HRS Documentation Record Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

HAZARD RANKING SYSTEM (HRS)

DOCUMENTATION RECORD - REVIEW COVER SHEET

Name of Site: Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

EPA ID No.: NMN000607033 

Contact Persons 

Site Investigation: Brenda Nixon Cook, NPL Coordinator, EPA Reg.6 (214) 665-7436 

 (Name) (Telephone) 

Documentation Record: Brenda Nixon Cook, NPL Coordinator, EPA Reg.6 (214) 665-7436 

 (Name) (Telephone) 

 

Pathways, Components, or Threats Not Scored 

1) Ground Water Pathway: The ground water migration pathway has not been scored because 

although there is analytical data to support a release, there is not a sufficient number of targets 

to impact the site score. Based on information available at this time, evaluation of the ground 

water migration pathway would not affect the listing decision.

2) Ground Water to Surface Water Pathway: The ground water to surface water pathway has not 

been scored because although ground water in the Jackpile Sandstone interchanges with water 

in the Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate through unconsolidated alluvium deposits along the 

stream channels, the overland flow component score was sufficient for site listing.

3) Soil Exposure Pathway: The soil exposure pathway has not been scored. Based on information 

available at this time, evaluation of the soil exposure pathway would not affect the listing 

decision. 

4) Air Pathway: The air migration pathway has not been scored. Based on information available at 

this time, evaluation of the air migration pathway would not affect the listing decision. 

5) Surface Water Pathway: The drinking water and environmental threats have not been scored. 

Based on information available at this time, evaluation of the drinking water and environmental 

threats would not affect the listing decision.
HRS Documentation Record

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1 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

HRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD

Name of Site: Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

Site Spill Identifier No.: A6T3

CERCLIS Site ID No.: NMN000607033 

EPA Region: 6 

Date Prepared: March 2012 

Date Revised: December 2013 

Street Address of Site: SR279 near Paguate, Laguna Pueblo 

City, County, and State: Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico 87040* 

General Location

within the State: The site is located near the city of Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico. 

Paguate is located in the Laguna Indian Reservation approximately 40 

miles west of Albuquerque (Ref. 3, p. 1). 

Topographic Map(s): The following U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute topographic 

series map was used in locating the site: Moquino, New Mexico (1957) 

(Ref. 3, p. 1). 

Latitude*: 35° 8’ 1.42” North 

Longitude*: 107° 20’ 50.54” West 

Latitude and Longitude coordinates were measured at the point of convergence of Rio Paguate and 

Rio Moquino near the center of the former mine and were determined using a scaled aerial photograph 

and ESRI ArcMap software (Ref. 9, p. 1). 

 Scores

 

 Air Pathway Not Scored

 Ground Water Pathway Not Scored

 Soil Exposure Pathway Not Scored

 Surface Water Pathway 100.00 

 HRS SITE SCORE 50.00

*The street address, coordinates, and contaminant locations presented in this HRS Documentation Record identify the general area in 

which the site is located. They represent one or more locations EPA considers to be part of the site based on the screening information 

EPA used to evaluate the site for NPL listing. EPA lists national priorities among the known "releases or threatened releases" of 

hazardous substances; thus, the focus is on the release, not precisely delineated boundaries. A site is defined as where a hazardous

substance has been "deposited, stored, placed, or otherwise come to be located." Generally, HRS scoring and the subsequent listing of a 

release merely represent the initial determination that a certain area may need to be addressed under CERCLA. Accordingly, EPA 

contemplates that the preliminary description of facility boundaries at the time of scoring will be refined as more information is 

developed as to where the contamination has come to be located.
HRS Documentation Record 2 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

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NOTES TO THE READER

1. The following rules were applied when citing references in this documentation record: 

Tracking numbers are assigned by the region to every page of every reference. The tracking 

number consists of the reference number followed by the page number within that reference. A 

tracking number has a two-digit number followed by the sequential number (e.g., Reference 4, 

page 1 is expressed as 040001 in Reference 4). 

2. Hazardous substances are listed by the names used in the January 2004 Superfund Chemical 

Data Matrix (SCDM) (Ref. 2). 

 

3. Attachment A of this document record consists of the following figures: 

• A-1 Site Location Map

• A-2 Site Layout Map

• A-3 Surface Water Pathway

• A-4 15-Mile Target Distance Limit

• A-5A Site Inspection Sample Location Map

• A-5B Expanded Site Inspection Sample Location Map
REFERENCES CITED

1. 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 300 Appendix A, Hazard Ranking System. Pages: 

1. [A complete copy can be obtained from the Regional Docket upon request or found online at 

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsres/index.htm#HRS Rule]. 

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2004. Superfund Chemical Data Matrix 

(SCDM) (excerpts). January 2004. Pages: 23. [A complete copy of SCDM is available at 

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsres/tools/scdm.htm].

3. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 1957, Moquino, New Mexico; 1957, photorevised 1971,

Mesita, New Mexico; 1960, photorevised 1971, Dough Mountain, New Mexico, (7.5-minute 

topographic series maps). Pages: 3. 

4. U.S. Department of the Interior. Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine Reclamation Project 

Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 1. October 1986. Pages: 276. 

5. OA Systems Corporation. Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine Record of Decision Compliance 

Assessment. September 2007. Pages: 219.

6. Marvin Sarracino, Technician II. Jackpile Reclamation Project. Pueblo of Laguna. Project 

Status Report No. 71. June 1995. Pages 58. 

7. Hydro-Search, Inc. Hydrology of the Jackpile-Paguate Mine Area. October 9, 1981. Pages: 

111. 

8. Weston Solutions, Inc. Quality Assurance Sampling Plan for Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine. 

SR 279 Laguna Pueblo, Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico. February 2010. Pages: 143. 

9. Weston Solutions, Inc. Project Note to Project File. Calculating the Latitude and Longitude at 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine. 24 June 2010. Pages: 2. 

 

10. EPA. Technical Resource Document. Extraction and Benefication of Ores and Minerals. 

Uranium. Volume 5. January 1995. Pages: 139. 

11. EPA. Standards for Interstate and Intrastate Waters, 20.6.4 NMAC, 2005. Effective 29 

December 2006. http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/wqslibrary/nm/nm_6_wqs.pdf 

Accessed 5 April 2010. Pages: 46.

12. Weston Solutions, Inc. Project Note to Project File. Calculating Distance from PPEs to Level 

II Samples RM-JM-SW, RP-JM-01, RP-SW-01, RP-SW-02, RP-SW-03, PR-SW-01. 11 

March 2010, updated 18 October 2013. Pages: 2. 

13. EPA. Toxics Release Inventory Program. www.epa.gov/TRI/. TRI Explorer search conducted 

for zip code 87040. 2009 Public Data, accessed 12 March 2010. Pages: 1.

14. OA Systems Corporation. Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine Record of Decision Compliance 

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

3 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033
HRS Documentation Record 4 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Assessment. Appendix D Water Quality, WQ Addendum and Monitoring Result Tables

(excerpts). Surface Water Results. September 2007. Pages: 14. 

15. Weston Solutions, Inc. Project Note to Project File. Calculating Average Annual Flow for Rio 

Paguate and Rio San Jose. Using data from USGS Surface-Water Annual Statistics for the 

Nation (http://nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/annual/). 25 June 2010. Pages: 6. 

16. Missouri Census Data Center Demographic Profile 3, 2000 Census – Paguate. 

http://mcdc2.missouri.edu, accessed 15 March 2010. Pages: 4.

17. Reference number reserved.

18. Kaufmann, Robert, Eadie, Gregory, and Russell, Charles. Effects of Uranium Mining and 

Milling on Ground Water in the Grants Mineral Belt, New Mexico. Ground Water, SeptemberOctober 1976, Vol. 14, No. 5. Pages: 13.

19. Weston Solutions, Inc. Field Logbooks. WO# 20406.012.019.0514.01. Field Logbook Notes 

for Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine. Logbooks 1 through 3. 17 February 2010 to 4 March 

2010. Pages: 41. 

20. ALS Laboratory Group. Final Analytical Data Packages. ALS Work Order Numbers 10-03-045 

and 10-03-063. 16 March 2010. Pages: 1317. 

21. OA Systems Corporation. Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine Record of Decision Compliance 

Assessment. Appendix D Water Quality, WQ Addendum and Monitoring Result Tables 

(excerpts). Monitoring Well Results. September 2007. Pages: 12. 

22. United States Department of Agriculture. Soil Survey of Cibola Area, New Mexico, Parts of 

Cibola, McKinley, and Valencia Counties. Issued March 1993. Pages: 309. 

23. Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and Natural Resources Department. Memorandum from 

Curtis Francisco, Water Quality Specialist. Subject: Fishing in the Rio Paguate and Rio San 

Jose. 15 March 2010. Pages: 2. 

24. EPA. Soil Cleanup Criteria in 40 CFR Part 192. Directive No. 9200.4-25. Use of Soil 

Cleanup Criteria in 40 CFR Part 192 as Remediation Goals for CERCLA Sites. 12 February 

1998. http://www.epa.gov/superfund/health/conmedia/soil/cleanup.htm. Accessed 24 March 

2010. Pages: 5.

25. Weston Solutions, Inc. Data Quality Assurance Review. ALS Laboratory Group. SDGs 

1003045 and 1003063. 19 March 2010. Pages: 81. 

26. Weston Solutions, Inc. Review of Radiochemistry Data Reports. Work Orders 1003045 and 

1003063. 24 March 2010. Pages: 3. 

27. Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and Natural Resource Department. Year End Program 

Report FY09, Surface Water Monitoring Program. February 2010. Pages: 385. 
HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

5 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

28. Pueblo of Laguna. Jackpile Project, Jackpile Area. Drawings. Jacobs Engineering Group, 

Albuquerque Operations. August 1989. Pages: 46. 

29. Pueblo of Laguna. Jackpile Reclamation Project. OA Systems Corporation. Exhibit 2 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine, Record of Decision Compliance Assessment. May 2007. 

Pages: 1.

30. Weston Solutions, Inc. Site Inspection Report for Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine. SR 279 

Laguna Pueblo, Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico (excerpts). June 2010. Pages: 91. 

31. Weston Solutions, Inc. Project Note to Project File. Observations of Source Areas during 18 

February Site Reconnaissance and 2 through 4 March 2010 Site Inspection Sampling Event. 1 

July 2010. Pages: 1. 

32. Weston Solutions, Inc. Project Note to Project File. Sample Quantitation Limit (SQL) 

Calculation. 1 July 2010. Pages: 2. 

33. Weston Solutions, Inc. Project Note to Project File. Source Area Measurements. 14 October 

2011. Pages: 3. 

34. EPA. Using Qualified Data to Document an Observed Release and Observed Contamination. 

EPA 540-F-94-028. November 1996. Pages 18. 

35. Weston Solutions, Inc. Draft Expanded Site Inspection Report for Jackpile-Paguate Uranium 

Mine. SR 279 Laguna Pueblo, Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico (excerpts). July 2011. 

Pages: 2896. 

36. Weston Solutions, Inc. Trip Report for Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine Expanded Site 

Inspection. SR 279 Laguna Pueblo, Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico (excerpts). 3 June 

2011. Pages: 28. 

37. Reference number reserved.

38. EPA. Technology Reference Guide for Radioactively Contaminated Media. EPA 402-R-07-

004 (excerpts). October 2007. Pages: 25. 

39. EPA. Radiation Protection. Frequent Technical Questions. 

www.epa.gov/radiation/marssim/faqforusers.html Accessed 19 August 2011. Pages 8. 

40. Weston Solutions, Inc. Project Note to Project File. Overland Flow Distance Measurements. 

17 October 2011, updated 21 October 2013. Pages: 2. 

41. Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and Natural Resources Department. Record of 

Communication between Frank A Ortiz, Natural Resources Specialist, and Stacey Carr, of 

Mesita Village. Subject: Fishing in the Rio Paguate. 24 October 2011. Pages: 1. 
42. Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and Natural Resources Department. Memorandum from 

Curtis L. Francisco, Water Quality Specialist. Subject: Cultural Use on the Rio Paguate and 

Rio Moquino above and below the Jack Pile Mine site. 20 December 2012. Pages: 5. 

43. Weston Solutions, Inc. Telephone Conversation Record for communication between Michelle 

Brown, Weston Solutions, Inc., and Curtis L. Francisco, Pueblo of Laguna. Subject: Sample 

location JM-SS-03 and Rio Moquino. 27 February 2013. Pages: 1. 

HRS Documentation Record

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HRS Documentation Record

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SITE SUMMARY

The Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine site is located on the Laguna Indian Reservation about 40 miles 

west of Albuquerque in Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico (Ref. 3, p. 1; Ref. 4, p. 21). The 

property is located in an area of canyons and arroyos to the east of the village of Paguate as seen on 

Figure A-1 (Ref. 3, p. 1). The former uranium mine facility encompasses approximately 7,868 acres 

and includes the following sources: open pits and waste dumps. Overburden and ore-associated waste 

was stockpiled within the mine area, stockpiled in an adjacent river’s (Rio Moquino) floodplain, or

placed in the mined-out areas of the pits as backfill (Ref. 4, pp. 21, 69). The sources at the property 

(the open pits, and the waste dump) contain hazardous substances that have released into the surface 

waters of Rio Paguate, and Rio Moquino via the surface water pathway (described below). The open 

pits (identified as Source 1 below) are not scored in the overland/flood migration component of the 

surface water migration pathway, but do constitute an eligible source for the ground water to surface 

water migration component of the surface water migration pathway (a component described in this

HRS documentation record at proposal, but not scored). These releases of hazardous substances have

caused Level II contamination within fisheries identified within the Rio Paguate and Paguate 

Reservoir.

For the purpose of this HRS Documentation Record, the “property” is defined as approximately 2,656 

acres of the facility which were disturbed and contained three open pits that were between 200 and 300 

feet deep, 32 waste dumps and 23 protore stockpiles (Ref. 4, p. 24; Ref. 5, p. 184). A Site Layout 

Map is provided as Figure A-2 and the locations of the disturbed areas can been found in References 

28 and 29. The mine was operated by Anaconda Minerals Company, a division of Atlantic Richfield 

Company. Mining operations were conducted from 1953 through early 1982. The mine was closed 

because of depressed uranium mining conditions. During the 29 years of mining, approximately 400 

million tons of rocks were moved within the mine area and approximately 25 million tons of uranium 

ore were transported via the Santa Fe Railroad from the mine to Anaconda’s Bluewater Mill, 

approximately 40 miles west of the property (Ref. 4, p. 21; Ref. 5, p. 11). 

The town of Paguate is located adjacent and west of the property with a population of approximately 

492 according to the 2000 census (Ref. 3, p.1; Ref. 16, p. 1). The remaining surrounding area is 

mainly undeveloped, and a varied topography that contains wildlife consisting of elk, antelope, goats, 

and mule deer. There is also a population of approximately 1,500 domesticated cattle on the Laguna 

Reservation (Ref. 3, p.1; Ref. 19, pp. 6, 7). As depicted on a USGS topographic map of the area, the 

perennial rivers Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate flow through the property boundary and the two rivers 

merge near the center of the property (Ref. 3, p. 1, Figure A-2). Tribal members use the Rio Paguate 

and Rio Moquino upstream and downstream of the mine area for cultural, ceremonial, and traditional 

purposes (Ref 42, p. 1). The taking of water fowl has been observed on a routine and continuing basis

(Ref. 23, p. 2). Also, wild plants that grow along these waterways are collected and consumed and 

used for basketry, and wood from the trees is used to heat homes and cook with in wood stoves and 

outside ovens (Ref. 42, p. 5). According to Laguna officials, contaminated source material is present 

along the river bank and would be in direct contact with the sources when the river is flowing (Ref. 19, 

pp. 4, 6, 7). The Rio Moquino flows southeasterly into the Rio Paguate within the property and the 

Rio Paguate continues to flow south of the property through the Paguate Reservoir and then becoming 

the Rio San Jose (Ref. 3, pp. 1 to 3). There is documentation of fishing occurring within these 

perennial rivers and that the fish are used for human consumption (Ref. 23, Ref. 41).
HRS Documentation Record 8 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

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In December 1986, under a series of agreements between the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the 

Pueblo of Laguna, it was agreed that the Pueblo of Laguna would perform the management, 

coordination, and administration of the Jackpile-Paguate Reclamation Project in accordance with the 

requirements set forth in the Jackpile-Paguate Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the 

associated Record of Decision (ROD) (Ref. 5, p. 184). 

Reclamation of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine commenced in 1990. The “preferred alternative” 

reclamation plan incorporated the following: backfilling of the open pit areas to at least 10 feet above 

projected ground water recovery levels using protore and waste rock dump material; slope reduction of 

the upper 15 feet of highwall slopes; recontouring and covering of remaining waste rock dumps; 

completion of arroyo drainage improvements and erosion controls; decontamination of those structures 

to remain, and removal/disposal of all non-essential structures; plugging and bulkheading of 

underground ventilation raises and decline portals, respectively; reclamation of miscellaneous features 

such as wells, access roads, rail spurs, drill holes, etc.; property-wide revegetation of disturbed areas; 

and provision of property security and long-term monitoring of reclamation success for a period of not 

less than 10 years (Ref. 5, p. 12). 

On 10 June 1995, the Laguna Construction Company, who was in charge of the reclamation, officially 

closed out the Jackpile Reclamation Project (Ref. 6, p. 57). 

In September 2007, a ROD Compliance Assessment for Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine was 

completed by OA Systems Corporation to determine if the post-reclamation had met the requirements 

of the ROD. This report concluded that reclamation of the mine was still not complete as several noncompliant and potentially non-compliant issues still needed to be addressed (Ref. 5, pp. 80 to 92). The 

mine would be considered complete when revegetated sites reached 90 percent of the density, 

frequency, foliar cover, basal cover, and production of undisturbed reference areas (but no sooner than 

10 years following seeding) (Ref. 5, p. 92). 

As part of the ROD Compliance Assessment, surface water data were evaluated for 10 years between 

1996 and 2006 (Ref. 5, p. 191). During this evaluation, several samples were found to exceed EPA 

Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for drinking water for total uranium at 0.03 milligram per liter 

(mg/L) and National Secondary Drinking Water Standards of 0.05 mg/L for manganese (Ref. 5, pp. 

