
ore bodies were mined through excavation
into the mountainside. After the price of
uranium collapsed in the mid-1960s, the mines
were abandoned, leaving behind radioactive
uranium waste rock debris and exposed
protore (unenriched mineral material). EPA
in cooperation with NNEPA and the Cove
community is in the process of investigating
and eventually addressing the risk that the Cove
Mesa AUMs pose to the community. EPA is
conducting these activities under authorities
granted in the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of
1980 (CERCLA) 104(a), also known as the
Superfund law - removal actions in response
to the release of a hazardous substance in the
environment.
Community Overview
Cove Chapter residents live near the Chapter
House or in rural locations. Many residents drive
long distances to reach stores and regulated water
hauling points.
Some community members in the area own
and graze sheep, cattle and horses near their
homesites and sheep camps. Most of the land
in the area is used for grazing and farming,
though to a lesser degree now than in the past,
due to various factors including concerns over
contamination. Various plants are also used for
medicinal and traditional purposes.

Navajo Nation Seal - Home of Cove Veterans,
5 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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

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Cove Community Priorities
Hie Cove Chapter has identified the
following priorities for the cleanup of
the Cove Area Abandoned Uranium
Mines site:
Employment and job training:
Employ students to carry out sampling
and cleanup work where possible.
Increase opportunities for people
interested in building job skills.
Future use of farm plots:
Address community concerns about
the safety of farming in these once-
contaminated areas. Make community
farm plots productive again.
Water safety:
Address water contamination in Cove
Wash. Explore building retention
dams for future agricultural uses.
Overall mines cleanup:
Focus on all mines in the area,
including those not covered in the
Tronox Settlement. Resolve concerns
about the transfer stations and
disposal of waste products taken from
the area.
Community Concerns and Preferences.
stations, mesas and abandoned uranium mines
nearby. However, many were unfamiliar with
EPAs role in the area. Many community members
shared stories about family members that worked
in the mines, grazed livestock on the mesas, and
drank from and washed in local water sources.
The community's livestock relied on these waters
as well.
All interviewees shared the concern that cleanup
be thorough, protective, lasting and timely Some
are concerned that large parts of the community
may be contaminated, due in part to windblown
dust and erosion. Others expressed concern
about the long-term protectiveness of earlier
cleanup efforts, including the transfer stations
cleanup, building foundation replacements, Cove
Day School cleanup and reclamation efforts.
While community members expressed frustration
at the delay in federal government involvement in
the cleanup, most welcomed EPAs current efforts
in the area.
Community concerns and preferences are
outlined in this section, and EPAs community
involvement action plan is outlined in the next
section. The action plan will explain how EPA
plans to address the concerns listed here. Some
concerns are in the scope of EPAs work on
abandoned uranium mines, and can be addressed
by EPA working with the community and tribal
leaders directly. For concerns outside of EPAs
scope, EPA will collaborate with other federal,
tribal and community organizations.
Community concerns and preferences are
grouped into the following categories:

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Cove Valley, Arizona.
1.	Health Concerns
2.	Abandoned Uranium Mine, Transfer Station,
Mesa and Community Cleanup Concerns
3.	Future Land Use
4.	Air and Water Concerns
5.	Communication & Information Preferences
Health Concerns
Many community members and local officials
asked for ways to better reduce their contact
with uranium and wanted to better understand
the risks of everyday activities as well as
locations/areas to avoid. Many community
members and local officials asked about the
effects of dust blowing from the mines and
area mesas. They were also concerned about
livestock and wildlife grazing in mine areas and
drinking from contaminated water sources.
Many interviewees were also concerned about
the effects of drinking water or farming with
uranium-contaminated water.
Many community members shared stories about
their own illnesses or illnesses of their loved ones.
Community members requested that mobile
clinics (the Indian Health Service (II IS) mobile
clinic, "Journe7t0 Wellness" bus) return and
asked for contact information for agencies and
organizations that could assist with diagnosis or
treatment.
Many community members and local officials
also shared their frustration with the lack of
information about health effects of uranium
and radiation on Navajo Nation. Interviewees
discussed health effects such as cancers, kidney
problems, joint issues, asthma, heart problems,
birth defects and vision problems. They expressed
interest in understanding which health conditions
maybe related to uranium and radiation
exposure.
Additionally, community members and local
officials asked for more information about
compensation. Many noted that it is difficult to
meet Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
(RECA) criteria. Hiey also noted that RECA
does not account for additional hardships, such as
lost water wells, lost animals, lost grazing land and
effects on family members of miners.
Community Involvement Plan 8

