Three areas of the Navajo Nation that are contaminated with uranium mining waste are being cleaned up.
The work starts in Cove, where uranium ore was stockpiled before trucks took it to a nearby mill for processing. The so-called transfer stations still contain some waste, which will be consolidated and sealed until a permanent disposal site is found.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will put up fencing and monitor air quality to make sure residents in the area are protected from dust.
Mine sites in New Mexico near Casamero Lake and Church Rock also are scheduled to be cleaned up.
The EPA estimates that the work will cost $7.15 million and be complete by November. The agency has identified companies responsible for the cleanup, which are supplying the funding.