200 to 202). The following concentration ranges were found in samples collected during this 

timeframe:

Total Uranium Manganese 

Location Concentrations Concentrations Reference

mg/L mg/L

Rio Paguate – Ford 0.08 - 544.14 <0.01 - 10.7 Ref, 5, p. 191, 

Crossing-Rail Trestle Ref. 14, p. 6

Lower Rio Moquino 0.03 - 234.95 0.0089 - 0.127 Ref, 5, p. 191; 

Ref. 14, p. 7 

Lower Rio Paguate 0.016 - 163.25 0.0357 - 0.13 Ref, 5, p. 191; 

Ref. 14, p. 8

Paguate-Moquino 0.029 - 252.59 0.0112 - 0.14 Ref, 5, p. 191; 

Confluence Ref. 14, p. 9 

Upper Rio Moquino 0.008 - 52.89 <0.01 - 0.036 Ref, 5, p. 191; 

Ref. 14, p. 10
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Upper Rio Paguate 0.002 - 32.21 0.0396 - 0.146 Ref, 5, p. 191; 

Ref. 14, p. 11

Paguate Reservoir 0.002 - 17.42 <0.01 - 0.004 Ref, 5, p. 191;

Ref. 14, p. 12

Note:

< - Less Than

As part of the Water Pollution Program Grants (Section 106), the Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and 

Natural Resources Department has been collecting surface water samples along the surface water 

pathway quarterly from 2005 through 2009 (Ref. 30, p. 39). The samples have been analyzed for total 

uranium (Ref. 27, p. 23). As with the samples collected as part of the ROD Compliance Assessment, 

these samples also contain concentrations that exceed the EPA MCL of 0.03 mg/L or 30 micrograms 

per liter (ug/L). The following concentration ranges were found in the samples collected: 

Location

Total Uranium 

Concentrations

ug/L

Reference

RPG-03

Rio Paguate below the 

former Jackpile-Paguate 

Mine (within the TDL)

0.007 - 452.557

Ref. 27, pp. 23, 43

RPG-04

Rio Paguate at Mesita Dam 

(within the TDL)

0.167 - 217.45

Ref. 27, pp. 23, 43

RSJ-04

Rio San Jose below the 

Dipping Vat Spring on 

Sedillo Grant (beyond the 

TDL)

2.012 - 21.615

Ref. 27, pp. 23, 43

RMQ-01

Rio Moquino above 

Jackpile-Paguate Mine 

(background)

0.005 - 31.138

Ref. 27, pp. 23, 43

These results indicate contamination within the surface water pathway, but according to the ROD 

Compliance Assessment, several data gaps remained and it was recommended that further monitoring 

and evaluation be performed (Ref. 5, pp. 204 to 206). 

Post-reclamation land uses for the property include limited livestock grazing, light manufacturing, 

office space, mining, and major equipment storage. Specifically excluded are habitation and farming 

(Ref. 5, p. 79).

Based on analytical results from the Site Inspection (SI) conducted in March 2010 (whose results are 

presented in this HRS Documentation Record), there is an observed release of uranium234, uranium235, 

uranium238 [the main components of total uranium] and manganese to Rio Paguate, Rio Moquino and 

the Paguate Reservoir (Ref. 30, pp. 42, 43). This release resulted in Level II contamination of two 

fisheries within the Rio Paguate and the Paguate Reservoir; the zone of actual contamination extends 

approximately 5.26 miles downstream from the probable point of entry to surface water to the most 

downstream sample establishing an observed release within the surface water migration pathway (see 
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Section 4.1.3.3). 

The EPA decided to complete an Expanded Site Inspection (ESI) of the Site in January 2011. As part

of the ESI, a draft Conceptual Site Model (CSM) was prepared based primarily on the data and 

conclusions of the SI and other historical facility reports. The purpose of the CSM was to compile the 

existing hydrologic and geochemical data for the property (Ref. 35, p. 2). Based on the CSM, it was 

concluded that ground water and surface water are in hydrologic communication across the property. 

Hydrologic observations and modeling indicate that pit waters present on the property are not 

contained and flow into the surface water system via ground water pathways, carrying contaminants 

into that system (Ref. 35, p. 2795). Chemical data also suggest that reactions in the backfilled pits, and 

subsequent migration to ground water, may be shifting the chemistry of surface water at, and below the 

property (Ref. 35, p. 2795). 

In April 2011, ESI sampling activities were conducted. ESI sampling activities focused on both 

ground water and surface water sampling. Analytical results from the ESI (whose results are presented 

in this HRS Documentation Record) document an observed release of isotopic uranium, and 

manganese to the surface water pathway (Ref. 35, pp. 3, 30, 33). 
WORKSHEET FOR COMPUTING HRS SITE SCORE

 S S2

1. Ground Water Migration Pathway Score (Sgw) NS NS

(from Table 3-1, line 13) 

2a. Surface Water Overland/Flood Migration Component 100 10,000 

(from Table 4-1, line 30) 

2b. Ground Water to Surface Water Migration Component NS NS

(from Table 4-25, line 28) 

2c. Surface Water Migration Pathway Score (Ssw) NS NS

(Enter the larger of lines 2a and 2b as the pathway score)

3. Soil Exposure Pathway Score (Ss) NS NS

(from Table 5-1, line 22) 

4. Air Migration Pathway Score (Sa) NS NS

(from Table 6-1, line 12) 

5. Total of S 2 + S 2 + S 2 2

gw sw s + Sa ---- 10,000 

6. HRS Site Score: Divide the value on line 5 by 4 and take 50.00 

the square root. 

Notes: 

S Score

S2 Score squared

NS Not scored

Tables 3-1, 4-1, 4-25, 5-1, and 6-1 refer to score sheets presented in the HRS (Ref. 1). Table 4-1 is reproduced in the 

following pages of this HRS documentation record for the convenience of the reader.

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DRINKING WATER THREAT 

Factor Categories and Factors Maximum Value Value Assigned

 

Likelihood of Release

1. Observed Release 550 550 

2. Potential to Release by Overland Flow:

2a. Containment 10 NS 

2b. Runoff 25 NS 

2c. Distance to Surface Water 25 NS 

2d. Potential to Release by Overland Flow

 (lines 2a[2b + 2c]) 500 NS 

3. Potential to Release by Flood:

3a. Containment (Flood) 10 NS 

3b. Flood Frequency 50 NS 

3c. Potential to Release Flood

 (lines 3a x 3b) 500 NS 

4. Potential to Release

(lines 2d + 3c, subject to a maximum of 500) 500 NS 

5. Likelihood of Release (higher of lines 1 and 4) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics

6. Toxicity/Persistence a 10,000 

7. Hazardous Waste Quantity a 10,000 

8. Waste Characteristics

(Toxicity/Persistence x Hazardous Waste 

 Quantity, then assign a

value from Table 2-7) 100 100 

Targets

9. Nearest Intake 50 NS 

10. Population

10a. Level I Concentrations b NS 

 10b. Level II Concentrations b NS 

10c. Potential Contamination b NS 

10d. Population

(lines 10a + 10b + 10c) b NS 

11. Resources 5 5 

12. Targets (lines 9 + 10d +11) b 5 

Drinking Water Threat Score

13. Drinking Water Threat Score

[(lines 5 x 8 x 12)/82,500

subject to a maximum of 100] 100 3.33 
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HUMAN FOOD CHAIN THREAT

Factor Categories and Factors Maximum Value Value Assigned

Likelihood of Release

14. Likelihood of Release

 (Same value of line 5) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics

15. Toxicity/Persistence/ Bioaccumulation a 5x108

 

16. Hazardous Waste Quantity a 10,000 

17. Waste Characteristics

(Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation x Hazardous Waste 

 Quantity, then assign a

value from Table 2-7) 1,000 1,000 

Targets

18. Food Chain Individual 50 45 

19. Population

19a. Level I Concentrations b 0 

19b. Level II Concentrations b 0.03 

19c. Potential Human Food Chain Contamination b 0.003 

19d. Population

 (lines 19a + 19b + 19c) b 0.033 

20. Targets (lines 18 + 19d) b 45.033 

 

Human Food Chain Threat Score

21. Human Food Chain Threat Score

[(lines 14 x 17 x 20)/82,500

subject to a maximum of 100] 100 100

 

 
HRS Documentation Record 14 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

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ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT- Not Scored (NS)

Factor Categories and Factors Maximum Value Value Assigned

Likelihood of Release

22. Likelihood of Release

(Same value of line 5) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics

23. Ecosystem Toxicity/Persistence Bioaccumulation a NS 

24. Hazardous Waste Quantity a NS 

25. Waste Characteristics

(Ecosystem Tox./Persistence x Bioaccumulation x

 Hazardous Waste Quantity, then assign a

value from Table 2-7) 1,000 NS 

 

Targets

26. Sensitive Environments

26a. Level I Concentrations b NS 

26b. Level II Concentrations b NS 

26c. Potential Contamination

26c. Potential Contamination b NS 

26d. Sensitive Environments

 (lines 26a + 26b + 26c) b NS 

27. Targets (value from line 26d) b NS 

 

Environmental Threat Score 

28. Environmental Threat Score

[(lines 22 x 25 x 27)/82,500

subject to a maximum of 60] 60 NS 

SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORE FOR A WATERSHED

29. Watershed Score 

[(Lines 13 + 21+ 28), 

subject to a maximum of 100] 100 100

SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORE

30. Component Score 

(Highest score from Line 29

for all watersheds evaluated, 

subject to a maximum of 100) 100 100

 
Source Characterization - Source 1

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

15 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

SOURCE DESCRIPTION

2.2 Source Characterization 

Source Description: Source 1 – Open Pits 

Mining operations at the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine resulted in approximately 2,656 acres of 

surface disturbance, of which the open pits accounted for approximately 1,015 acres (Ref. 4, pp. 24, 

59). The location of this source is depicted on Figure A-2 and features of the open pit can be found in 

References 28 and 29.

Mining operations were conducted from 1953 through early 1982 from three open pits, Jackpile, North 

Paguate, and South Paguate that were between 200 and 300 feet deep. Open pit mining was conducted 

predominantly with large front-end loaders and haul trucks. The uranium ore was segregated 

according to grade and stockpiled for shipment to the mill. Overburden and ore-associated waste was 

placed in the mined-out areas of the pits as backfill (Ref. 4, p. 21; Ref. 5, p. 184; Ref. 28). 

