In October, the Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) Project celebrated reaching 10 million tons of mill tailings shipped from the project’s Moab, Utah site to its engineered disposal cell in Crescent Junction, Utah. The project team hosted a community event to recognize the milestone and update the community on the project’s progress.

DOE Office of Environmental Management Senior Advisor, Ike White attended the event. He spoke about the team’s dedication since the project began and acknowledged the site’s importance to the area. “This part of Utah is unique,” White remarked. “There are really world-class national parks and scenery around here. So the importance of cleanup to this site and to the community is undeniable.”

(From Left) SKLS VP of Nuclear and Environmental Services, Rich Smalley; DOE Office of Environmental Management Senior Advisor, Ike White; and Moab UMTRA Project Federal Cleanup Director, Russel McCallister

Before the event, staff provided White with a tour of the Moab site. He observed the mill tailings excavation and loading process and had the opportunity to view the tailings shipping containers go through the lidding process. He also learned about the groundwater injection and extraction process and how it helps the Moab site protect the Colorado River.

While on the tour, he met staff in various roles, including a Radiation Control Technician, an Equipment Operator, and Groundwater and Environmental Technicians.

Other speakers at the event included US Rep. John Curtis of Utah and the Grand County Moab Tailings Project Steering Committee Chair Mary McGann. S&K Logistics Services (SKLS) Vice President Rich Smalley was able to attend the event.

SKLS was awarded the Technical Assistance Contract (TAC) for the Moab UMTRA Project in 2017. The 5-year contract has a value of up to $24.5 million. The TAC provides administrative support and oversight services to DOE and conducts the environmental air monitoring and groundwater remediation programs.

Click to view DOE press release.

Cover photo: Employees gather at the Moab site to mark 10 million tons of uranium mill tailings shipped to Crescent Junction disposal cell.