![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Addressing Uranium Contamination
in the Navajo Nation
Contaminated Structures
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EPA is concerned that structures, including homes, hogans and storage buildings may have been constructed of contaminated materials from nearby mines. Building material sources may include rocks from the mine and aggregate from mine spoils which may have been used in concrete mixing. Structures may also be contaminated by the presence of radiological materials in outdoor soils and dust that may have been brought into the homes on shoes and clothing.
Since 2008, EPA has completed demolition and necessary excavations of 27 structures and ten residential yards. In addition, EPA has completed the construction of several new homes, and some families were provided compensation to reconstruct demolished structures themselves. In 2009 EPA plans to distribute financial settlement balances to the remaining families seeking financial compensation for demolished structures and will begin complete construction of the remaining homes that EPA has agreed to rebuild in the Red Valley Cove, Teec Nos Pos, and Cane Valley Area Chapters. Two contaminated yards in Tuba City will also be remediated and two homes in that same area will be assessed for potential contamination.
The Five-Year Plan anticipates assessing at least 500 structures at a rate of approximately 100 per year. EPA and Navajo Nation EPA will work together to identify all the structures that should be assessed. Residents will be notified of the results and possible remedial solutions if any are warranted. Superfund authority will be used to perform any remediation.