The Jackpile, North Paguate, and South Paguate open pits make up approximately 40 percent of the 

total disturbed acreage at the mine (see Figure A-2 and References 28 and 29). During the later years 

of mining, some overburden was placed into the mined-out portions of the pits. Approximately 101 

million tons of backfill composed principally of ore-associated waste with some overburden have been 

returned to the pits (Ref. 4, p. 56, 69). The southern portion of the Jackpile Pit and the South Paguate 

Pit received most of this material. There were no requirements to keep records on the radiological 

content of the backfill material (Ref. 4, p. 69). 

As stated above, the wastes generated at Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine were not removed from the 

facility but used for backfill. There was no impermeable cap placed on top of the backfill other than 3 

feet of overburden (material removed during surface mining and stockpiled) and 2 feet of topsoil (Ref. 

4, p. 64; Ref. 5, p. 7; Ref. 31, p. 1).

The three pits are being aggregated into one source within this HRS documentation record because 

they are all the same source type (piles), have the same target (as described in Section 4.1.3.3 of this 

report), have the same containment (as described below), contain the same hazardous substances (as 

described in Section 2.4.1) and affect surface water in the same watershed via the ground water to 

surface water migration component (see Section 4.2). In addition, radiological analytical results from 

the ESI show elevated concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta (Ref. 35, pp. 3, 30, 33). 

Source Type

The waste contents were contained within the former open pit uranium mine, which over the 29 years 

of operation, accumulated piles of contamination (Ref. 4, p. 24; Ref. 5, p. 11). These piles of 

contamination were not removed from the facility, but used to backfill the open pits. The backfill 

material consists of protore and waste dumps, and as such, the source type for Source 1 is “Pile” (Ref. 

1, Table 2-5; Ref. 5, p. 7). 

Source Location

 
Source Characterization - Source 1

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

16 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

The Jackpile Pit is located along the eastern side of the mine starting at the north side and continuing 

about midway down the facility, the North Paguate Pit is located on the north western side of the 

facility, and the South Paguate Pit is located on the southwest corner of the facility (Ref. 29, p. 1). 

Source Containment

Release To Ground Water

Contents of the three open pits are exposed to the elements. There is no maintained engineered cover, 

liner, and a run-on control system and runoff management system (Ref. 31, p. 1). The open pits 

remained as closed basins and were covered with just 3 feet of overburden and 2 feet of topsoil, and 

although required as part of the ROD, no berms were placed to control surface runoff (Ref. 3, p. 1; 

Ref. 5, p. 7; Ref. 7, p. 10). 

A ground water containment value of 10 was selected for Source 1 because there is no liner (Ref. 1, 

Section 3.1.2.1).

Ground Water Containment Value: 10 

2.4.1 Hazardous Substances

On 03 and 04 March 2010, as part of the Site Inspection (SI) of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine 

facility, the EPA Region 6 Superfund Technical Assessment Response Team (START-3) contractor, 

collected the following source samples at the Jackpile-Paguate Mine: one solid waste sample, JM-SS01, collected from the South Paguate Pit: one solid waste sample (JM-SED-02) and one liquid waste 

sample (JM-SW-02), collected from the North Paguate Pit; and one solid waste sample, JM-SS-05 

collected from the Jackpile Pit (Ref. 8, Figure 3-1; Ref. 19, pp. 2, 8, 20, 21, 35; Ref. 29; Figure A-2). 

The solid waste samples are considered appropriate source samples due to the presence of 

contamination in the waste rock used to backfill the open pits. The liquid waste sample (collected 

from sample location JM-02) is also considered an appropriate source sample because this former open 

pit continues to fill with water; this sample further demonstrates the presence of contamination 

associated with the open pits. 

On 19 through 21 April 2011, as part of the ESI of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine property, the 

START-3 contractor collected subsurface source samples from the Jackpile, (JPOP41S), North 

Paguate (NPOP20E), and South Paguate (SPOP35) open pits at the Jackpile-Paguate Mine (Ref. 35, 

pp. 23, 26, 78-81, 119).

The solid and liquid waste samples were collected according to the EPA approved Quality Assurance 

Sampling Plans (QASPs) (Ref. 30, p. 18; Ref. 35, pp. 111-113). The solid waste samples were 

collected with disposable plastic scoops, and then transferred to an 8-ounce sample container (Ref. 8, 

pp. 15, 17; Ref. 35, pp. 222). The surface liquid waste sample was collected by submerging the 

sample container into the liquid, facing the mouth of the container upstream while sampling personnel 

stood downstream (Ref. 8, p. 113; Ref. 35 p. 216). The subsurface source samples were collected 

using low flow sampling techniques and a pneumatic pump (Ref. 35, pp. 78-81, 113).

A total of 6 source samples were collected from former open pit locations within the mine area 
Source Characterization - Source 1

HRS Documentation Record 17 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

including two solid waste samples, one liquid waste sample, and three subsurface water samples. The 

samples collected in March 2010 were shipped via Federal Express to ALS Laboratory Group located 

in Fort Collins, Colorado (Ref. 8, p. 16; Ref. 19, pp. 11, 13). The samples were analyzed for total 

metals by EPA Methods SW-846 3005A(liquid) 3050B (solid) and 6010B, total cyanide by EPA 

Methods SW-846 9010 and 9014, mercury by EPA Methods SW-846 7470A/7471A and SOP812 Rev. 

14, and isotopic uranium by SOP778R13 and SOP714R11 (Ref. 20, pp. 13, 51, 542, 720, 758, 1170). 

The April 2011 samples were analyzed for: isotopic uranium (isotopes 234, 235, and 238) by method 

Eichrom ACW-03-15 and ACW-10; total metals by EPA method 200.7 for water and 6010B for 

solids; selenium by EPA method 6020; mercury by EPA method 7470A/7471A; Radium226 by EPA 

method 903; and Radium228 by EPA method 904. In addition, all water samples were also analyzed

for: alkalinity by method SM2310-B; bicarbonate by method SM-17 2320; carbonate by method SM 

4500-CO2D; Total Dissolved Solids by method SM 2540-C; and anions by EPA method 300 (Ref. 35, 

pp. 336-414, 437-446, 756-780; Ref. 36, pp. 4-5).Once final analytical results were received, the data 

underwent a third-party data review and validation performed by a START-3 chemist or professional 

health physicist (for radiological data) not associated with the sampling conducted at the facility (Ref. 

8; Ref. 25; Ref. 36, p. 5).

Analytical evidence of the contamination in open pit source samples associated with the mine 

operations at the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine facility are summarized as follows: 

Source 1 Radioactive Results

Hazardous

Substance

Evidence

Station 

Location No.

Concentration Reporting 

Limit2/ 

MDC/LOD

1 Units

References

EPA Site Inspection Activities – March 20103

234 Uranium

JM-SS-01

0.00173 0.0 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 23; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 714, 1218; Ref. 26, 

235 Uranium 0.343 0.015 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 23; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 714, 1218; Ref. 26, 

238 Uranium 40.8 0.1 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 23; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 714, 1218; Ref. 26, 

234 Uranium

JM-SED-02

0.0224 0.0 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 35; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1209; Ref. 26 

235 Uranium 2.62 0.03 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 35; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1209; Ref. 26 

238 Uranium 367 0.0 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 35; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1209; Ref. 26 

234 Uranium

JM-SW-02

0.538 0.0 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 35; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1211; Ref. 26

235 Uranium 61 1.0 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 35; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1211; Ref. 26 

238 Uranium 8,500 0.0 ug/g Ref. 19, p. 35; 

pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1211; Ref. 26 

234 Uranium

JM-SS-05

0.0144 0.0 ug/g Ref. 19, pp. 

Ref. 26, pp. 

20 to 21; Ref. 20,

1 to 3

pp. 711, 1204; 

235 Uranium 2.06 0.13 ug/g Ref. 19, pp. 20 to 21; 

Ref. 26, pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 711, 1204; 
Source Characterization - Source 1

HRS Documentation Record 18 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Hazardous

Substance

Evidence

Station 

Location No.

Concentration Reporting 

Limit2/ 

MDC/LOD

1 Units

References

EPA Site Inspection Activities – March 20103

238 Uranium JM-SS-05 271 0.0 ug/g Ref. 19, pp. 20 to 21; 

Ref. 26, pp. 1 to 3

Ref. 20, pp. 711, 1204; 

EPA Expanded Site Inspection Activities – April 20113

230 Thorium

NPOP20E

1.85 0.198 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 740, 768, 1587

234 Uranium 36,500 2.20 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 740, 768, 1587

235 Uranium 40,400 2.55 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 740, 768, 1587

238 Uranium 64,300 2.20 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 740, 768, 1587

226 Radium 33.2 0.74 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 379, 422, 1587

228 Radium 13.9 0.92 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 379, 422, 1587

228 Thorium

SPOP35

0.075 0.041 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 748, 779, 1587

234 Uranium 7840 0.208 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 748,779, 1587

235 Uranium 6450 0.241 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 748,779, 1587

238 Uranium 9950 0.207 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 748,779, 1587

226 Radium 17.3 0.74 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 390, 430, 1587

228 Radium 17.3 0.92 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 390, 430, 1587

228 Thorium

JPOP41S

0.247 0.164 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 736, 759, 1587

230 Thorium 1.49 0.187 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 736,759, 1587

234 Uranium 63,300 9.05 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 736,759, 1587

235 Uranium 72,100 1.57 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 736, 759, 1587

238 Uranium 114,000 1.35 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 736, 759, 1587

226 Radium 208 0.74 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 373, 417, 1587

228 Radium 38.3 0.92 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 373, 417, 1587

Notes:

1 ug/g – microgram per gram = milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) 

 pCi/l – picocurie per liter 2 The Reporting Limit is defined as the Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC) for uranium and thorium by Alpha Spectroscopy is 

the net concentration that has a specified chance of being detected (Ref. 39, p. 3). Limit of Detection (LOD) is equal to the 

Laboratory Detection Limit for radium (Ref. 35, p. 337) 3

 Radiological data were validated by a START-3 Certified Health Physicist with 30 years of radiation characterization experience. 

