4% |™nj| United States
Environmental Protection
\iW hI Agency
2017

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INTRODUCTION
The Navajo Nation was the site of widespread
uranium mining from 1944 to 1986. While
uranium mining no longer occurs within
the Navajo Nation, the legacy of uranium
contamination remains. More than 500
abandoned uranium mine (AUM) claims, as
well as some homes and drinking water sources
with elevated levels of radiation, are spread
throughout the Navajo Nation. There are eight
closed uranium mine sites in the Navajo Nations
Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapters. USEPA
currently has agreements with mining companies
to have them address the contamination at seven
of the eight mines. These mines are Ruby #1,
Ruby #3, Mac #1, Mac #2, Blackjack #1, Black
Jack #2 and the Old Gulf Mine (also known as
the Mariano Lake Mine). The last mine, Reynolds
Mine, has no record of ore production.
These eight mines most impact people living
nearby in the Smith Lake and Mariano
Lake Chapters. Therefore, the Community
Involvement Plan (CIP) focuses on these groups
of residents, chapter officials and other interested
parties. For more information, please contact
NNEPA's Superfund program at (928) 871- 6859.
USEPA Region 9 - headquartered in San
Francisco, California - is responsible for working
on Navajo abandoned uranium mine cleanup
activities on the Navajo Nation.
Under the Federal Superfund program, USEPA
works with the Navajo Nation Environmental
Protection Agency (NNEPA) to oversee uranium
mine assessments and cleanups on the Navajo
Nation.
This Smith Lake Chapter and Mariano Lake
Chapter CIP outlines USEPA Region 9 outreach
activities to address community concerns and
meet the following goals:
•	Provide community members with accurate,
timely and understandable information about
USEPA's AUM activities that reflects their
communication preferences and culture.
•	Coordinate with community members
and tribal leaders to make sure USEPA
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, USEPA and NNEPA
interviewed community members, chapter
officials and other stakeholders in the area in
June and July 2016. Interview findings combined
with information from USEPA experiences in the
community guided the development of the CIP.
USEPA's Technical Assistance Services for
Communities (TASC) program assisted
USEPA Region 9 during the interview process.
USEPA has been working with the Smith Lake
and Mariano Lake to respond to their needs
with support from the TASC program where
appropriate.
AUM: Abandoned
uranium mine

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The Community
Involvement Plan (CIP)
The Community Involvement Plan
(CIP) is the foundation of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency 's
(USEPA's) Superfund community
involvement and outreach program.
This CIP is a living document to assist
communication between community
members and USEPA. In addition, it
outlines opportunities for individual
participation and meaningful
information sharing regarding
USEPA's activities at abandoned
uranium mines in the Smith Lake and
Mariano Lake Chapters of the Navajo
Nation. This CIP is also a tool for the
public to use to make sure USEPA
is responsive to their needs and
concerns.
USEPA discusses information on sites in the area
with community member.
Cover image: Scenic view with abandoned mine in the
foreground.

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
PLAN ORGANIZATION
INTRODUCTION
This section introduces the sites and the Community
Involvement Plan.
2
THE COMMUNITY
This section provides a brief community profile and
shares issues and concerns raised during the community
interviews.
8
THE COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
ACTION PLAN
This section explains USEPA's plan for communicating
and engaging with the communities and stakeholders. It
also outlines opportunities for community members to
provide input during USEPA's decision-making process.
16
KEY CONTACTS


SUMMARY


APPENDICES
The appendices include information about:
•	Site Descriptions
•	USEPA Superfund Process at the Navajo Nation
•	Glossary
•	List of Acronyms
•	Uranium and Radiation Resource List
23

