Midnite Mine Superfund Cleanup Progress
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 03 July 2024 17:06
The Midnite Mine Superfund site is a 350-acre, inactive uranium mine located on the Spokane Indian Reservation. A legacy of the Cold War, uranium mining from 1954 to 1981 left more than 33 million tons of waste rock, unprocessed ore and low-grade ore (also known as protore) laced with contaminants. Contaminants include radionuclides and heavy metals resulting from mining, transport activities and related operations.
In April, EPA reported on 2023 progress and 2024 expectations. Per EPA and the Spokane Tribe of Indians, 2024 work plans include:
- Construction of the cover on Pit 4 Waste Containment Area
- Construction of the Sub-waste Liner in Pit 3 Waste Containment Area and start placing mine waste into Pit 3 Waste Containment Area
- Construction on the 5.2 mile effluent pipeline, including installation of manhole covers on completed line.
- Complete construction on the new water treatment plant with commissioning starting Sept. 2024 through Dec. 2024.
- Design of the west pond, which will replace the south pond when it is removed.
- Employ approximately 120 workers, primarily Tribal members.
Further, in June EPA released the Midnite Mine Five-Year Review Report. Per EPA, its purpose “… is to make sure the selected cleanup actions effectively protect people’s health and the environment.”
Click here for EPA’s website containing project updates, reports, announcements, and other resources.