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Abandoned Uranium Mine, Transfer
Station, Mesa and Community Cleanup
Concerns
Many interviewees discussed their concerns
about community involvement in the cleanup
process. Community members and local officials
requested that Chapter officials and committees,
affected families and the general community
receive timely updates. Many community
members expressed concern about whether
EPA would consider their input in the decision-
making process. Community members and
local officials also asked for clarification on the
roles of various agencies and organizations, and
noted the need for more outreach and education
about EPAs cleanup process. Community
members were interested in more information
on the radiological characterizations of the area,
as well as help with understanding technical
information and screening documents. Residents
also requested more information on companies
who mined in the area and potentially responsible
parties.
Participants shared several concerns about the
cleanup itself with EPA as well. Community
members and local officials worry about the
extent of cleanup, with a focus not just on area
mines but also the mesas, community areas and
homes, and the need for clean air and water
supplies. Community members would like to
make sure that cleanup investigations include
review of earlier cleanup actions (transfer
stations, building foundation replacements,
Cove Day School, reclamation efforts) to ensure
their long-term protectiveness. Interviewees also
shared concerns about long-term monitoring of
the cleanup and the availability of funding.
Finally, community members and local officials
indicated a need for mapping and signage so
that people can understand the location and
number of mines in the area, as well as specific
locations that should be avoided for the time
being. Community members noted that there are
several open mines on all five mesas that are still
accessible.
Future Land Use
Many interviewees emphasized the need to
ensure that, in addition to the mines, Cove
community areas are safe for people to live in,
work and gather. Community members and
local officials requested regular and consistent
(P Participants accessing hard-to-reach areas during
June 2015 sampling activities.
communication between EPA and the
community.
Community members and local officials also
shared their thoughts about future land use of
mine areas and mesas. Some questioned whether
the land will ever be safe for humans or livestock.
Many expressed their preference that the land be
returned safely to farming and grazing use. Most
agreed that the land should not simply be fenced
off and restricted from use by current and future
residents. Improving local infrastructure - many
roads are in poor condition; some areas lack
electricity and running water - is a priority for
the Cove Chapter. Infrastructure improvements
would benefit residents while also supporting
tourism. Increasing tourism opportunities is a
major interest for the Cove Chapter.
Air and Water Concerns
Air and water quality and access to water were
among the most important environmental issues
in the Cove community. Many community
members and local officials expressed concerns
that water sources have been contaminated
by abandoned uranium mines. Many were
concerned about the contamination of local wells,
and the need to clarify which wells are safe for
drinking. Community members are also worried
about health risks from rainwater that runs off
from mines and mesas and toward homes and
community areas, and asked whether this runoff
is being monitored.
Community members also expressed concerns
about access to safe drinking water. People buy
bottled water to drink but continue to use local
9
Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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water supplies for bathing, crop irrigation and
limited livestock use. Community members and
local officials expressed concerns about effects
of the mines on groundwater and its future use
as a drinking water source. Finally, interviewees
noted that wind-blown contamination and dust
are major concerns. They asked how and when
air monitoring could take place, and where air
monitors would be located.
Communication &
Information Preferences
Many community members shared their
preferences for communication and receiving
information. Most agreed EPA should be
transparent about work and strive to include all
community members. Community members
want EPA to keep Chapter officials updated on
all work and also share information directly with
community members.
Most community members and local officials
recommended that EPA share information
primarily in written form, and include
many pictures and maps. They stressed that
information should be simple and easy to
understand. Most recommended sharing written
information with community members through
regular mailings. Written materials should be
provided in English, with Navajo translation
services available for verbal communication.
Community members also emphasized the
importance ofin-person meetings, particularly
to bring the community up to speed on past
cleanup actions, sampling and survey findings
to date, and upcoming activities. Suggestions
0$ Sampling activities taking ph
spring
Community Involvement Plan

