U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Role in the Five-Year Plan to Address Uranium Contamination in the Navajo Nation (NUREG/BR-0526)

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Publication Information

Date Published: December 2016

Tribal Liaison Program
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

Introduction

The NRC and other Federal agencies are working to address uranium contamination in consultation with the Navajo Nation. In 2007, the agencies developed a coordinated Five-Year Plan that outlined a strategy to gain a better understanding of the scope of the problem and address the greatest risks first. In addition to the NRC, the Federal agencies are the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the Indian Health Service.

During the first five years, the agencies focused on collecting data, identifying the most imminent risks and addressing contaminated structures, water supplies, mills, dumps, and mines with the highest levels of radiation. They learned more about the scope of the problem and the work that needs to be done.

In 2014, the agencies published a second Five-Year Plan that builds on the information gathered and the lessons learned during the first five years. The agencies are committed to continuing to work with the Navajo Nation to reduce the risks to health and the environment. Under the Five-Year Plan each agency plays a specific role.