Data for target analytes meet the definitive data quality objective (Ref. 26, p. 49; Ref. 35, p. 1534). 
Source Characterization - Source 1

HRS Documentation Record 19 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Source 1 Non-Radioactive Results 

Hazardous

Substance

Evidence

References

Station 

Location No.

Concentration Reporting 

Limit2 Units1

EPA Site Inspection Activities – March 20103

Vanadium JM-SS-01 30 1 mg/kg Ref. 19, p. 23; Ref. 20, pp. 714, 791; 

Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

Chromium

JM-SED-02

5.8 1.7 mg/kg Ref. 19, p. 35; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 785; 

Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

Manganese 270 1.7 mg/kg Ref. 19, p. 35; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 785; Ref. 

25, pp. 45 to 49

Vanadium 15 1.7 mg/kg Ref. 19, p. 35; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 785; 

Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

Zinc 36 3.4 mg/kg Ref. 19, p. 35; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 785; 

Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

Cobalt

JM-SW-02

0.023 0.01 mg/l Ref. 19, p. 35; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 776; 

Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

Manganese 1.3 0.01 mg/l Ref. 19, p. 35; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 776; 

Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

Zinc 0.026 0.02 mg/l Ref. 19, p. 35; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 776; 

Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

Vanadium JM-SS-05 90 1 mg/kg Ref. 19, pp. 20 to 21; Ref. 20, pp. 711, 

783; Ref. 25, pp. 45 to 49

EPA Expanded Site Inspection Activities – April 20113

Chromium

NPOP20E

0.0604 0.00109 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 350, 422, 1527, 1534, 

1547

Cobalt 0.0692 0.00051 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 350, 422, 1527, 1534, 

1547

Manganese 4.633 0.00043 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 79, 350, 422, 1527, 1534, 

1547

Chromium

SPOP35

0.0057 0.00109 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 371, 430, 1527, 

1534, 1568

Manganese 0.186 0.00043 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 79, 371, 430, 1527, 

1534, 1568

Chromium

JPOP41S

0.365 0.00109 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 338, 417,1527, 1534, 

1535

Cobalt 0.0788 0.00051 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 338, 417,1527, 1534, 

1535

Manganese 2.84 0.00043 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 81, 338, 417,1527, 1534, 

1535

Notes: 1 mg/kg –milligram per kilogram 

 mg/l – milligram per liter 2 The Reporting Limit is defined as the Limit of Detection (LOD) for the April 2011 data provided by Summit Analytical Laboratories. 

The LOD is equal to the Laboratory Detection Limit which is adjusted for dilution factors (Ref. 35, p. 337). The definition of the 

Reporting Limit used by ALS Laboratory Group was not provided in the laboratory package (Ref. 20, pp. 758 to 762). 3

 Chemical laboratory data collected during EPA SI and ESI activities were validated by a START-3 chemist in accordance with EPA
Source Characterization - Source 1

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

20 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

USEPA Contract Laboratory Program National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Data Review (July 2002), and the Regional 

Protocol for Holding Times, Blanks, and VOA Preservation (April 13, 1989). Data for target analytes meet the definitive data quality 

objective (Ref. 25, pp. 5, 36, 49, 74).

2.4.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity

2.4.2.1 Source Hazardous Waste Quantity

2.4.2.1.1 Tier A: Hazardous Constituent Quantity - Not Evaluated (NE)

Information on the exact measure (in pounds) of individual hazardous substances in this source is not 

available to evaluate Tier A, hazardous constituent quantity. The number of samples collected is not

statistically representative of the range of concentrations throughout the source. Therefore, it is not 

possible to adequately determine a hazardous constituent quantity for Source 1 with reasonable 

confidence (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier B, hazardous 

wastestream quantity (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2).

2.4.2.1.2 Tier B: Hazardous Wastestream Quantity - Not Evaluated (NE)

The information on the total mass of all hazardous wastestreams and CERCLA pollutants and

contaminants for Source 1 is not sufficient to evaluate Tier B, hazardous wastestream quantity. There 

is insufficient information that documents wastestream disposal over the facilities operational life; 

therefore, it is not possible to adequately determine a complete hazardous wastestream quantity for 

Source 1 (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier C, volume (Ref. 1, 

Section 2.4.2.1.3).

2.4.2.1.3 Tier C: Volume – Not Evaluated (NE)

The depth of each pit could not be accurately determined based on the information available. 

Therefore, information is not sufficient to evaluate Tier C and it is not possible to adequately 

determine a volume for Source 1 (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier 

D, area (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.3).

2.4.2.1.4 Tier D: Area

The sample results shown in Section 2.4.1 above demonstrate the presence of contamination in each of 

the Source 1 pits. The area of Source 1 is therefore greater than zero. The Tier D equation for 

assigning a value for area of a Pile is A/13 (Ref. 1, Table 2-5).

Area of Source 1 (ft2

): >0

Area Assigned Value = >0 /13

Area Assigned Value = >0
Source Characterization - Source 1

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

21 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

2.4.2.1.5 Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value

Per the HRS, the highest of the values assigned to the source for hazardous constituent quantity (Tier 

A), hazardous wastestream quantity (Tier B), Volume (Tier C), and Area (Tier D) should be assigned 

as the source hazardous waste quantity value (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.5). This hazardous waste value is 

based on the non-radioactive hazardous substances only and does not include the radioactive 

substances. There is insufficient information to accurately score the radioactive hazardous waste 

quantity value and not scoring radioactive hazardous waste quantity does not affect the listing decision 

(Ref. 1, Section 7.2.5.3, Table 2-6).

Tier Evaluated Source 1 Values

A Not Evaluated

B Not Evaluated

C 0

D >0

Source 1 Hazardous Waste Quantity Value: >0
Source Characterization - Source 2

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

22 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Source Description: Source 2 – Waste Dump V

Mining operations at the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine resulted in approximately 2,656 acres of 

surface disturbance (Ref. 4, pp. 56, 59). The only waste dump sampled and evaluated for this source is 

identified as Waste Dump V (Ref. 29). The mine contained 32 waste dumps that account for 

approximately 48 percent of the disturbed area (Ref. 4, p. 61). The location of Waste Dump V is 

depicted on Figure A-2 and the location of all the waste dumps can be found in References 28 and 29. 

The tops of 17 waste dumps were reclaimed between 1976 and 1979. The tops were contoured to a 

slight slope, water spreading berms were constructed, large boulders were pushed into piles, 18 to 24 

inches of soil were spread, and the dumps were seeded (Ref. 4, p. 69). In later years, as part of the 

mine reclamation project, the waste dumps were re-sloped, with those containing Jackpile Sandstone at 

the surface covered with 3 feet of overburden and 16 inches of topsoil. Waste dumps that did not 

contain Jackpile Sandstone were covered with 18 inches of topsoil (Ref. 5, pp. 7, 8).

As stated above, the wastes generated at Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine were not removed from the 

property but left in place and covered with overburden. There was no impermeable cap placed on top 

of the backfill other than overburden (material removed during surface mining and stockpiled) and 

topsoil (Ref. 4, p. 64; Ref. 5, p. 8). In addition, radiological analytical results from the ESI show 

elevated concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta (Ref. 35, pp. 3, 30, 33).

Source Type

Waste rock accumulated in piles of contamination and was placed in waste dumps (Ref. 4, pp. 21, 61). 

These piles of contamination were not removed from the property, but were left in place and sloped 

and covered with overburden. As such, the source type for Source 2 is “Pile” (Ref. 1, Table 2-5; Ref. 

5, pp. 7, 8).

Source Location

Waste Dump V is located just to the east and abutting Rio Moquino, just north of where Rio Moquino 

and Rio Paguate converge (Ref. 29, p. 1; Figure A-2). 

Source Containment

Release To Surface Water

Contents of Waste Dump V are exposed to the elements and can release to the surface water through 

direct contact and run off. Portions of the perennial surface water body, Rio Moquino are in direct 

contact with the source. According to Laguna officials, the river banks were not reclaimed and source 

materials are present there (Ref. 19, p. 5). Source sample JM-SS-03 was collected during drought

conditions and therefore was not in direct contact with the surface water. However, after rain events, 

the Rio Moquino would contain water such that sample location JM-SS-03 would be in direct contact 

with the surface water (Ref. 19, pp. 4, 6, 7; Ref. 43, p. 1). There is no maintained engineered cover, 

liner, and a run-on control system and runoff management system (Ref. 31, p. 1). There are several 

dumps with chronic erosion problems and berming performed as part of the reclamation did not 

perform as expected (Ref. 3, p. 1; Ref. 5, p. 31; Ref. 7, p. 10). Waste Dump V slopes steeply into Rio 
Source Characterization - Source 2

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

23 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Moquino (Ref. 29, p. 1).

A containment value of 10 was selected for Source 2 based on the surface water being in direct contact 

with the source and there is no maintained engineered cover, liner, and a run-on control system and 

runoff management system (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.2.1.2.1.1; Ref. 31, p.1).