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included stand-alone meetings at the Cove
Senior Center, presentations as part of Chapter
House meetings, and daylong or multi-day
workshops with experts. Interviewees suggested
that both the Cove Chapter House and the
Cove Senior Center could serve as information
repositories. Following the interviews, EPA
established an information repository in a
designated facility behind the Chapter House.
Additionally, community members and local
officials were concerned about hard-to-reach
groups, such as those in ill health, those living
in remote locations, and those without the
time or resources to attend meetings. Most
recommended regularly mailed updates for
remote community members, and in-person
visits to reach those in ill health and others who
are unable to attend meetings.
To make sure that outreach is as comprehensive
as possible, EPA will also use local media
channels - the Farming ton Daily Times
newspaper and two area radio stations, KTNN
660 AM and KNDN 960 AM.
11 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
ACTION PLAN
After interviewing community members, local
officials and stakeholders to better understand
community issues and concerns, EPA prepared
this community involvement action plan for
the Cove community. 'Ibis action plan outlines
the tools EPA will use to share information. The
action plan also outlines how EPA will make itself
available to receive input from the community
that will be considered in the decision-making
process. Finally, the action plan details EPA's
recognition of tribal government and interaction
with government officials.
Timing information is included with each
outreach tool to help community members
understand when EPA will conduct outreach
activities and what type of activities to expect.
Community members can also contact the EPA
Community Involvement Coordinator or the
Cove Community Liaison with questions about
future outreach activities.
EPA understands that many residents, especially
elders, are Navajo language speakers. To facilitate
the inclusion of all community members, EPA
will have an interpreter or tribal representative
present during informational meetings, open
houses and door-to-door outreach. Interviewees
recommended that EPA develop printed
materials in English.
TOOLS FOR
SHARING INFORMATION
Interviewees noted a significant need for
EPA to share information about abandoned
uranium mines in the community. Community
members and local officials stated that they lack
information about the current status of uranium
mine cleanup and EPA's cleanup process. They
would like regular progress updates. EPA will
use the following tools to provide information to
Cove community members:
Written Communication
Most interviewees expressed a preference for
receiving written communications from EPA.
Additionally, community members and local
officials noted that written communications are
an effective tool for reaching remote residents.
They stressed that written communications be
short and simple, and include as many graphics
as possible.
EPA will provide wri tten communications
through factsheets and flyers. EPA will use
written communications, distributed through the
mail and via email, to provide updates on work
taking place in the region and to cover topics in
greater depth, in response to community need.
Interviewees have already identified several
topics - the EPA cleanup process and the roles
of different agencies; past cleanup activities,
sampling and surveys; mine locations (mapping)
and areas of concern; water quality and well
water status; air quality; compensation; future
cleanup plans and timeframes; and health studies
and clinics in the area. EPA will ensure that
mailing lists are up to date and includes interested
residents in the area. Community members on
$)
(P? EPA and NNEPA work with community members in
Cove Chapter.
Community members can discuss concerns
with EPA whenever a representative is in
the area, or contact the EPA Community
Involvement Coordinator or Cove Community
Liaison by phone, email, or mail at any time.
13 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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TOOLS FOR SHARING INFORMATION
& FOR EPA TO LEARN FROM THE COMMUNITY
o-
Fact sheets
AS NEEDED
DEPENDING ON
UPCOMING WORK
AND COMMUNITY
CONCERNSTHAT
NEED IN DEPTH
DISCUSSION
Mail and Email
updates
TWICE A YEAR OR
MORE OFTEN AS
NEEDED
Q
Door-to-door
WHEN FIELD
ACTIVITIES MIGHT
IMPACT SPECIFIC
HOUSEHOLDS OR
AS NEEDED
Special events
ONCE A YEAR
Coordination with
other agencies
ONGOING
ft
Job training
programs
AS NEEDED
DEPENDING ON
UPCOMING WORK
EPA presentations
WHEN MAJOR
WORK IS PLANNED,
WHEN ANEW
RESPONSIBLE
COMPANY IS
IDENTIFIED, AS
NEEDED AND AS
REQUESTED

EPA informational
gatherings
AS NEEDED
DEPENDING ON
UPCOMING WORK
AND COMMUNITY
CONCERNSTHAT
NEED IN DEPTH
DISCUSSION
Community group
meetings
AS NEEDED
DEPENDING ON
UPCOMING WORK
AND COMMUNITY
CONCERNSTHAT
NEED IN DEPTH
DISCUSSION
CommunityLiaison
ONGOING
m
Cove
Environmental
Information
Resource Center
ONGOING
EPA's mailing list will receive information, such as
EPA factsheets or postcard meeting invitations.
EPA uses email and paper mailing lists to update
community members on EPA activities and
events hosted by other organizations, such as
workshops and clinics. Generally EPA sends
these mailings about once a month. EPA includes
community partners in this outreach, such as
Chapter officials, local organizations and schools,
and local post offices.
EPA has shared the following materials with Cove
community members:
•	Health Factsheets
EPA worked with the Agency for Toxic Substances
and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and other partner
agencies to create a series of factsheets on uranium
and radiation in Navajo Nation. These factsheets
discuss uranium and radiation basics, health effects
of uranium and radiation, and how to reduce contact
with uranium and radiation.
•	Agencies to Contact with Questions
Factsheet
EPA worked with partner agencies to create a
factsheet to help community members determine
the correct agency to contact for different questions
related to uranium or radiation on Navajo Nation.
•	Cove Wash Sampling Factsheet
EPA created a factsheet to describe sampling
activities that took place during the summer of 2015
in the Cove Wash Area.
Table describing information-sharing tools between EPA and the community.
Community Involvement Plan

