Discussion centers on improving processes for site transitions in the near future
August 13, 2025
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Office of Legacy Management staff recently met with state officials for status updates on two sites LM manages in Wyoming, and three sites that will eventually be transferred to LM for long-term surveillance and maintenance.
LM Director Carmelo Melendez met with representatives of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) for updates on LM’s disposal site in Split Rock and a former processing site in Riverton. The group also discussed the eventual transition of the Gas Hills West; Gas Hills North; and Gas Hills East disposal sites, in addition to several other sites that will transition to LM stewardship in the coming decade.
The sites are managed under the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA).
In Riverton, LM is upgrading existing fire hydrants, valves, and pipeline on a domestic water supply system. The water system upgrade project is to ensure the continuation of a safe and reliable water supply for the users of the Northern Arapaho Water and Sewer Department.
On the trip, LM staff formally consulted with the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Riverton. LM Site Manager Stephen Pitton presented on the history of the former processing site and the reasons for upgrades to the Northern Arapaho alternate water supply system before taking the team on a tour of the construction activities.
“While on the tour, it was important to highlight the longstanding relationship and support between DOE and the Tribe,” Pitton said. “LM also met with Wyoming state regulators regarding site management and emerging issues at the other eight current or future DOE UMTRCA sites.”
Discussion topics ranged from regulatory compliance, restoration of remedies, and gas and oil leases, among other issues. During the tour, LM emphasized that at project completion, the alternate water supply system will be turned over to the Tribe to continue operations and maintenance responsibilities.
Melendez and Pitton were accompanied by Jay Glascock, director of LM’s Office of Site Operations; and Nicole Olin, program manager for LM’s UMTRCA Title II sites.
WDEQ is responsible for enforcing state and federal environmental laws in Wyoming. As part of the discussions, the parties agreed that LM will work with WDEQ to improve coordination on changes to transition dates for incoming sites. LM’s priority is to ensure funding and resources are in alignment with planned transition dates to support its processes.
The two agencies also discussed the benefits of a records exchange. WDEQ has a records index that can be shared with LM to help both parties ensure that relevant records are shared.