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"V; .
	TH E	
COMMUNITY

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THE COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The Smith Lake and Mariano Lake chapters
are located east of Gallup, New Mexico. These
communities are part of the Eastern Agency of
the Navajo Nation,
Demographics
About 950 predominantly Navajo people live
in the Smith Lake Chapter and about 820
predominantly Navajo people live in the Mariano
Lake Chapter.
Many community members in the region graze
sheep, cattle and horses near their homesites.
Most of the land in the region is used for grazing,
and on a limited basis for farming. Various plants
in the region are also used for medicinal and
traditional purposes. The region features an arid
landscape that includes rolling hills, juniper and
pinon forests, open flatlands, rocky canyons and
mesas.
The languages spoken in the area are primarily
Navajo and English. According to the 2009-2013
American Community Survey, more than half of
community members in the Smith Lake Chapter
(51 percent) and the Mariano Lake Chapter (66
percent) speak a language other than English
at home. About half of community members in
the Smith Lake Chapter (49 percent) and more
than three quarters of community members in
Economics
According to the Navajo Nation Division of
Economic Development, most jobs on the
Navajo Nation are in the government and service
sectors (including schools, hospitals, and hotels
and motels). In these sectors, most of the jobs
are in nearby Gallup, New Mexico, with many
people commuting into town for work. The
unemployment rate for the Navajo Nation is
substantially higher than the national average.1
1 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development. 2009-2010
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy of the Navajo Nation.
the Mariano Lake Chapter (86 percent) report
speaking English "less than very well."2
COMMUNITY CONCERNS
AND PREFERENCES
To better understand the community, its culture,
and concerns, USEPA and NNEPA interviewed
community members, local officials and
stakeholders in the Smith Lake and Mariano
Lake Chapters.
2 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development 2006-2010
American Communities Survey-
Dirt road leading to abandoned mining area in Smith Lake Chapter.
8 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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. jr*«	
All interviewees had knowledge of the
abandoned uranium mines in the area,
however, many were unfamiliar with
USEPA's role in the area. Many community
members shared stories about family
members that worked in the mines, grazed
livestock nearby, and drank from and washed
in water sources located near mines. The
community's livestock and area wildlife rely
on these waters as well.
All interviewees shared the concern that
the mine cleanups should be thorough,
protective, lasting and timely. While
community members expressed frustration
at the delay in federal government
involvement in the cleanup, most welcomed
USEPA's current efforts in the area.
Some concerns described during the
interviews are within the scope of USEPA's
work on abandoned uranium mines and can
be addressed by USEPA by working with the
community and tribal leaders directly. For
concerns raised outside of USEPA's scope,
USEPA will collaborate with other federal,
tribal and community organizations.
Community concerns and preferences are
grouped into the following categories:
1.	Health Concerns
2.	Abandoned Uranium Mine Cleanup Concerns
3.	Future Land Use Preferences
4.	Air and Water Concerns
5.	Communication and Information Preferences
Health Concerns
Many community members and local officials
asked for information about how to reduce
their contact with uranium and sought to better
understand the risks of everyday activities. Many
community members and local officials asked
about the health effects of dust blowing from
the mines. They were also concerned about
livestock grazing in mine areas and drinking
from contaminated water sources, and risks to
human health from consuming these animals.
Some asked for information about the screening
of local homes for radon and radiation. Many
interviewees were concerned about the effects
of drinking water or farming with uranium-
contaminated water.
Community members also shared stories
about their own illnesses or illnesses of their
' Sign leading to Old Gulf Mine.
loved ones. Some requested information on
the differences between radon effects, uranium
effects and radiation effects. Many community
members and local officials indicated that recent
fact sheets USEPA produced on radiation and
uranium and mine cleanup fact sheets have been
helpful. They requested additional information
and more frequent updates on site-related
health information. Interviewees discussed
health effects, such as cancer, lung and breathing
problems, kidney issues and skin rashes. They also
expressed interest in understanding which health
conditions maybe related to radon, uranium
and radiation exposure. For more information
on who to contact for these and other topics, see
the Uranium and Radiation Resource List in the
Appendix.
Community Involvement Plan 9

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Community concerns and preferences.
Abandoned Uranium Mine 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 population
receive timely updates. Many community
members expressed concern about whether
USEPA 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 education about
USEPA's cleanup process.
Community members and local officials worry
about the extent of cleanup at all of the mines in
both chapters. In addition, they are worried about
windblown mine dust, water contamination and
well safety, radon, water movement from former
pond/lagoon areas, livestock loss, sinkholes
and erosion, abandoned exploration/drilling
pipes as a potential contaminant pathway, and
vegetation and grazing impacts. Community
members expressed concern about the potential
transportation of hazardous materials through
the communities as part of cleanup activities.
Interviewees also shared concerns about
long-term monitoring of the cleanup and the
availability of funding for the entire project. Some
were concerned about the need for relocation of
families during mine cleanup.
Finally, community members and local officials
indicated a need for mapping, signage and
education so that people - and especially children
- can understand and avoid the location of mines
and mine wastes in the area.
Future Land Use Preferences
Many interviewees emphasized the need to
ensure that the mines and community areas are
safe for people to live in, work and gather.
Community members and local officials also
shared their thoughts about future land use of
mine areas. 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. People
emphasized the need to plant native trees and
vegetation as part of restoration and reclamation
activities. Most agreed that the land should not
simply be fenced off and restricted from use
by current and future residents. Finally, some
interviewees were concerned that the areas would
be developed for mining again in the future.
10 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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Scanning for radiation near the Old Gulf Mine.
Air and Water Concerns
Interviewees emphasized that water quality
and access to clean water were among the
most important environmental issues in both
chapters. Many community members and
local officials believe that water sources have
been contaminated by abandoned uranium
mines. Some asked about whether uranium
contamination would prevent use of the water
for local farming or by livestock. People are also
concerned about the mines' potential effects on
groundwater and its future use as a drinking water
source. Community members are also worried
about health risks from rainwater, which runs off
from mines and toward homes and community
areas.
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 and Information
Preferences
Many community members shared their
preferences for communication and receiving
information. Most agreed USEPA should be
transparent about its work and strive to include
all community members. Community members
want USEPA to keep chapter officials updated on
all work and also share information directly with
community members.
Most community members and local officials
recommended that USEPA share information
primarily in written form, and include many
pictures and maps indicating the location
of abandoned uranium mines as well as
contaminated water sources. 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 and Navajo. Community
members also emphasized the importance of
in-person meetings. They requested that USEPA
host meetings on past reclamation activities,
sampling and cleanup planning to date, and
upcoming activities at the eight mine sites.
Community Involvement Plan 11