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Contact the EPA Community Involvement
| Coordinator or Cove Community Liaison to
be added to the mailing list.
•	HAZWOPER Factsheet
EPA created a fact sheet to describe Hazardous
Waste Operations and Emergency Response
(HAZWOPER) training that was provided to Cove
Emergency Response Team personnel and interns
conducting sampling activities in the Cove Wash.
•	Cove Wash Sampling Preliminary Finding
Factsheet
EPA created a factsheet to explain the findings from
sampling conducted in the Cove Wash area during
the summer of 2015. The factsheet also explained
next steps EPA planned for in response to the
findings.
These materials are available on EPA's website
(https : //www.epa.gov/ navaj o-nation-uranium-
cleanup / cove-arizona-mines-cleanup).
These materials will be housed in the local
information repository and community members
can request copies by contacting the EPA
Community Involvement Coordinator.
Information Repository
Several interviewees noted that information should
be made available to all community members.
As a part of the Superfund process, EPA maintains a
set of documents and information locally where the
public can easily access printed or digital copies. This
is called the "Information Repository." Information
repositories contain copies of technical or planning
documents, tactsheets, results of previous meetings
and other similar types of information.
Hie main Information Repository for the Cove
Chapter is the Cove Community Environmental
Resource and Information Center, which is located
n-r

%
Cove Community
Environmental
Resource and
Information
Center &epas~--	
i
behind the Cove Chapter House (see information
below). However, it is important to provide
documents to local Chapters and community
partners as well.
Physical address:
Cove Community Environmental Resource and
Information Center
Located behind the Cove Chapter House, 42
Miles from U.S. Highway 491 and 10 miles West
of Red Valley Arizona on Navajo Route 33.
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 378
Red Valley, AZ 86544
Website:
https://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation-uranium-
cleanup / cove-arizona-mines-cleanup
EPA Website
While online resources were not specifically
requested by community members, regular
updates on EPA's website will provide cleanup
information and important documents for those
with internet access. Information will be available
online at: https://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation-
uranium-cleanup/cove-arizona-mines-cleanup
Door-to-door Outreach
Many community members and local officials
expressed concerns that information should
be shared specifically with families that live or
have grazing permits near priority mines and
mines where work will take place. EPA will share
information and discuss concerns with these
residents, as well as those in ill health and others
Cove Environmental Resource and Information Center.
15 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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Information repositories
•	Check out the repository or
visit the website
•	Contact the EPA Community
Involvement Coordinator or Cove
Community Liaison if your school
or group would like to host an
additional repository location
EPA presentation at Cove Chapter House.
who are unable to attend meetings, through door-
to-door outreach. EPA will also coordinate with
local officials to contact grazing permit holders,
homesite leaseholders and homebound residents
near these mine areas.
Newspaper and Radio Communication
EPA will use the following media channels for
outreach in the Cove Chapter:
Newspaper Communication:
Farmington Daily Times
Radio Communication;
KTNN 660 AM Window Rock: The Voice of the
Navajo Nation
KNDN 960 AM Farmington
Presentations at Cove Chapter House
and Cove Senior Center
Many interviewees suggested that EPA present
information about local uranium issues at
the Cove Chapter House and/or the Cove
Senior Center. This type of outreach was
seen as an effective way to reach many in the
Cove community. To date, EPA has presented
information during Chapter meetings. EPA is
planning for an in-depth series of presentations
as part of a daylong- or multi-day community
workshop, and will evaluate the need for follow-
on presentations on an ongoing basis.
EPA will reach out to local officials and
coordinate presentations with Chapter House
meeting dates, Senior Center scheduling and
other events. Parties interested in a particular
presentation can contact the EPA Community
Involvement Coordinator or the Cove
Community Liaison.
Special Events
The Cove community has various events that
EPA maybe able to attend. These events are an
opportunity for informal communication with
local residents. EPA will work with the Cove
Chapter to identify appropriate opportunities for
participation, but events could include:
•	Red Mesa Elderfest
•	Navaj o Area Aging Gathering
•	Cove Memorial Day Celebration
Coordination with Other Agencies and
Organizations
The interviews indicated the need for better
coordination among organizations working on
uranium issues in the area. Community members
and local officials are often unsure of the missions
of different organizations and find it difficult to
Community Involvement Plan

