LM collaborates with Navajo Nation government and businesses to remove equipment and waste at the site near Shiprock.
February 7, 2023
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) completed a project to remove no longer needed equipment and infrastructure in the Many Devils Wash area at the Shiprock, New Mexico, Disposal Site.
Many Devils Wash before and after cleanup and equipment removal.
The work to remove material from the former uranium-processing site began in October. A Navajo subcontractor performed the work. Prior to the work beginning, LM worked closely with Shiprock Chapter House leadership to explain the project’s intent and receive input. This resulted in leaving part of the fence in the work area at leadership’s request to curtail illegal dumping.
The project overview of the Many Devils Wash cleanup project.
Workers with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority remove power poles at the site.
The project was originally scheduled for 12 weeks but was completed in six weeks. A key discovery early in the project shortened the timeline when Mesa Verde cactus were identified within the removal area. The area was quickly deemed a protection area and removal activity ceased. Mesa Verde cactus are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act and endangered by the Navajo Nation.
The project reduced DOE’s footprint in the area and returned Many Devils Wash to its natural state.
“Because LM’s focus is to protect the environment, it’s rewarding to leave a place in better condition than when we started,” said LM Site Manager Mark Kautsky.
Power poles at the site were cut to ground level.
The project resulted in the removal of about 1,900 linear feet of fence; a concrete diversion structure in the channel and associated sump and vault; about 1,100 linear feet of underground water, electrical and fiber optic lines; and an electrical substation.
LM worked closely with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to remove above-ground and below-ground utility poles and conductor cable in the project area.
Subcontractors also removed waste and debris in the project area, following a project-specific waste management plan (WMP) to identify the types of solid waste and best methods for proper disposal. The WMP provided recommendations for waste minimization, pollution prevention, and diversion practices for the waste. Through local recycling and reuse opportunities, LM diverted as much waste as possible from the landfill.
Subcontractors regraded and revegetated the areas where infrastructure was removed. LM will continue to monitor revegetation, and work closely with the Shiprock Chapter House to finalize the fencing layout for the area now that the land-stewardship function has been returned to the Shiprock community.
“A highlight of this project was working closely with leadership of the Shiprock Chapter House and Navajo Nation businesses,” Kautsky said. “Working together allowed us to provide the best outcome for the community members of Shiprock.”