Surface Water Overland/Flood Migration Component Containment Value: 10

2.4.1 Hazardous Substances

On 03 March 2010, as part of the SI of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine property, the EPA Region 

6 START-3 contractor, collected one solid waste sample JM-SS-03 from this source at the JackpilePaguate Mine. This sample is considered an appropriate source sample as it was located where Waste

Dump V was identified on reclamation figures and by Marvin Sarracino, Pueblo of Laguna 

Reclamation Project Technician (Ref. 19, pp. 2, 8, 21; Ref. 29; Figure A-2). 

The solid waste sample was collected according to the approved QASP (Ref. 30, p. 18). The solid 

waste sample was collected with disposable plastic scoops, and then transferred to an 8-ounce sample 

container (Ref. 8, pp. 15, 17). The solid waste sample was collected from near surface (Ref. 8, p. 107). 

The sample was shipped via Federal Express to ALS Laboratory Group located in Fort Collins, 

Colorado (Ref. 8, p. 16; Ref. 19, pp. 11, 23). The sample was analyzed for total metals by EPA 

Methods SW-846 3005A (liquid) 3050B (solid) and 6010B, total cyanide by EPA Methods SW-846 

9010 and 9014, mercury by EPA Methods SW-846 7470A/7471A and SOP812 Rev. 14, and isotopic 

uranium by SOP778R13 and SOP714R11 (Ref. 20, pp. 13, 51, 542, 720, 758, 1170). Once final 

analytical results were received, the data underwent a third-party data review and validation performed 

by a START-3 chemist not associated with the sampling conducted at the property (Ref. 8; Ref. 25).

Analytical evidence of the contamination in Source 2 is summarized as follows: 

Source 2 Radioactive Results

Hazardous

Substance

Evidence

References Station Location 

No.

Concentration

(ug/g)

1

Reporting 

Limit2

EPA Site Inspection Activities – March 20103

Uranium234

JM-SS-03

224 0.0 Ref. 19, p. 21; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1210; Ref. 26, 

pp. 1 to 3

Uranium235 2.62 0.03 Ref. 19, p. 21; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1210; Ref. 26, 

pp. 1 to 3

Uranium238 367 0.0 Ref. 19, p. 21; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 1210; Ref. 26, 

pp. 1 to 3

Notes:

1 ug/g – microgram per gram 2 The Reporting Limit is defined as the MDC for uranium by Alpha Spectroscopy and is the net concentration that has a specified 

chance of being detected (Ref. 39, p. 3). 3

 Uranium data were validated by a START-3 Certified Health Physicist with 30 years of radiation characterization experience. Data 

for target analytes meet the definitive data quality objective (Ref. 26).
Source Characterization - Source 2

HRS Documentation Record 24 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Source 2 Non-Radioactive Results 

Hazardous

Substance

Evidence

References Station Location 

No.

Concentration

(mg/kg)

1

Reporting 

Limit2

EPA Site Inspection Activities – March 20103

Manganese JM-SS-03 84 1 Ref. 19, p. 21; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 786; Ref. 25, 

pp. 45 to 49

Vanadium JM-SS-03 20 1 Ref. 19, p. 21; Ref. 20, pp. 712, 786; Ref. 25, 

pp. 45 to 49

Notes:

mg/kg - milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) = parts per million (ppm) 2

 The Reporting Limit is defined as the Minimum Detectable Concentration for uranium by Alpha Spectroscopy and as the Sample 

Quantitation Limit adjusted for sample aliquot, sample volume, and dilutions for the metals analysis (Ref. 32). 3

 Chemical laboratory data collected during EPA SI and ESI activities were validated by a START-3 chemist in accordance with EPA 

USEPA Contract Laboratory Program National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Data Review (July 2002), and the Regional 

Protocol for Holding Times, Blanks, and VOA Preservation (April 13, 1989). Data for target analytes meet the definitive data quality 

objective (Ref. 25, pp. 5, 36, 49, 74).

2.4.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity

2.4.2.1 Source Hazardous Waste Quantity

2.4.2.1.1 Tier A: Hazardous Constituent Quantity - Not Evaluated (NE) 

Information on the exact measure (in pounds) of individual hazardous substances in this source is not 

available to evaluate Tier A, hazardous constituent quantity. The number of samples collected is not 

statistically representative of the range of concentrations throughout the source. Therefore, it is not 

possible to adequately determine a hazardous constituent quantity for Source 2 with reasonable 

confidence (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.1). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier B, hazardous 

wastestream quantity (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). 

2.4.2.1.2 Tier B: Hazardous Wastestream Quantity - Not Evaluated (NE)

The information on the total mass of all hazardous wastestreams and CERCLA pollutants and 

contaminants for Source 2 is not sufficient to evaluate Tier B, hazardous wastestream quantity. There 

is insufficient information that documents wastestream disposal over the facilities operational life; 

therefore, it is not possible to adequately determine a complete hazardous wastestream quantity for 

Source 2 (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier C, volume (Ref. 1, 

Section 2.4.2.1.3). 

 

2.4.2.1.3 Tier C: Volume – Not Evaluated (NE)

The depth of Waste Dump V could not be accurately determined based on the information available.

Therefore, information is not sufficient to evaluate Tier C and it is not possible to adequately 

determine a volume for Source 2 (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.2). Scoring proceeds to the evaluation of Tier 

D, area (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.3). 
Source Characterization - Source 2

HRS Documentation Record 25 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

2.4.2.1.4 Tier D: Area

The area of Source 2, Waste Dump V, was determined using GIS software. The GIS software 

calculated the area of the basal footprint polygon of Waste Dump V, outlined by contours visible in 

current aerials and within a topographic map included as part of the ROD Compliance Assessment 

(Ref. 4, p. 11; Ref. 29, p. 1; Ref. 33, pp. 2, 3). The GIS software calculated the area of Waste Dump V 

to be 566,280 ft2 (Ref. 33, pp. 1-3). The Tier D equation for assigning a value for area of a Pile is 

A/13 (Ref. 1, Table 2-5).

Area of Source 2 (ft2): 566,280 

Area Assigned Value = 566,280 ft2

 /13 

Area Assigned Value = 43,560
Source Characterization - Source 2

HRS Documentation Record 26 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

2.4.2.1.5 Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value

Per the HRS, the highest of the values assigned to the source for hazardous constituent quantity (Tier 

A), hazardous wastestream quantity (Tier B), Volume (Tier C), and Area (Tier D) should be assigned 

as the source hazardous waste quantity value (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.1.5). This hazardous waste value is 

based on the non-radioactive hazardous substances only and does not include the radioactive 

substances. There is insufficient information to score the radioactive hazardous waste quantity value 

and not scoring radioactive hazardous waste quantity does not affect the listing decision (Ref. 1, 

Section 7.2.5.3, Table 2-6).

 

 

Tier Evaluated Source 2 Values

A Not Evaluated

B Not Evaluated

C 0

D 43,560

 Source 2 Hazardous Waste Quantity Value: 43,560 
Other Possible Sources

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

27 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Other Possible Sources

Other possible sources associated with the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine site include 31 waste 

dumps and 23 protore stockpiles. Due to the large area of the Jackpile mine, individual samples 

could not be collected from these possible source areas. Therefore, these other possible sources were 

not evaluated separately or used in the scoring of the site. However, the hazardous substances 

associated with these possible sources are expected to be the same as Sources 1 and 2 as they resulted 

from the same mining activities. 

Mining operations at the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine resulted in 2,656 acres of surface disturbance 

(Ref. 4, pp. 56, 59). The mine contained 32 waste dumps that account for approximately 48 percent of 

the disturbed area (Ref. 4, p. 61). 

The tops of 17 waste dumps were reclaimed between 1976 and 1979. The tops were contoured to a 

slight slope, water spreading berms were constructed, large boulders were pushed into piles, 18 to 24 

inches of soil were spread, and the dumps were seeded (Ref. 4, p. 69). In later years, as part of the 

mine reclamation project, the waste dumps were re-sloped, with those containing Jackpile Sandstone at 

the surface covered with 3 feet of overburden and 16 inches of topsoil. Waste dumps that did not 

contain Jackpile Sandstone were covered with 18 inches of topsoil (Ref. 5, pp. 7, 8). 

During mining operations, the uranium ore was segregated according to grade and stockpiled for 

shipment to the mill. Located outside and inside of the open pits were 23 protore stockpiles. The 

protore that was located outside the pits covered approximately 103 acres and contained approximately 

7.2 million cubic yards of material. Those stockpiles located inside the pits contained about 3.1 

million cubic yards of material but do not constitute additional acreage of disturbed ground (Ref. 4, p. 

61; Ref. 28, pp. 6, 22, 37). 

Protore is material that was stockpiled throughout the mining operation because it contains elevated 

but sub-economic uranium concentrations (Ref. 4, p. 73). Approximately 21 million tons of protore, 

containing 0.02 to 0.059 percent uranium exist at the mine. This material was located on the surface in 

23 stockpiles dispersed throughout the mine (Ref. 4, p. 74). Between 1989 and 1993, these protore 

stockpiles were moved into the pits (North Paguate Pit , South Paguate Pit, and Jackpile Pit) and used 

as backfill (Ref. 5, pp. 31, 32). 

As stated above, the wastes and protore generated at Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine were not 

removed from the property but left in place and covered. There was no impermeable cap placed on top 

of the backfill other than overburden (material removed during surface mining and stockpiled), shale, 

and topsoil (Ref. 4, p. 64; Ref. 5, pp. 8, 31, 32). 
Other Possible Sources

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

28 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Other Possible Sources Summary

Possible Source Rationale Containment 

Features Reference

Waste Dumps 

Mining operations at the Jackpile-Paguate mine 

resulted in 2,656 acres of surface disturbance. 