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Key Contacts
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency
Chip Poalinelli
Remedial Project Manager
75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-2
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-3390
poalinelli.edwin(a)epa.gov
Gaelle Glickfield
Remedial Project Manager
75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-3
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-3045
vlickfield.vaelle(a)epa.mv
Secody Hubbard
Environmental Protection Specialist
75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-3
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-3241
hubbard.secody(8)epa.pov
Navajo Nation Environmental
Protection Agency
Freida White
Navajo Nation Superfund Program
Navajo EPA, Box 2946
Window Rock, AZ 86515
(928) 871-7325
freidawhite(a)navaio-nsn.mv
Dine College interns participating in sampling
activities during the summer of 2015.
stay updated on progress and events hosted by
the various groups.
As part of the new Five-Year Plan (2014-2018),
federal agencies are creating a community
outreach network to coordinate federal efforts
across Navajo Nation. In addition, EPA is working
to strengthen ties with other federal, tribal and
community organizations in the Northern AUM
Region. EPA will also provide information to
Your input is important. Please provide
input at any time by contacting the EPA
Community Involvement Coordinator or Cove
Community Liaison.
17 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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

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

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Technical Assistance
Services for Communities
ilFf
Cove Day School.
Contact the EPA Community
Involvement Coordinator if you are
interested in learning more about
technical assistance services that EPA
can provide to community groups.

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APPENDICES
EPA'S SUPERFUND PROCESS
ON NAVAJO NATION
EPA is addressing abandoned uranium mines
on Navajo Nation through the EPA Superfund
Program, in partnership with the Navajo
Superfund Program. This section provides an
outline of the Superfund Process on Navajo
Nation. This outline is specific to cleanup actions
requiring over six months planning time, as
these are the most common on Navajo Nation.
A similar process is used for cleanup actions
requiring less planning time.
EPA is initially focusing on moving priority mines
through the Superfund Process. These mines have
high levels of radiation and are near homes or
water resources. There are X priority mines in and
near the Northern AUM Region.
EPA can move forward with mine assessment
and cleanup by either identifying a responsible
company to fund the cleanup, or by using federal
funding. Once EPA identifies a responsible
company EPA can either negotiate a legal
agreement or order the company to assess
mines and evaluate cleanup options. Any work
completed by responsible companies requires
EPA and NNEPA oversight and approval.
The Superfund Process on Navajo Nation begins
with access agreements. EPA or the responsible
company must get access agreements signed by
affected grazing permit holders and homesite
lease holders before beginning work. At this
point, EPA or the responsible company completes
a cultural resources survey, and EPA must
consult with the Navajo Historic Preservation
Department Director on cultural resources that
might be affected by assessment or cleanup work
at the mine. Additionally, a biological survey
may need to be completed, and EPA may need to
consult with the Navajo Nation Department of
Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service on potential impacts to fish and wildlife.
After getting the necessary approvals, EPA or
the responsible company may begin placing
signs and/or fences at mines, depending on
community input as well as the location and
J&t r :

Community
Involvement
Access
Agreements
Resources
Surveys
Removal Site
Evaluation
Engineering Evaluation/
Cost Analysis
Public Comment
Period
Signs and
Fences

Action
Memorandum
' Superfund Process on Navajo Nation.
21 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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

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

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

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URANIUM AND RADIATION RESOURCE LIST
Farm plot sampling during summer 2016.
Uranium and Radiation on the Navajo Nation
\ Resource List 2016
Agencies to Contact with Questions
Topic
Program and Agency
Telephone Number
Mines and Structures
Cleanup of chemical and radiological hazards at
abandoned uranium mines
Region 9 Superfund Program, USEPA,
San Francisco, CA
Eastern Region
Central Region
Northern Region
Western Region
(800) 231-3075 (toll free)
(505) 240-0093
(480) 250-0990
(928)215-9402
(415) 972-3068

