All News Releases By Date

Deletion of Monticello Vicinity Properties from Superfund National Priorities List (NPL)

Release Date: 1/13/2000
Contact Information:
1-800-227-8917,

Release Date: 1/13/2000
Contact Information:
(801) 536-4100 ,

Release Date: 1/13/2000
Contact Information:
(435) 587-4049

DENVER -- On December 30, 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published its intent to delete the Monticello Radioactive Contaminated Properties Site, also called the Monticello Vicinity Properties, from the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). EPA and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) are satisfied that the cleanup is complete and human health and the environment at the site are being protected.

Some 424 private and commercial properties in and around Monticello, Utah, were contaminated by radioactive mill tailings from a uranium processing mill operated for the Federal Government from 1942 through 1960. Tailings were used as construction backfill and in concrete and mortar. Wind and water erosion also carried tailings from the millsite onto nearby properties.

In 1985 the EPA placed the Monticello Vicinity Properties on its Superfund National Priorities List. In 1988, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) entered into an agreement with EPA and UDEQ to clean up the contamination.

DOE has since replaced contaminated materials with clean material. The contaminated materials were taken to a repository south of the millsite. Follow-up monitoring was done to ensure that radon concentrations were reduced to safe levels. The cleanup has reduced the environmental risk for approximately 2,200 people within an eight-mile radius of the City of Monticello.

The public is invited to comment on the Proposal to Delete the Monticello Radioactive Contaminated Properties Site from the NPL. Comments must be received no later than January 31, 2000.

Written comments should be addressed to:
Mr. Jerry Cross (8EPR-F)
U.S. EPA
999 18th St. Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202-2466
Phone 1-800-227-8917x6664

Documents relating to the site can be reviewed Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, at the following locations:
Monticello City Offices
17 North First East Street
Monticello, Utah 84535
(435) 587-2271

U.S. Department of Energy
Grand Junction Office
Public Reading Room
2597B 3/4 Road
Grand Junction, CO 81503
(970) 248-6344