Waste rock accumulated in piles of contamination 

and was placed in a total of 32 waste dumps. One 

waste dump was evaluated as a source and the 

remaining 31 waste dumps are considered other 

possible sources. The dumps were not removed 

from the property but were left in place and covered 

with overburden. Contents of the waste dumps are 

exposed to the elements and can release hazardous 

substances to surface water through direct contact 

and run off. Further, portions of the Rio Moquino 

are in direct contact with some of the waste dumps.

While specific sampling data does not exist for the 

31 waste dumps, hazardous substances associated 

with these possible sources should be the same 

hazardous substances associated with Sources 1 and 

2 since they resulted from the same mining 

activities.

There is no 

maintained 

engineered cover, 

liner, or run-on 

control system or 

run-off management 

system. 

Ref, 4, pp. 21, 

56, 59, 61, 

64; Ref. 5, p. 

8; Ref. 31, p. 

1 

Protore Stockpiles 

During mining operations, the uranium ore was 

segregated according to grade and stockpiled for 

shipment to the mill. Located outside and inside of 

the open pits were 23 protore stockpiles. The 

protore stockpiles located outside the open pits 

covered approximately 103 acres and contained 

approximately 7.2 million cubic yards of material. 

The stockpiles located inside the pits contained 

about 3.1 million cubic yards of material but do not 

constitute additional acreage of disturbed ground. 

Protore is material that was stockpiled throughout 

the mining operation because it contained elevated 

but sub-economic uranium concentrations. 

Approximately 21 million tons of protore, 

containing 0.02 to 0.059 percent uranium exist at 

the mine site. This material is located on the surface 

in 23 stockpiles dispersed throughout the mine. The 

protore stockpiles were not removed from the 

property but used for backfill material in the pit 

areas. There was no impermeable cap placed on top 

of the backfill other than a 1 foot cover of shale and 

18 inches of top soil.

While specific sampling data does not exist for the 

23 protore stockpiles, hazardous substances 

associated with these possible sources should be the 

same as those hazardous substances associated with 

Sources 1 and 2 since they resulted from the same 

mining activities.

There is no 

maintained 

engineered cover, 

liner, or run-on 

control system or 

run-off management 

system. The only 

cover consists of 1 

foot of shale and 18 

inches of topsoil. 

Materials in the 

protore stockpiles 

could have released 

hazardous substances 

to surface water 

through direct contact 

and run off.

Ref. 4, pp. 61, 

64, 73, 74; 

Ref. 5, pp. 31, 

32; Ref. 28, 

pp. 6, 22, 37
Source Characterization - Source Summary

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013 29 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium MineNMN000607033

SITE SUMMARY OF SOURCE DESCRIPTION

Source

No.

Source Hazardous 

Waste Quantity

Value

Containment

Ground 

Water

Surface Water:

Overland/Flood

Migration Component

Surface Water:

Ground Water to Surface 

Water Migration Component

Air Gas Air 

Particulate

1 NE NE NE 10 NE NE

2 43,560 NE 10 NE NE NE

 NE = Not Evaluated
GW Pathway – Not Scored

HRS Documentation Record 30 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

3.0 GROUND WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY SCORE - NOT SCORED

The ground water migration pathway will not be scored because it is not expected to contribute 

significantly to the site score nor affect the listing decision. The site score exceeds 28.50 and qualifies 

for listing based only on the evaluation of the surface water pathway.

Although there is historical evidence of contamination through sampling of 11 monitoring wells within 

the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine, there is a lack of documented ground water targets. The mine 

floor is generally above the water table and there are no potable wells located downgradient (south) of 

the property (Ref. 18, p. 11). Annual ground water monitoring was conducted from 1995 through 

2007. Analytical results from the post-reclamation ground water sampling showed contamination 

within the on-site monitoring wells of total uranium concentrations from 0.001 mg/L to 624.51 mg/L. 

Monitoring Wells MW-1 through MW-7 contained total uranium concentrations that exceeded the

EPA MCLs 0.03 mg/L for total uranium at one time or another during this sampling period (Ref. 5, pp. 

189, 205, 209; Ref. 21, pp. 1-12).

As part of the April 2011 ESI, ground water samples and hydrologic data were collected from 12 wells 

at the facility in an effort to further determine whether ground water is a pathway for the migration of 

contaminants from the property (Ref. 36, p. 4). While this pathway will not be scored for this 

property, some general information about the aquifers at the property is presented in this section to 

provide context of the interaction between ground water and surface water.

Regional ground water occurs in both unconsolidated sediments and bedrock. Unconsolidated 

sediments include Quaternary fluvial, colluvial, and alluvial deposits associated with the Rio Paguate 

and Rio Moquino systems (Ref. 35, p. 2751). The two principal aquifers in the area are the alluvium 

and Jackpile sandstone (Ref. 35, p. 2822).

Ground water also occurs in coarse- and medium-grained sedimentary units, including Jurassic sands 

of the Morrison Formation. Ground water is also present in the capping Quaternary basalts, where it 

permeates through vesicles and joint fractures; seeps from these basalts likely provide the headwaters 

for the perennial surface waters of Rios Paguate and Moquino (Ref. 35, p. 2751). 

The Alluvial Aquifer is comprised of coarse- to fine-grained clastic sediments – primarily sands -

transported and deposited by the fluvial system. The alluvium is described as up to 80 to 100 feet 

thick in some parts of the basin, thickening with distance from the source areas of the surface water 

system. The water-bearing units are approximately 20 feet thick throughout the study area, and the 

hydraulic conductivity (K) for this aquifer is calculated at 23 feet per day (Ref. 35, p. 2751). 

Ground water chemistry in the Alluvial Aquifer is dominated by calcium-magnesium cations and 

sulfate-bicarbonate anions, and is classified as calcium-sufate-bicarbonate water by Hydro-Search 

(Ref. 35, p. 2870). Total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations are historically quite variable, ranging 

from 671 to 3,200 mg/L, but generally increase with the flow direction across the mine (Ref. 35, pp. 

2751, 2870). 

The Jackpile Sandstone Aquifer is described as an aquifer by the USGS (Ref. 35, p. 2802, 2822). The 

petrology of the Jackpile Sandstone is described as a light-colored, friable fine to medium sandstone of 
SW Pathway – Overland/Flood Migration Component

HRS Documentation Record 31 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

variable thickness (up to several hundred feet thick in the study area). The Jackpile Aquifer is 

stratigraphically confined at the base by thick, black shale of the Morrison Formation (Jurassic), and 

above by thick shale mapped as part of the Dakota Sandstone (Cretaceous). The shale sandwich 

confines the Jackpile Sandstone Aquifer in all areas, except where the shale units are not intact (such 

as areas where the Dakota has been removed by natural erosion or mining activities) (Ref. 35, p. 

2751). 

The water chemistry of the Jackpile Aquifer is dominated by sodium cations and sulfate to bicarbonate 

anions, and is classified as a sodium-sulfate-bicarbonate water by Hydro-Search (Ref. 35, p. 2870). 

TDS for the Jackpile Aquifer ranges from 666 to 1,577 mg/l (Ref. 35, pp. 2870, 2751).

The surface of the Jackpile Aquifer slopes generally to the southeast, although it appears to be affected 

by activities near the mine, where it becomes unconfined (Ref. 35, p. 2752). The USGS (1885) 

calculated a hydraulic conductivity for the Jackpile Aquifer of 0.3 feet per day, which is two orders of 

magnitude lower than the Alluvial Aquifer (Ref. 35, p. 2838). This has important consequences, as 

when the Jackpile and Alluvial aquifers are in direct contact with each other, the Alluvial Aquifer 

should dominate nearly all mixing scenarios (except where the water level in the Jackpile Aquifer is 

above that of the Alluvial Aquifer) (Ref. 35, p. 2752). This is demonstrated by ground water

monitoring data from Test Well number 1 from the Hydro-Search (1979) study; this well is screened 

across the Alluvial and Jackpile aquifers, but the water chemistry plots with the Alluvial Aquifer water 

on a Piper water chemistry diagram (Ref. 35, pp. 2752, 2871).

Historically, Hydro-Search (1979) used ground water and surface water elevation data, as well as 

qualitative field observations, to conclude that Rios Paguate and Moquino lose water to the Alluvial 

Aquifer in the up-gradient areas to a point approximately 1,500 feet above their confluence. Below 

this point (approximately 5,925 feet above mean sea level), the river system receives water from the 

Alluvial Aquifer (Ref. 35, pp. 2763, 2865-2869). The USGS (1985) confirmed this observation 

through its own calculations, using the same data set (Ref. 35, pp. 2763, 2838-2839. A similar study 

conducted by Hydro-Search in July 1981, during “a period of high evapotranspiration,” indicated that 

the area near the confluence loses water, suggesting a seasonal variation is the gain/loss of the river 

through this area. No detailed study to date has shown whether this is a regular, or seasonal, variation

(Ref. 7, p. 5; Ref. 35, p. 2763). Hydrologic models by Dames and Moore (1983) and the USGS (1985) 

predict that surface water should be in intimate contact with ground water. The hydraulic coefficient 

of the alluvium is 23 feet per day at the confluence of Rios Paguate and Moquino (USGS 1983), and 

should be even higher in areas where the alluvium has been replaced by overburden and tailings (Ref. 

35, pp. 2763, 2838). 