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Suggestions included stand-alone meetings at
chapter houses or other community locations.
Additionally, community members and local
officials were concerned about hard-to-reach
groups, such as people in ill health, people
living in remote locations, and people without
the time or resources to attend meetings. Most
recommended regularly mailed updates as well
as radio announcements for remote community
members and in-person visits to reach people in
ill health and people who are unable to attend
meetings. Several interviewees emphasized the
importance of in-person, door-to-door contact
with community members. Many also requested
that information be readily available, both online
and locally.
12 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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Iia ah
m USEPA Community Involvement Coordinator Priscilla
Tom discusses past mining activity while looking over an
USEPA fact sheet with community member.

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" ht ,,+Av;"
,• • • i

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p

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10 USEPA and NNEPA view abandoned mining area
in distance.
COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT
ACTION PLAN

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THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
ACTION PLAN
This action plan outlines the tools that
USEPA will use to share information with the
community. The action plan also outlines how
USEPA staff will be available to receive input
from the community that will be considered in
the decision-making process. Finally the action
plan details USEPAs partnership with the Navajo
Nation tribal government in the development and
implementation of all activities at AUM sites.
Information on timing is included with each
outreach tool to help community members
understand when USEPA will conduct outreach
activities and the type of activities to expect.
Community members can also contact USEPAs
Community Involvement Coordinator with
questions about future outreach activities.
USEPA understands that many residents, and
especially elders, are Navajo language speakers.
To facilitate the inclusion and participation of
all community members, USEPA will have an
interpreter or tribal representative present during
information meetings, open houses and door-
to-door outreach. USEPA typically conducts
outreach with a NNEPA representative present
Community members can discuss concerns
©with USEPA whenever a representative is in
the area, or contact the USEPA Community
Involvement Coordinator by phone, email,
or mail at any time.
as well. Interviewees recommended that USEPA
develop printed materials in English and Navajo.
a
TOOLS FOR SHARING
INFORMATION AND
OPPORTUNITIES FOR USEPA
TO LEARN FROM THE
COMMUNITY
USEPA will use the following tools to ensure
that community members have opportunities
to provide meaningful input and to make sure
community concerns are considered during
USEPAs cleanup decision-making process.
Community members can provide input at
any time by contacting USEPAs Community
Involvement Coordinator.
Written Communication
Most interviewees expressed a preference for
receiving written communication from USEPA.
Additionally, community members and local
officials noted written communications are an
effective tool for reaching remote residents. They
stressed that written communication be short
and simple and include as many graphics as
possible.
USEPA will provide written communications
through fact sheets and flyers. The fact sheets
will address the community concerns identified
during the interviews. USEPA will make sure
contact lists are up to date and include interested
residents in the area. Community members on
USEPAs contact list will receive information
such as USEPA fact sheets or postcard meeting
invitations. To be added to USEPAs contact list,
please contact USEPA Community Involvement
Coordinator Priscilla Tom at (505) 240-0093.
<30 USEPA discusses information on sites in the area
with community member at Mariano Lake Chapter
House.
16 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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TOOLS FOR SHARING INFORMATION & FOR USEPATO LEARN FROM THE COMMUNITY
ID-
Fa ct sheets
TO DESCRIBE
NEW WORK,
CONDITIONS OR
AS REQUESTED


