Navajo EPA wants to use controversial technology for uranium cleanup

May 10, 2026 - 22:27

For decades, the goal has been clear: remove the leftover uranium waste from the Old Church Rock Mine on the Navajo Nation. The site, abandoned for years, still holds radioactive material that threatens local water and soil. Now, the Navajo Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a new approach that has stirred up serious debate.

The agency wants to use a technology called in-situ recovery. This method involves injecting chemicals into the ground to dissolve uranium, then pumping the liquid back to the surface for processing. Supporters say it could clean the site faster and cheaper than traditional excavation, which would require hauling away tons of contaminated dirt.

But environmentalists, community members, and other critics have strong doubts. They worry the chemicals could spread underground, polluting already scarce drinking water sources. Many people on the Navajo Nation remember past uranium mining disasters that left a legacy of illness and contamination. For them, any new technology feels like another risk.

Opponents also question whether the method can truly remove all the waste. They point out that in-situ recovery has a mixed track record elsewhere, sometimes leaving behind more pollution than it removes. The Navajo EPA insists it will follow strict safety rules and monitor the site closely. Still, the plan faces an uphill battle, as trust remains low and the stakes for the land and people are high.