Navajo Superfund Program, NNEPA, Window Rock
(800) 314-1846
Contaminated structures
Navajo Superfund Program, NNEPA, Window Rock
(800)314-1846
Actions to reduce physical hazards at abandoned
mines
NNAML/Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action
(UMTRA)
Window Rock Office
Shiprock Office
Tuba City Office
(928)871-6982
(505) 368-1220
(928)283-3188
Radon in your home, Radon test kits
Radon Program, NNEPA, Window Rock
(928)871-6790
Uranium Mill Sites
Disposal sites -
Long term care and maintenance
Office of Legacy Management, USDOE,
Grand Junction, CO
Manager for Mexican Hat
Manager for Shiprock
Manager for Tuba City
(970) 248-6621
(970) 248-6018
(970) 248-6073
Former processing site
Long term care and maintenance
Office of Legacy Management, USDOE,
Grand Junction, CO
Manager for Monument Valley
(970) 248-6621
Technical oversight, community outreach
NNAML/Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action
Program (UMTRA), Window Rock
(505) 860-7279
Disposal sites - General licensing and oversight
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington DC
(301)415-6749
Former processing site - Oversight
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington DC
(301)415-6749
25 Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines

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URANIUM AND RADIATION RESOURCE LIST, CONTINUED
Topic
Program and Agency
Telephone Number
Health
Preventive health information, uranium awareness
posters
Community Health Representative / Outreach
Program, NDOH, Window Rock
(928) 871-6786
Uranium medical screening and monitoring
program
Community Uranium Exposure Journey to
Healing, NAIHS, Northern Navajo Medical Center,
Shiprock
(505) 368-7391 or
(505) 368-7402
Navajo Birth Cohort Study
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
ATSDR Division of Toxicology and Human Health
Effects, Atlanta, GA
(877) 545-6775
(770)488-1347
Downwinders radiation exposure compensation
claim
Radiation Exposure Screening and Education
Program (RESEP), NAIHS, Northern Navajo Medical
Center, Shiprock
Office of Navajo Uranium Workers, NDOH,
Shiprock
(505) 368-7054
-- SHU H		¦ 	
(505)368-1260
Uranium workers radiation exposure
compensation claim
Radiation Exposure Screening and Education
Program (RESEP), NAIHS, Northern Navajo Medical
Center, Shiprock
	
Office of Navajo Uranium Workers, NDOH,
Shiprock
(505) 368-7054
(505) 368-1260
Water
Water hauling practices from safe drinking water
sources
Public Water Systems Supervision Program,
NNEPA, Window Rock
(928) 871-7755
http://www.navajopublicwater.org/
Locations of regulated watering points Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Fort Defiance
(800) 528-5011
Water quality of NTUA piped water in your home,
or from an NTUA public water system
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Fort Defiance
(928) 729-6207
Ask for "consumer confidence report".
Also available online at:
http://www.ntua.com/ccr14.html
Surface water and groundwater quality
Water Quality Program, NNEPA
Fort Defiance, Chinle
Northern, Eastern
Western
(928) 871-7185
(505) 368-1037
(928) 890-7599
Operation and maintenance of livestock water
sources
Locations of unregulated sources, livestock wells,
windmills, earthen dams
Technical, Construction, and Operations Branch, NDWR, Fort Defiance
Contact a district office: To'hajiilee:
Chinle:
Crownpoint:
Diikon:
Fort Defiance:
Ganado:
Leupp:
Pueblo Pintada:
Shiprock:
Teec Nos Pos:
Tuba City:
Vander wagon:
(505) 908-2740
(928) 674-2210
(505) 786-2396
(928)657-8094
(928) 729-4003
(928) 755-5971
(928) 686-3289
(505)655-5402
(505)368-1146,1062
(928)656-3674
(928) 283-3170
(505) 778-5337
Tuba City Dumpsite
Project lead
Western Regional Office, BIA, Phoenix, AZ
(602) 379-3723
BIA coordination
Division of Environmental and Cultural Resources,
BIA, Central Office
(703) 390-6482
BIA community outreach
Navajo Regional Office, BIA, Gallup, NM
(505) 863-8285
Hopi Tribal water
Water Resources Program, Kykotsmovi, AZ
(928) 734-3712
Remedial investigation and feasibility study
oversight
Region 9 Superfund Program, USEPA,
San Francisco, CA
(800) 231-3075 (toll free)
Navajo Nation Solid Waste Act	Resource Conservation and Recovery Program, (928) 871-7816
NNEPA, Window Rock
Community Involvement Plan 26

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Cove Area Abandoned Uranium Mines	Community Involvement Plan
https://www.epa.gov/navajo-nation-	2016
uranium-cleanup/cove-arizona-mines-
United States
Environmental Protection
hI M m Agency
cleanup

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