Navajo Nation Faces Looming Shipments Amid Lack of Uranium Emergency Plan

A billboard located along State Route 89 just outside the boundaries of the Navajo Nation reads: “Radioactive pollution kills. It’s time to clean up the mines.” The Navajo Nation has more than 500 abandoned uranium mines, and communities are still waiting for them to be cleaned up. Photo by Shondiin Silversmith | Arizona Mirror

Uranium mining has raised significant concerns within the Navajo Nation since the 1940s, impacting both the land and the health of its communities. More than 500 abandoned uranium mines remain a pressing issue as families continue to grapple with the fallout from this history. Recently, additional worries have emerged regarding the transportation of uranium ore across Navajo lands.

The designated route for hauling ore from the Pinyon Plain Mine extends over 300 miles into Utah, traversing numerous communities along the way. An alarming incident occurred nearly six months ago when energy company Energy Fuels, Inc. transported uranium without prior notification to the Navajo government or affected communities.

In late January, Energy Fuels announced its plans to resume shipments from the mine starting in February. Yet, there are doubts about whether local tribal members have been adequately informed about the agreement. As of this report, neither the Navajo Nation Council nor its president had issued a public statement regarding these developments.

Residents along the transportation route express anxiety over potential accidents during the uranium haulage. Questions arise about emergency response protocols, community notifications, and the accountability of those involved should an incident occur. The nature of the response can depend heavily on the severity and location of any accidents.

Emergency management officials, including Gabe Lavine from the Arizona Division of Emergency Management, state that local authorities utilize an integrated alert system to notify residents of emergencies. This can include alerts via cell phone, radio, or television. Although haul trucks primarily operate on state roadways, local authorities retain specific responsibilities for emergencies that arise on the Navajo Nation.

In the case of an incident, companies transporting uranium ore—including Energy Fuels and contracted Hammon Trucking—bear primary responsibility. They must mobilize their contractors for prompt responses, with local emergency services acting as the first responders, including Navajo Nation police and fire departments. Transportation of uranium ore is regulated, yet concerns persist about response times, particularly in remote areas.

Energy Fuels has laid out a transportation emergency response plan that delineates the roles of each party involved. In the event of a spill, they would be tasked with notifying relevant authorities, including local fire and police, and initiating clean-up operations through designated contractors.

The complexities intensify given that over 170 miles of the uranium haul route lies within the Navajo Nation’s borders. This overlap raises further questions about jurisdiction and responsibility in the case of an emergency. Navajo EPA Director Stephen Etsitty confirmed that for incidents occurring within Navajo boundaries, the Navajo Nation assumes direct responsibility.

There is growing urgency to update the Navajo Nation’s emergency response framework, particularly regarding uranium transport. Deputy Director Michael Henderson reported ongoing efforts to revise the general emergency response plan, last updated in 2017, to include specific protocols for uranium transportation. Feedback from community members has been integral to this process.

The Navajo Nation comprises five agencies, each reliant on local chapter houses to disseminate information regarding safety protocols and emergency procedures. Henderson emphasized the need for educational materials aimed at alleviating public concerns, as the pushback against uranium transportation becomes increasingly evident.

As momentum builds behind these concerns, tribal officials are collaborating to develop a comprehensive education strategy. Henderson noted that having a robust emergency response plan could bring reassurance to the community should an incident occur, ensuring they are informed about evacuation processes and livestock safety.

This push for preparedness is vital as the uranium haul route predominantly affects the communities in the Western agency of the Navajo Nation. As local officials work to establish a more coordinated response, they recognize the necessity for all residents to be well-informed and engaged in discussions surrounding the transportation of uranium across their lands.