WASHINGTON-Late last month, following news that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had contracted the independent firm Tetra Tech to assist in uranium mining remediation on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) sent a letter to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) raising his concerns over reports that revealed Tetra Tech EC, a subsidiary to the parent company, had previously been under investigation for potential data manipulation and falsification of soil samples collected during cleanup process of a similar nuclear site.

'The toxic effects of abandoned uranium mines, including higher rates of cancer and birth defects, continue to plague communities in my district, particularly on the Navajo Nation. This is an issue I take very seriously,' said Rep. O'Halleran. 'I am deeply concerned about this contracted operation and the NRC's potential knowledge of Tetra Tech's reputation beforehand. We must ensure that abandoned uranium mine sites are remediated properly.'

In his letter, O'Halleran asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to explain

  1. what review process NRC undertook to determine Tetra Tech Inc.'s Radioactive Material License should remain in good standing;
  2. what corrective actions were taken by the company following the revelation that supervisors directed workers to falsify soil samples collected during previous cleanup operations;
  3. whether or not the NRC shared evidence or reports of their review of Tetra Tech's license or qualifications with the EPA during the solicitation period for the awarded contract.

'The people of the Navajo Nation deserve an explanation in connection to these disturbing reports,' continued Rep. O'Halleran. 'The ongoing issue of uranium contamination in my district is no game; lives have been lost. I am anxiously awaiting a response letter from the NRC into this matter.'

View O'Halleran's letter, here.

BACKGROUND:

In late 2017, the EPA awarded Tetra Tech Inc. an $85 million contract to asses contamination levels of uranium mines within the Navajo Nation. However, reports dating back as early as 2013 indicate that Tetra Tech EC supervisors had directed workers to falsify soil samples that were collected during cleanup at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard site near San Francisco, California, a similar nuclear remediation area.

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission authorizes Nuclear Licenses for EPA contract organizations.

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Tom O'Halleran published this content on 02 December 2019 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 02 December 2019 16:19:01 UTC