Email updates
TWICE A YEAR OR
MORE OFTEN AS
NEEDED
B
Door-to-door
outreach
WHEN FIELD
ACTIVITIES MIGHT
IMPACT SPECIFIC
HOUSEHOLDS OR
AS NEEDED
A
Special events
ONCE A YEAR
Coordination with
other agencies
ONGOING
A
Job training
programs
TO DESCRIBE
NEW WORK,
CONDITIONS OR
AS REQUESTED
USEPA
presentations
WHEN MAJOR
WORK IS
PLANNED,
WHEN A NEW
RESPONSIBLE
COMPANY IS
IDENTIFIED, AS
NEEDED AND AS
REQUESTED
toft
USEPA
informational
gatherings
TO DESCRIBE
NEW WORK,
CONDITIONS OR
AS REQUESTED
DEPENDING ON
UPCOMING WORK
AND COMMUNITY
CONCERNS THAT
NEED IN DEPTH
DISCUSSION
i—r
Community group
meetings
TO DESCRIBE
NEW WORK,
CONDITIONS OR
AS REQUESTED
DEPENDING ON
UPCOMING WORK
AND COMMUNITY
CONCERNS THAT
NEED IN DEPTH
DISCUSSION
1 Table describing information-sharing tools between USEPA and the community.
USEPA has shared the following materials with
community members in the Smith Lake and
Mariano Lake Chapters:
Health Fact Sheets
USEPA worked with the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and
other partner agencies to create a series of fact
sheets on uranium and radiation in the Navajo
Nation. These fact sheets 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 Fact Sheet
USEPA worked with partner agencies to create
a fact sheet to help community members
determine which agency to contact for questions
related to uranium or radiation on the Navajo
Nation.
Site-specific Fact Sheets
USEPA has created a fact sheet providing
background and current status information on
mines in the area. This fact sheet was shared with
local officials and community members.
These materials are available on the USEPA web
page listed below.
USEPA Websites
Regular updates on USEPA's website will provide
cleanup information and important documents.
Information will be available online at:
https://wwwepa.gov/navaio-
nation-uranium-cleanup /
eastern-abandoned-uranium-mine-region
Community Involvement Plan 17

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D Contact the USEPA Community
Involvement Coordinator to be added to
the mailing list.
Information Repositories
Several interviewees noted that information
should be made available locally for all
community members.
As a part of the Superfund process, USEPA is
required to maintain a set of documents and
information locally where the public can easily
access printed and digital copies. This is called
the "Information Repository." Information
repositories contain copies of technical or
planning documents, fact sheets, results of
previous meetings and other information,
USEPA and NNEPA currently have information
repositories at the three libraries listed:
Octavia Fellin Public Library
115 West Hill Avenue
Gallup, NM 87301
(505) 863-1291
University of New Mexico - Gallup
Zollinger Library
70S Gurley Avenue
Gallup, NM 87301
(505) 863-7531
Office of Navajo Nation Library
Highway 264 Loop Road
Window Rock, AZ 86515
(928) 871-6376
USEPA could also work with the Smith Lake and
Mariano Lake Chapters to create repositories at
the chapter houses.
Door-to-door Outreach
Many community members and local officials
requested that USEPA share information with
families that live or have grazing permits near the
mines. USEPA will share information and discuss
concerns with these residents who are unable to
attend meetings through door-to-door outreach.
USEPA will coordinate with local officials
to contact grazing permit holders, homesite
leaseholders and homebound residents near these
mine areas. Interested individuals can contact
USEPA's Community Involvement Coordinator
to request an in-person meeting with USEPA.
Newspaper and Radio Communication
USEPA will use the following media channels for
outreach in the Smith Lake and Mariano Lake
Chapters:
Newspaper Communication
Navajo Times
Gallup Independent
Presentation for summer work program attendees on USEPA involvement on Navajo Nation.
18 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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Information repositories
Check out the repository or
visit the website
Contact the US EPA Community
Involvement Coordinator if
your school or group would
like to host an additional
repository location
Radio Communication
KGAK 1330 AM
ICHAC 880 AM
KTNN 660 AM
KXTC 99.9 FM
KYAT 94.5 FM
KYVA 103.7 FM
Uranium Awareness
Outreach Campaign
USEPA has been working with ATSDR to
increase awareness among Navajo people about
uranium issues on the Navajo Nation.
USEPA, ATSDR and the Indian Health Service
(1HS) developed a series of posters for 10
geographic regions of the Navajo Nation. These
posters feature a map showing locations of
abandoned uranium mines, contaminated water
sources, regulated watering points and other
landmarks. The posters also include information
about warning signs, reducing contact with
uranium on the Navajo Nation and maintaining
good health. Some of these materials were
provided to area residents during CIP interviews.
IHS and Community Health Representatives
(CHRs) distributed these posters to IHS Health
Clinics and chapters across the Navajo Nation.
To prepare for this outreach, USEPA, ATSDR
and IHS trained the CHRs on the information
provided in the posters. USEPA will continue
to distribute the posters during future meetings
and by request. USEPA will also continue to
coordinate with ATSDR, IHS and the CHRs on
uranium awareness outreach.
Presentations
Many interviewees suggested that USEPA present
information about local uranium issues at the
Chapter Houses. Other community locations
mentioned include senior centers and schools.
Many interviewees recommended USEPA 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, cleanup options for 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,
USEPA will use the following formats for these
gatherings:
Meetings and Open Houses - larger community
meetings that may include USEPA presentations,
poster sessions, and time for community
members to ask questions and share feedback.
Small Venue Meetings and Focus Groups - smaller,
more informal gatherings focusing on a particular
geographic region, interested group or extended
family, providing opportunities for community
members to share their thoughts and concerns
with USEPA representatives.
Community Involvement Plan
19

