Surface water and groundwater protection at UMTRCA Title I sites is a process that encompasses two strategies; (1) to contain the spread of contaminants to ground water, surface water, and surrounding lands and (2) to mitigate the threat to public and the environmental health from groundwater contaminants. The remedial groundwater strategy is documented in a Groundwater Compliance Action Plan (GCAP). The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reviews the GCAP that is submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) at Title I sites to determine if the cleanup complies with the Environmental Protection Agency's standards in 40 CFR Part 192, titled "Health and Environmental Protection Standards for Uranium and Thorium Mill Tailings".
In 2022 the Moab UMTRA Project collaborated with the Network of National Laboratories for Environmental Management and Stewardship (NNLEMS) to determine the best path-forward for developing a defensible GCAP. Network of National Laboratories Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Groundwater Corrective Action May 2023 | Department of Energy
The Project is currently addressing data gaps associated with determining the final groundwater remedial strategy at the Site. After field work is completed, an updated conceptual site model will be completed, and the remedial strategy will be determined with input from stakeholders. A draft GCAP is scheduled to be submitted to NRC in 2027.