LUKACHUKAI, Ariz. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with the Navajo Nation, continues to make measurable progress in addressing legacy uranium contamination in the Lukachukai Mountains, with major cleanup efforts now underway at the Mesa V Mine Complex.
“For decades, our people have lived with the lasting impacts of uranium contamination,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. “We will continue pushing for sustained federal investment and accountability until all 523 abandoned uranium mines across the Navajo Nation are addressed.”
These USEPA Interim Time-Critical Removal Actions precede the completion of more comprehensive cleanup projects that will be decided through the Engineering Evaluation/ Cost Analysis process over the next two years.
Crews began removing 13,000 cubic yards of uranium mine waste on November 5, 2025, navigating rugged terrain to safely transport contaminated material to a newly engineered on-site repository. This work is part of a $13 million cleanup project expected to be completed within one year.
The repository will include advanced containment protections, including an evapotranspiration cap designed to prevent rainwater infiltration and reduce the spread of contaminants into nearby waterways. Without intervention, uranium waste rock would continue to erode into surrounding drainages, posing long-term risks to the Cove watershed and downstream communities.
“This work reflects years of advocacy by Navajo communities and the importance of strong federal-tribal partnerships,” said Navajo EPA Director Stephen Etsitty. “Through our advocacy we were able to designate the Lukachukai Mining District as the first site on the Navajo Nation added to the National Priorities List—a designation that prioritizes federal resources for the most hazardous sites in the country in March 2024.”
NNEPA continues to track the balance of funds in USEPA’s National Superfund accounts to verify that adequate funds will be available to pay for the comprehensive cleanup work.
There are over 1,300 other Superfund projects underway nationwide which rely on the current and future Superfund Tax collections by USEPA.
The Lukachukai Mountains are used by local communities to support livestock, hunting, and cultural traditions. Many families live near the Mesa V Mine Complex, underscoring the direct public health importance of this cleanup.