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notice
TH'S IS A URANIUM MINING
RECLAMATION area
Uin5l?nJ° PERF0RW|ING ANY
WORK ON WATERLINES IN THIS
AREA, PLEASE REFER TO THE
"WATERLINE MAINTENANCE
AND REPAIR RADIATION
Uranium Mining Reclamation Area sign.
SAFETY PLAN"
©Your input is important. Please provide
input at any time by contacting the USEPA
Community Involvement Coordinator.
20 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites
Key Contacts
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency Region 9
Mark Ripperda
Remedial Project Manager
75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-2
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 301-1684
icraa.mark
lepa.vov
Jacob Phipps
Remedial Project Manager
75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-2
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-3019
(415) 654-2512
phipps.iacob0cpa.2ov
Navajo Nation
Environmental
Protection Agency
Freida White
Navajo EPA, Box 2946
Window Rock, AZ 86515
(800) 314-1846
(928) 871-6859
freidawhite(a)navaio-nsn.pov
Priscilla Tom
Community Involvement Coordinator
75 Hawthorne St., SFD-6-3
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 972-3377
(505) 240-0093
tom.priscilla(a)cpa,zov

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Workshops and Facilitated Discussions - facilitated
meetings designed to answer specific questions or
address specific community concerns.
USEPA will send meeting notices for these
gatherings via the email list and by contacting
community partners and other outlets as
appropriate.
Typically USEPA staff will make presentations
at chapter houses when major work is planned in
an area or to increase awareness about upcoming
USEPA activities.
USEPA will reach out to local officials and
coordinate presentations with the local
community at chapter houses, community
association meetings and other events.
Organizations interested in a particular
presentation can contact USEPA's Community
Involvement Coordinator.
Special Events
The Eastern Navajo Nation Fair & Rodeo, held
annually in mid-July provides an opportunity to
meet informally with local residents,
local communities prior to the commencement
of work.
Working with Navajo Nation Tribal
Government
The Navajo Nation is a federally recognized
tribe with its own governmental system.
USEPA policy is to consult on a government-to-
government basis with federally recognized tribal
governments when USEPA actions and decisions
may affect tribal interests.
USEPA interacts with the Navajo Nation
government on several levels as a part of AUM
assessment and cleanup on the Navajo Nation.
USEPA consults directly with the Navajo
Nation President for significant developments,
consistent with USEPA's tribal policies and
guidance. Examples of formal consultation
include major decisions and new federal Five-Year
Plans for addressing uranium contamination
on the Navajo Nation. USEPA collaborates
with NNEPA's Superfund Program and the
Navajo Nation Department of Justice on all
AUM assessment and cleanup activities. Finally
USEPA communicates periodically with officials
such as local Navajo Nation Council Delegates
and chapter officials at key times during the
Superfund process.
Coordination with Other Agencies
and Organizations
As part of the new Five-Year Plan (2014-2018),
federal agencies are creating community
outreach networks to coordinate federal efforts
across the Navajo Nation. In addition, USEPA
is working to strengthen ties with other federal,
tribal and community organizations across the
Eastern AUM Region. USEPA will also provide
information to community members about the
roles of different organizations and events hosted
by various groups in the area.
USEPA will continue to strengthen relationships
with:
•	The Navajo Nation Environmental Protection
Agency (NNEPA)
•	The Navajo Nation Abandoned Mine Lands
Program (NNAML)
•	The Indian Health Service Community
Uranium Exposure-Journey to Healing (CUE-
JTH) program
•	The Indian Health Service Radiation Exposure
Screening and Education Program (RESEP)
Technical Assistance
Services for Communities
Contact the USEPA Community
Involvement Coordinator if you are
interested in learning about technical
assistance services that USEPA can
provide to the communities.
Community Involvement Plan

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•	Navajo Birth Cohort Study staff, especially
the Clinical Cohort Liaisons (CCLs) and
Community Health Environmental Research
Staff (CHERS)
•	Navajo Nation Department of Health CHRs
•	Federal Five-Year Plan Partners, including the
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), IHS, ATSDR,
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC),
and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
•	Research universities, including the University
of New Mexico (UNM) and Northern Arizona
University (NAU)
•	Community Land Use Planning Committees
•	Chapter officials and other elected
representatives
•	Others as suggested by community members
and local officials
Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites
Summary
USEPA and NNEPA interviewed
community members, local officials
and other stakeholders in the Smith
Lake and Mariano Lake Chapters
in June and July 2016. USEPA used
information from these interviews
to learn about community concerns
and prepare this CIP. USEPA would
like to thank interviewees and the
communities for their time, patience
and willingness to share their stories
and concerns.
USEPA recognizes that receiving
input and feedback from community
members is crucial to the success
of uranium cleanup on the Navajo
Nation. USEPA will continue to work
closely with community members
and elected officials in the cleanup
process, as outlined in this CIP.
Additionally community members
are always welcome to provide input
by contacting USEPA's Community
Involvement Coordinator or any staff
listed in the Key Contacts.

