Introduction

The Bluewater Uranium Mill, located near Grants, New Mexico, operated as a significant uranium processing facility from 1953 to 1982. While the site played a critical role in the region’s economic growth during the uranium boom, it left a lasting environmental legacy. With over 23 million tons of hazardous uranium mill tailings and significant groundwater contamination, the project required comprehensive engineering and project management solutions to address environmental risks, safeguard the San Andres Glorieta Aquifer, and ensure compliance with stringent federal regulations under the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) ¹UMTRCA Guidelines: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/uranium-mill-tailings. Anderson Engineering led the effort to reclaim the site, transforming it into a benchmark for sustainable reclamation through innovative practices and effective regulatory collaboration.

Overcoming Hazardous Waste and Groundwater Contamination Challenges

Challenges Faced by the Client

1. Severe Groundwater Contamination: Decades of tailings seepage resulted in elevated levels of uranium, selenium, and molybdenum in the San Andres Glorieta Aquifer—a critical regional water source for Grants, NM, and surrounding communities ²San Andres Glorieta Aquifer: https://www.usgs.gov/aquifer/san-andres-glorieta.
2. Hazardous Tailings Management: Approximately 23 million tons of uranium mill tailings and contaminated materials were disposed of in unlined piles, creating long-term environmental hazards.
3. Regulatory Compliance Pressure: The site required remediation to meet UMTRCA and EPA standards, among the strictest for hazardous waste management. Non-compliance could result in escalating fines and ongoing liabilities.
4. Complex Technical and Logistical Challenges: The client faced extensive technical requirements, including environmental characterization, site remediation, and hazardous waste disposal, as well as coordination of multiple contractors and regulatory approvals.

Impacts of These Challenges

• Environmental Risks: Contaminants directly threatened local ecosystems, endangering water and soil quality.
• Health Concerns: Toxic materials increased the potential for public exposure, affecting the health of nearby communities.
• Financial and Legal Liabilities: Failure to address the site could result in significant fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
• Operational Complexity: The scale and scope of required remediation demanded precise project management to align technical, environmental, and regulatory goals.

Innovative Engineering Solutions for Sustainable Uranium Site Reclamation

Anderson Engineering provided a full suite of services to address the unique challenges of the Bluewater Uranium Mill reclamation project. These included:

Project Management

• Securing agency approvals, including decommissioning work plans from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other government entities.
• Preparing construction documents and cost estimates.
• Bid and contractor evaluation, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Construction management, contractor coordination, and oversight.
• Scheduling and ensuring the timely completion of all project phases.

Environmental and Site Characterization

• Conducted detailed environmental and radiological characterization of the site.
• Prepared site conceptual models and developed a facility inventory.

Remediation and Waste Management

• Disposed of hazardous and special waste safely and efficiently.
• Designed and implemented remedial work plans.
• Consolidated evaporation pond residues into the main tailings impoundment.
• Excavated and used vacuum extraction to recover windblown materials.

Demolition and Reclamation

• Removed asbestos-containing materials and demolished process buildings.
• Installed a radon cover cap to mitigate radiation risks.
• Quarried, screened, and placed erosion protection rock, including rip rap, to stabilize the site.
• Re-vegetated the site with native grasses and shrubs to restore ecological balance.

Hydrology and Earthwork Studies

• Conducted hydrology studies and developed earthwork designs to support long-term site stability.
• Evaluated soil settlement and designed a radon barrier to enhance safety and compliance.

Technical Innovation and Execution

Anderson Engineering’s team ensured all tasks were completed with precision and efficiency, leveraging local expertise to minimize costs and maintain compliance. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders ensured a seamless process, aligning technical solutions with the client’s financial and operational objectives.

Regulatory Compliance

The reclamation activities were conducted under the oversight of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and in compliance with the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) of 1978. Anderson Engineering secured all necessary approvals for decommissioning work plans and regulatory submissions. Upon the completion of reclamation in 1995, the site transitioned to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management for long-term surveillance and maintenance, ensuring the site remains safe and compliant for future generations.

Delivering Environmental Safety, Compliance, and Long-Term Sustainability

Measurable Outcomes

Long-Term Benefits

• Regulatory Compliance: Successfully met all UMTRCA and EPA standards, avoiding penalties and securing long-term legal compliance.
• Environmental Safety: Protected the aquifer through secure tailings containment and ongoing groundwater monitoring, reducing contamination risks.
• Operational Success: Streamlined contractor coordination ensured efficient project execution, minimizing delays.
• Community Health: Reduced exposure to hazardous materials, safeguarding public health.
• Ongoing Management: The DOE Office of Legacy Management ensures continuous monitoring and maintenance of the site to uphold environmental safety.

The Bluewater site is currently managed by the DOE’s Office of Legacy Management. The site includes a disposal cell that encapsulates all tailings and contaminated materials. Continuous monitoring of groundwater and the containment system ensures the effectiveness of the reclamation efforts and the long-term safety of the environment and nearby communities ³DOE Bluewater Overview: https://www.energy.gov/lm/bluewater-new-mexico-disposal-site.

Conclusion

The reclamation of the Bluewater Uranium Mill site is a significant achievement in mitigating the environmental impacts of uranium milling. Through comprehensive decommissioning, waste containment, and ongoing monitoring, Anderson Engineering successfully addressed historical contamination, safeguarded vital water resources, and ensured compliance with federal regulations. By providing a complete suite of project management, remediation, and reclamation services, Anderson Engineering established itself as a leader in uranium site reclamation, setting a benchmark for future projects worldwide. Moreover, the collaborative efforts with local communities and stakeholders emphasized the importance of transparency and public engagement throughout the reclamation process. By addressing critical needs in remediation services, Anderson Engineering not only restored the site but also promoted ecological resilience in the surrounding areas. This holistic approach has paved the way for innovative practices in environmental management and underscores the vital role of industry leaders in fostering sustainable development.

Footnotes

• 1
  UMTRCA Guidelines: https://www.epa.gov/radiation/uranium-mill-tailings
• 2
  San Andres Glorieta Aquifer: https://www.usgs.gov/aquifer/san-andres-glorieta
• 3
  DOE Bluewater Overview: https://www.energy.gov/lm/bluewater-new-mexico-disposal-site