In 2003, DOE implemented an interim action system at the Moab site to address concerns regarding elevated ammonia and uranium concentrations in groundwater discharging to the Colorado River. A total of five well configurations are used to reduce the amount of ammonia and uranium that discharges to the river. See the Surface Water and Groundwater web page for project documents associated with the interim action.
Groundwater extraction is through Configuration 5 wells, which are located adjacent to the tailings pile. Extracted groundwater is pumped to a storage tank for use as dust control on the pile. Over the life of the Project a total of approximately 284.7 million gallons of groundwater has been extracted and has prevented 994,324 pounds of ammonia and 5,744 pounds of uranium from reaching the Colorado River.
Freshwater (diverted river water) is injected through wells in Configuration 4 as an additional way of minimizing the discharge of ammonia to the Colorado River. So far in 2025, more than 2,381,029 gallons of water has been injected.
Ammonia and Uranium Concentration Contours and Interim Action Configurations
One of the well vaults housing wells used to extract groundwater before it discharges into the Colorado River.
Extracted groundwater is fed to this storage tank.