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APPENDICES
1 2
i Miles
I Sources: Esri, DeLorme, AND, Tele Atlas, First
American unep-wcmc uses: usDivFSA- X Abandoned Uranium Mines of Interest
Aerial Photography Field Office 2014 and	,|
TerraSpectra Geomaiics "Navajo Nation
Abandoned Uranium Mine Point Score" Layer.
I Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites site map.
SITE DESCRIPTIONS
~	Reynolds Mine (Smith Lake Chapter)-. This was
also known as the June Mine, USEPA could
find no records of any ore production from
this mine. USEPA contractors visited the site
in 2008 and found evidence of two closed
adits, but very little waste rock. Gamma scans
for radiation showed slightly high levels, about
twice what is naturally found, but otherwise
no signs of mining development. Please
contact USEPA or NNEPA if you have any
additional information regarding this mine.
~	Ruby Mines #1 and #3 (Smith Lake Chapter)-.
Western Nuclear produced about 700,000
tons of uranium ore from these mines between
1967 and 1982. Operations consisted of two
mineshafts leading to the underground mine
workings, a series of vent holes and support
facilities. The surface area of the two mine
claims is about 40 acres. Western Nuclear
completed the site investigation in 2014. Most
mining waste and contamination is in the
primary waste piles at the sites. Some mine
waste has been carried by water or wind to
areas next to the mines. Nearby homesites
have not been affected. Western Nuclear also
closed mine adits and several vent holes during
the investigation. The next step at the mines is
an Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis
(EE/CA), which will be conducted by
Western Nuclear. It will look at several possible
alternatives for addressing the mine waste.
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~	USEPA, NNEPA and Western Nuclear will
work with the community during the analysis.
~	Old Gulf Mine (Mariano Lake Chapter): The
former Gulf Mineral Resources Company
- which has since merged with Chevron -
produced about 505,000 tons of uranium
ore at the mine between 1977 and 1982. The
mine claim area includes 18 acres around
the old mine shaft and another 12 acres
used for settling ponds. To date, Chevron
has repaired fences around the mine areas.
The company also paved the perimeter road
with chip seal to control dust and completed
the site investigation. Contamination is
primarily located within the fence line. Some
contamination is in the area east of the mine
and along parts of the Old Gulf Mine Road.
The next step at the mine will be to conduct an
EE/CA, which will be conducted by Chevron.
The EE/CA study will look at several possible
ways to address the mine waste. USEPA,
NNEPA and Chevron will work with the
community during this analysis.
~	Mac #1 and Mac #2 and Black Jack #1 and #2
Mines (Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapters)
Homestake Mining Company Homestake
operated all four mines in partnership with
several other mining companies.
» Mac #1 produced about 92,000 tons of
uranium ore between 1968 and 1971. The
mine claim area covers about 33 acres.
» Mac #2 produced about 31,000 tons of
uranium ore between 1968 and 1970. The
mine claim area covers about 6.5 acres.
» Blackjack #1 produced about 1.4 million
tons of uranium ore between 1959 and
1967. The mine claim area covers about 25
acres.
» Blackjack #2 produced about 250,000 tons
of uranium ore between I960 and 1964.
The mine claim area covers about 14 acres.
Homestake began investigations at the mines
in 2015. They stopped due to access issues on
allotment lands. Homestake plans to finish
the investigations and close any open holes or
vent holes at the four mines in 2016. After that,
Homestake will conduct an EE/CA.
For a detailed review of USEPA's cleanup process,
please see "USEPA Superfund Process on the
Navajo Nation."
For more information on the mines in the Smith
Lake Chapter and the Mariano Lake Chapter,
visit:
• https://www.epa.gov/
navai o-nation-uranium-cleanup /
eastern-abandoned-uranium-mine-region
USEPA SUPERFUND PROCESS
ON THE NAVAJO NATION ¦
USEPA is addressing abandoned uranium mines on
the Navajo Nation through the USEPA Superfund
Program, in partnership with NNEPA's Superfund
Program. This section provides an outline of the
Superfund Process on the Navajo Nation.
USEPA is initially focusing on addressing priority
mines. These mines have high levels of radiation
and are near homes or water resources. Priority
