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.

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, extraction has prevented 979,483 pounds of ammonia and 5,580 pounds of uranium from reaching the 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 2023, more than 4,811,065 gallons of water has been injected.

DOE continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the interim action system, which will likely become part of the final groundwater remedy. See the Surface Water and Groundwater web page for project documents associated with the interim action.