A Word From The Trustee
Fall 2022
Yaateeh! I would like to share great news regarding additional work at 17 abandoned uranium mines (“AUMs”) granted by the Navajo Nation and the United States in the new “Phase 2 Expanded Trust”, previously known as the Phase 2 Removal Site Evaluation (RSE) Trust.
On February 14, 2022, the United States and myself, Derrith Watchman Moore, not individually but solely in her representative capacity as Trustee, and the Navajo Nation, as Beneficiary, entered into the Phase 2 Expanded Trust Agreement (“Phase 2 Trust Agreement”) that among other things, authorized the Trustee to implement:
1. Human Health Risk Assessments and Ecological Risk Assessments for 16 Phase 1 AUMs located throughout the Navajo Nation; and 30 Phase 2 AUMS located either in the Black Mesa Mining District – Central Agency; and Tse Tah Mining Districts in the Northern Agency on the Navajo Nation. Conduct two water studies: one Phase 1 AUM and one Phase 2 AUM
2. Interim Removal Actions for Phase 1 and Phase 2 AUMs (46 total);
3. Engineer Evaluations/Cost Analyses for 16 Phase 1 AUMs;
4. Removal Design for Phase 1 AUMs; and a Removal Action for Phase 1 AUMs; and, Post-Removal Site Control for Phase 1 AUMs.
5. And lastly, the Phase 2 RSE Trust Agreement was incorporated into the Phase 2 Expanded Trust
This 2022 expanded Agreement now entails a total of 48 abandoned uranium mines located primarily in the Western, Central, Northern, and Eastern Agencies of the Navajo Nation. Since May 2022, the “Expanded Trust” has conducted site visits to the new AUMS near the communities Tolikan, Teec Nos Pos, and Blue Gap Tachee, Arizona.
The Environmental Consultant, WSP USA remains the primary contractor for the Expanded Trust with Navajo own sub-contractors as Tse’ Environmental and Carrizo Archeology on board to perform radiation surveys and archeological clearances at all the AUMs mentioned.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Expanded Trust was not in the field for the safety and protection of the Trust team including our partners – Navajo Nation EPA and the United States EPA. Under strict safety protocols established for field work by the Trust, we look forward to conducting the AUM investigations. WE will keep your respective chapter officials and management team updated when the Expanded trust is near your community.
Stay safe and be well!
Derrith Watchman-Moore, Trustee
SPRING 2021
Yá'át'ééh! As the impacts of COVID-19 persist on the Navajo Nation, the Phase 2 Removal Site Evaluation Trust (“Phase 2 RSE Trust”) remains a committed partner, with the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (also known as the “Agencies”), in communicating often and clearly the progress of our work at abandoned uranium mines (AUMs) located near your community.
The Phase 2 RSE Trust will do everything to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and will follow the recommended best practices of the Navajo Nation and the Centers for Disease Control. We will also continue to restrict our travel to AUM sites, and any travel by our contractors to the Navajo Nation as well. While we work though the coming weeks and months together with our partners to get back into the field, our upcoming newsletter highlights the Phase 2 RSE Trust’s work in 2020, when the pandemic hit, and outlines the upcoming work in 2021.
If you have any concerns or questions about the Phase 2 RSE Trust’s work and how your community may be affected during this time, please connect with us at trustee2@navajoaumtrust2.org, or call our office at 505-777-2393. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and resilience during this challenging time. Ahéhee’.
Derrith Watchman-Moore, Phase 2 RSE Trustee
FALL 2020 - COVID-19 Update and the Phase 2 RSE Trust
On March 10, 2020, the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency (Navajo Nation EPA) issued a Precautionary Memorandum to Federal Partners (and consultants) restricting travel and advising social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19. The Phase 2 RSE Trustee immediately suspended field work by personnel and contractors working in Tachee/Blue Gap and Cameron, AZ.
With the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation and in surrounding states, the Navajo Nation President issued public health orders imposing daily and weekend curfews for all residents and non-essential businesses. To remain in compliance with these public health mandates, the Phase 2 RSE Trust office has remained closed to the public but operations continue with staff working in the office with alternative wok arrangements available as necessary.
Because the planning work at abandoned uranium mines remains most important, the Trust will continue to keep communities updated on the progress of work via telephone, email and newsletters via the Navajo Times or direct mailings with our partners, the Navajo Nation EPA and U.S. EPA; respective Navajo community leaders and residents.
As the Navajo Nation and surrounding governments respond to the COVID-19 pandemic the Phase 2 RSE Trust aims to keep you updated. Thank you!
Derrith Watchman-Moore, Phase 2 RSE Trustee