mines are identified in the AUM Five-Year Plan,
available online at https://www3.epa.gov/region9/
superfund/navaio-nation/index.html.
USEPA can move forward with mine assessment
and cleanup by identifying a responsible company
to fund the cleanup or by using federal funding.
Once USEPA identifies a responsible company,
USEPA can negotiate a legal agreement or order
the company to assess mines and evaluate cleanup
options. Any work completed by responsible
companies requires USEPA approval and oversight
in coordination with NNEPA.
USEPA or the responsible company must get
access approvals from the Navajo Nation and other
parties such as homesite lease holders, grazing
permit holders and allottees as appropriate before
beginning work. After gaining access approvals,
USEPA or the responsible company completes
a cultural resources survey, and USEPA must
consult with the Navajo Historic Preservation
24 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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Community
Involvement
Access
Agreements
Removal Site Engineering Evaluation/
Evaluation	Cost Analysis
Superfund process on Navajo Nation.
w
Resources
Surveys
Signs and
Fences
Public Comment
Period
igf
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Taking soil samples from under old settling ponds at Ruby #3.
Department Director on cultural resources that
might be affected by assessment or cleanup work.
Additionally, a biological survey maybe needed,
and USEPA may need to consult with the Navajo
Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife and
possibly the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on
potential impacts to fish and wildlife.
After getting the necessary approvals, USEPA
or the responsible company may begin placing
signs and/or fences at mines, depending on
community input as well as the mine's location
and level of radiation. A detailed assessment
of contamination follows. The assessment is
outlined in a document called a Removal Site
Evaluation (RSE). Next, an evaluation of cleanup
options takes place. Evaluation findings are
summarized in an Engineering Evaluation/Cost
Analysis (EE/CA).
USEPA uses the information in the EE/CA, along
with community input USEPA has been receiving
throughout the assessment process, to select a
preferred cleanup option. USEPA presents the
EE/CA and preferred cleanup option to the
community during a public meeting, which is
followed by a public comment period.
USEPA uses this additional feedback from the
community to select a cleanup option and issues
an Action Memorandum on the decision. The
Action Memorandum includes a response to the
public comments received at the public meeting
or submitted in writing during the comment
period. At this point, USEPA or the responsible
company can begin the design and construction
of cleanup on the mine site.
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 - USEPA'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. USEPA selects one of the
Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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alternatives outlined in the EE/CA in the Action
Memorandum.
Groundwater - The 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 fact sheets 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.
Removal Action - Short-term immediate
actions that address releases of hazardous
substances that require expedited responses.
Superfund - The program operated under
the legislative authority of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act (SARA) that funds and carries out USEPA's
emergency and long-term removal and remedial
activities
Uranium - A heavy, naturally radioactive,
metallic element that is used to produce nuclear
power and weapons.
ACRONYMS AND
ABBREVIATIONS [
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry
AUM Abandoned Uranium Mine
BCS Birth Cohort Study
BIA	Bureau of Indian Affairs
CDC Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act
CHERS Community Health Environmental
Research Staff
CHR Community Health Representative
CIP	Community Involvement Plan
CUE-JTH Community Uranium Exposure-
Journey to Healing Program
DOE United States Department of Energy
(USDOE)
EE/CA Engineering Evaluation/Cost
Analysis
IHS	Navaj o Area Indian Health Service
(NAIHS)
NAU Northern Arizona University
NDOH Navajo Department of Health
NDWR Navajo Department ofWater
Resources
NNAML
Navajo Nation Abandoned Mine

