Summary of the Phase II, Title I engineering assessment of inactive uranium mill tailings, Phillips/United Nuclear Site, Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico
An engineering assessment was performed of the problems resulting from the existence of radioactive uranium mill tailings at the Phillips/United Nuclear site at Ambrosia Lake, New Mexico. Services included the preparation of topographic maps, the performance of core drillings sufficient to determine areas and volumes of tailings and radiometric measurements to determine radium-contaminated materials, the evaluation of resulting radiation exposures of individuals and nearby populations, the investigation of site hydrology and meteorology, and the evaluation and costing of alternative corrective actions. Radon gas release from the 2.6 million tons of tailings at the Phillips/United Nuclear site constitutes the most significant environmental impact, although windblown tailings and external gamma radiation are also factors. The estimated radiological health effects to the general population are considered to be minimal. The two alternative actions presented are: dike stabilization, fencing, and maintenance; and adding 2 ft of stabilization cover material. Both options include remedial action at off-site structures and on-site decontamination around the tailings pile. Cost estimates for the two options are $920,000 and $2,230,000, respectively.
- Research Organization:
- Ford, Bacon and Davis Utah, Inc., Salt Lake City (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-13-1658
- OSTI ID:
- 5228166
- Report Number(s):
- GJT-13S; TRN: 78-006171
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
MILL TAILINGS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIUM
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADON
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AIR POLLUTION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
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PARTICLE RESUSPENSION
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MONITORING
NONMETALS
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