Navajo Nation Sheep Dip Vat Project

 

Background

 

In September 1996, staff representing Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Interior BIA-Washington DC, Navajo Area-BIA, and ATSDR met to discuss the approach in evaluating 24 dip sites on the Navajo Nation.

These 24 dip vat sites were sampled by NSP and evaluated by ATSDR that resulted in four sites that posed a public health hazard. In August 1997, NSP staff met with EPA and BIA to discuss the remediation methods and define ATSDR role for future dip vat site assessments throughout the Navajo Nation. At this time, EPA using the sampling results of the 24 sites, selected those sites testing at 40ppm or higher to be further evaluated by ATSDR with assistance from NSP and only four sites were considered as posing a public health hazard.

 

In March 1998, the EPA recommended those sites not posing a public health concern be qualified as No Further Action in CERCLIS database and archived. Sites that required additional work by the BIA will be

addressed in a BIA-funded work plan. The work plan be reviewed by US EPA Region 9 dip vat experts. The EPA's role on these sites will continue to be one of oversight of BIA activities.

 

The Navajo Superfund Program was contacted by Navajo Area BIA-Environmental Quality Office to provide assistance in site characterizations and possible developing a work plan to remediation. Currently, the program is waiting to review the BIA work plan for the next four sites.

 

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