Lands
NNEPA
Navajo Nation Environmental

Protection Agency
NRC
United States Nuclear Regulatory
(USNRC)
Commission
NTUA
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
RECA
Radiation Exposure Compensation

Act
RESEP
Radiation Exposure Screening and

Education Program
SARA
Superfund Amendments and

Reauthorization Act
TASC
Technical Assistance Services for

Communities
UMTRA
Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial

Action Program
UNM
University of New Mexico
USEPA
United States Environmental

Protection Agency
Community Involvement Plan

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URANIUM AND RADIATION RESOURCE LIST
Examining core samples taken from the Ruby Mines.

Uranium and Radiation on the Navajo Nation
Resource List 2017


Topic
Agency, Program, and Location
Telephone Number
Mines and structures
Cleanup of chemical and
radiological hazards at abandoned
uranium mines (AUM)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9
Superfund Program, San Francisco, California
Navajo Nation EPA(NNEPA), Navajo Superfund Program,
Window Rock, Arizona
(800) 231-3075
(505) 240-0093 Eastern region
(480) 250-0990 Central region
(928)215-9402 Northern region
(415)972-3068 Western region
(800) 314-1846
Contaminated structures
NNEPA, Navajo Superfund Program, Window Rock, Arizona
(800) 314-1846
Actions to reduce physical hazards
atAUMs
Navajo Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Reclamation Uranium
Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Department
(928)871-6982 Window Rock
(505) 368-1220 Shiprock
(928)283-3188 Tuba City
Radon in your home, radon test kits
NNEPA, Radon Program, Window Rock, Arizona
(928) 871-6790
Uranium mill sites
Disposal sites—
long-term surveillance and
maintenance (LTS&M)
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Legacy
Management (LM), Grand Junction, Colorado
(970) 248-6621 Mexican Hat
manager
(970) 248-6018 Shiprock manager
(970) 248-6073 Tuba City manager
Former processing site—
LTS&M
LM, Grand Junction, Colorado
(970) 248-6621 Monument Valley
manager
Technical oversight,
community outreach
Navajo AML Reclamation UMTRA Department,
Window Rock, Arizona
(505) 860-7279
Disposal sites—general licensing
and oversight
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC),
Washington, DC
(301)415-6749
Former processing site—oversight
NRC, Washington, DC
(301)415-6749
Health
Preventive health information,
uranium awareness posters
Navajo Department of Health (NDOH), Community Health
Representative/Outreach Program, Window Rock, Arizona
(928) 871-6786
Uranium medical screening and
monitoring program
Navajo Area Indian Health Service (NAIHS), Northern Navajo
Medical Center, Community Uranium Exposure—Journey to
Healing, Shiprock, New Mexico
(505) 368-7391 or
(505) 368-7402
Navajo Birth Cohort Study
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Division of Toxicology and Human Health Effects,
Atlanta, Georgia
(877) 545-6775
(770) 488-3684
Downwinders radiation exposure
compensation claim
NIAHS, Northern Navajo Medical Center, Radiation Exposure
Screening and Education Program (RESEP), Shiprock,
New Mexico
NDOH, Office of Navajo Uranium Workers, Shiprock,
New Mexico
(505) 368-7054
(505) 368-1260
Uranium workers radiation
exposure compensation claim
NAIHS, Northern Navajo Medical Center, RESEP, Shiprock,
New Mexico
NDOH, Office of Navajo Uranium Workers, Shiprock,
New Mexico
(505) 368-7054
(505) 368-1260
28 Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter Mine Sites

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URANIUM AND RADIATION RESOURCE LIST, CONTINUED
Topic
Program and Agency
Telephone Number
Water
Water hauling practices from safe
drinking water sources
Locations of regulated
watering points
Water quality of NTUA piped water
in your home, or from an NTUA
public water system
Surface water and
groundwater quality
Operation and maintenance of
livestock water sources
Locations of unregulated sources,
livestock wells, windmills,
earthen dams
NNEPA, Public Water Systems Supervision Program,
Window Rock, Arizona
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA), Fort Defiance, Arizona
NTUA, Fort Defiance, Arizona
NNEPA, Water Quality Program
Navajo Department of Water Resources (NDWR), Technical,
Construction, and Operations Branch
(505)368-1062 Shiprock
(928) 871-7755
http://www.navajopublicwater.org/
(800) 528-5011
(928) 729-6207
Ask for "consumer confidence
report." Also available online at:
http://www.ntua.com/ccr14.html
(928)871-7185 Fort Defiance,
Chinle
(505) 368-1037 Northern, Eastern
(928) 890-7599 Western
Contact a district office
(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
(928) 656-3674
(928) 283-3170
(505) 778-5337
To'hajiilee
Chinle
Crownpoint
Dilkon
Fort Defiance
Ganado
Leupp
Pueblo Pintada
Shiprock
Teec Nos Pos
Tuba City
Vanderwagon
Tuba City Dumpsite
Project lead
BIA coordination
BIA community outreach
Hopi Tribal water
Remedial investigation and
feasibility study oversight
Navajo Nation Solid Waste Act
BIA, Western Regional Office, Phoenix, Arizona
BIA, Division of Environmental and Cultural Resources,
Washington, DC
BIA, Navajo Regional Office, Gallup, New Mexico
The Hopi Tribe, Water Resources Program,
Kykotsmovi, Arizona
EPA, Region 9 Superfund Program,
San Francisco, California
NNEPA, Resource Conservation and Recovery Program,
Window Rock, Arizona
(602) 379-3723
(703) 390-6482
(505) 863-8285
(928) 734-3712
(800) 231-3075
(928) 871-7816

Photo of open vent hole at Ruby 1 taken in 2013.
Community Involvement Plan 29

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Smith Lake and Mariano Lake Chapter
Mine Sites
Community Involvement Plan
2017
United States
JfcpHQ Environmental Protection
hI M m Agency

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