COVE, Ariz. — A new permit has cleared the way for the removal of surplus sand and gravel, as part of a federal and tribal effort to restore lands impacted by abandoned uranium mining in the Cove Chapter.
Arrowhead Contracting, LLC received approval to access and repurpose sediment from five previously disturbed borrow sites near the Cove Chapter. The materials will be used to backfill and regrade two transfer station areas that have undergone uranium mine remediation in 2023 and 2024.
The project is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with approval by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren on behalf of the Navajo Nation. The Nygren Administration has prioritized land restoration across former mining districts on the Navajo Nation.
“This permit helps us move closer to healing lands scarred by the legacy of uranium contamination,” President Nygren said. “We’re not only remediating but restoring — and using our natural resources to do it.”
The excavation will cover approximately 10.5 acres and yield about 10,000 cubic yards of sediment, equivalent to 14,000 tons. The material will support continued remediation work at the Cove Transfer Station Areas 1 and 2 throughout 2025.
Access to the sites will follow approved right-of-way routes, including tribal utility corridors and an old BIA road. All activities comply with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assessments outlined by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. EPA.
Once harvesting of the soil is complete, Arrowhead Contracting, LLC will rehabilitate the borrow sites through erosion control and revegetation efforts, overseen by the Navajo Minerals Department.
“We’re using excess sand and gravel behind old earth and dams to help cover abandoned uranium mine areas,” said Richard Carlton, senior geologist for the Navajo Nation Minerals Department. “Everybody should be excited about that; they’re getting everything cleaned up –It’s what we need to do.”
Carlton said there should be no concern for the community, and if anything, there should be no disturbance or impact on community members during this clean-up process.