Currently, geologic cross sections completed through the property based on measurements collected 

during the April 2011 ESI, indicate that surface water may have flowed into the North and South 

Paguate pits, causing ground water to rebound more quickly than modeled. Ground water elevations 

indicate that ground water from the North Paguate and Jackpile pits is flowing into Rio Moquino. 

Ground water from the South Paguate Pit appears to be flowing into Rio Paguate, and water from Rio 

Paguate (and/or the associated Alluvial Aquifer) may be flowing into the North Paguate Pit (Ref. 35, 

pp. 2766, 2767, 2773).
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

32 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.0 SURFACE WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY

4.1 OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT

4.1.1 General Considerations

4.1.1.1 Definition of Hazardous Substance Migration Path for Overland/Flood Component

The hazardous substance migration path includes the in-water segment that hazardous substances 

would take as they migrate away from Source 2 at the facility (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.1.1). The hazardous 

substance migration path for the in-water segment for Source 2 is described below. The surface water 

pathway is presented on Figures A-3 and A-4.

Overland and In-Water Segments

The mine facility and surrounding areas are drained by Rio Paguate and Rio Moquino. The Rio 

Paguate flows from headwaters located approximately 10 miles above the mine facility, through Bear 

Canyon, into the watershed that covers much of the eastern flank of Mt. Taylor. The source waters 

originate through seeps from Quaternary basalts capping Mesa Chivato, as well as Quaternary alluvium 

along the canyon. The Rio Moquino flows from headwaters located approximately 3.5 miles above the 

mine facility in Seboyeta Canyon. Like the Rio Paguate, the source waters originate through seeps 

from Cretaceous sandstones, Quaternary basalt and alluvium in the upper reaches of the watershed 

(Ref. 35, pp, 2753, 2813, and 2877). The Rio Paguate is joined by the Rio Moquino near the center of 

the mine facility. Below this confluence, the Rio Paguate flows southeasterly into Paguate Reservoir 

before joining the Rio San Jose 5 miles south of the mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 101). The Rio Paguate has 

been rechanneled for more than 2,000 feet downstream of its entrance to the mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 

101). The Rio Moquino has been extensively modified over a 4,000-foot segment immediately above 

its confluence with the Rio Paguate. Waste material has been dumped into the original channel on both 

sides, straightening the course of the meandering stream (Ref. 4, p. 102). At the mine facility, both 

streams usually flow all year (perennially); however, south of the mine facility, the Rio Paguate acts as 

an ephemeral stream becoming intermittently dry (Ref. 4, p. 103).

For HRS purposes, in areas in which the average annual rainfall is less than 20 inches, eligible rivers 

include those that have been determined to be intermittently flowing water and contiguous 

intermittently flowing ditches (Ref. 1, Sec. 4.02). The average annual rainfall at the Jackpile-Paguate 

Uranium Mine facility is approximately 9 to 12 inches (Ref. 22, pp. 15-16). 

Flow in Rio Paguate and Rio Moquino is generally moderate from January to March, elevated in March 

and April, low during the summer months, and moderate from October through December. Short-term 

peak flows occur in the summer in response to thunderstorms. The highest flow recorded on the Rio 

Paguate was estimated to be 2,300 cubic feet per second (cfs) (USDI, Geological Survey 1967). Flood 

estimates of peak discharges at the southern mine boundary are 1,520 cfs for a 5-year flood; 6,290 cfs 

for a 100-year flood, and 10,500 cfs for a 500-year flood (Ref. 4, p. 103).

The Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate bisect the mine; and the Rio Moquino is in direct contact with 

Source 2 and dumps identified as other possible sources, as explained in the Other Possible Sources 

section above and Section 4.1.2.1.1 below (Ref. 3, p. 1; Ref. 7, p. 10; Ref. 43). Within the mine

footprint, ground water in the Jackpile sandstone interchanges with water in the Rio Moquino and Rio 

Paguate through the unconsolidated alluvium deposits along the stream channels. The stream deposits 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

33 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

act as a mixing zone between the surface water in the rivers and the ground water discharging from the 

underlying Jackpile sandstone (Ref. 7, pp. 5, 26). 

The in-water segment begins in the most upstream Probable Point of Entry (PPE) to an eligible surface 

water body as defined in the HRS (Ref. 1, Sec. 4.02). Eligible surface water bodies that have been 

determined to be part of the in-water segments for the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine facility include 

Rio Moquino, Rio Paguate, Paguate Reservoir, and Rio San Jose (Figure A-3). Rationale for including 

these eligible surface water bodies is provided below. A PPE is designated for Source 2 (Ref. 3, p. 1; 

Figure A-3). This PPE is located where the Source 2 waste dump is closest to the Rio Moquino (see 

Figure A-3). 

The target distance limit (TDL) for the surface water pathway, which defines the maximum distance 

over which targets are considered, is 15 miles. The TDL is defined as being 15 miles from the farthest 

downstream PPE in the in-water segment section. The 15-mile surface water flow path is presented in 

Figure A-4 (Ref. 1, Sec. 4.1.1.2).

Drainage from Source 2 enters the Rio Moquino at PPE 3 (refer to Figure A-3). The slope from Source 

2 is towards Rio Moquino (Ref. 3, p. 1). PPE 3 is the closest point of entry from Waste Dump V to Rio 

Moquino with a minimal (>0) overland flow distance (Ref. 40, pp. 1, 2). From PPE3, Rio Moquino 

flows approximately 600 feet before converging with Rio Paguate. From the convergence, Rio Paguate 

flows approximately 5.2 miles before entering the Paguate Reservoir and the Mesita Dam. The Paguate 

Reservoir is approximately 0.5 miles long, and then the Rio Paguate continues an additional 0.6 miles 

before converging with and becoming the Rio San Jose. The Rio San Jose continues for the remaining 

15-mile TDL (Ref. 3, pp. 1 to 3; Ref. 12). Within the in-water segment of the TDL, there are two Level 

II fisheries which have been identified between the PPE and the location where sample PR-SW-01 was 

collected within the northern portion of the Paguate Reservoir (Ref. 23, Figure A-3). There is also a 

potential fishery within the southern portion of the Paguate Reservoir to the Rio San Jose downstream 

to the TDL (Ref. 23, Figure A-3).

Surface waters from the Rio Paguate and Rio Moquino are used for irrigation upstream from the 

villages of Paguate and Seboyeta, respectively. Surface water is also consumed by livestock from the 

Paguate Reservoir and along the Rio Paguate between the reservoir and the mine facility at points of 

access (Ref. 4, p. 104). The Rio Paguate is designated by the New Mexico Water Quality Control 

Commission for the following uses: domestic water supply, fish culture, high-quality coldwater 

fishery, irrigation, livestock, and wildlife watering, and secondary contact recreation (Ref. 4, p. 106).

Surface waters are not regularly used for human consumption in the Paguate-Laguna area; however, 

part of the surface water passing through the mine facility collects downstream in the Paguate 

Reservoir. Water from this reservoir is used as drinking water by livestock, so a potential pathway

exists for indirect exposure (Ref. 4, p. 98).
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 

December 2013

34 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.2.1 LIKELIHOOD OF RELEASE

4.1.2.1.1 Observed Release

 

Direct Observation

Observed release can be established by direct observation. Material containing hazardous substances is 

in direct contact with the surface water and has been seen entering the surface water pathway through 

direct deposition. 

The Rio Moquino has been extensively modified over a 4,000-foot segment immediately above its 

confluence with the Rio Paguate. Waste material has been dumped into the original channel on both 

sides, straightening the course of the meandering stream (Ref. 4, p. 102). 

During the March 2010 SI sampling activities, sample JM-SS-03 was collected on the bank of the Rio 

Moquino and close to surface water sample RM-JM-SW (Figure A-5A; Ref. 19, pp. 21, 22; Ref. 30, pp. 

76, 77). According to Laguna officials, the river banks were not reclaimed and source materials are 

present there (Ref. 19, p. 5). Source sample JM-SS-03 was collected during drought conditions and 

therefore was not in direct contact with the surface water. However, after rain events, the Rio Moquino 

would contain water such that sample location JM-SS-03 would be in direct contact with the surface 

water (Ref. 19, pp. 4, 6, 7; Ref. 43, p. 1). Sample JM-SS-03 contained elevated concentrations of total 

uranium at 127 ppm (Ref. 20, pp. 172, 1210; Ref. 26, 1 to 3). The surface water samples collected 

within the Rio Moquino adjacent to this sample contained total uranium at 16.8 ppb, 109 ppb and 78.9 

ppb (Ref. 19, p. 22; Ref. 20, pp. 22, 75, 1190, 1219; Ref. 25, pp. 1 to 5; Ref. 26, pp 1 to 3; Ref. 35, pp. 

96, 772-773, 1587). These concentrations were greater than background concentrations found within 

Rio Moquino (sample RM-SW-BG) (Ref. 19, p. 18; Ref. 20, pp. 18, 70, 557, 580,711,782,1203; Ref. 

25, pp. 1 to 5, 45 to 49; Ref. 26, pp. 1 to 3; Ref. 35, pp. 87-88, 774, 1587). 

During the April 2011 ESI sampling event, START-3 personnel found radiation readings greater than 

999 microRem per hour (uR/h) using a Ludlum Radiation meter along the banks of Rio Paguate just 

upstream of the confluence of the Rio Paguate and the Rio Moquino (Ref. 35, p. 96). Rocks containing 

oxidized uranium could also be seen along the river bank where the high radioactive readings were 

detected (Ref. 35, pp. 67, 68). 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 35 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Chemical Analysis

Sediment and surface water samples were collected during the March 2010 EPA SI and April 2011 

EPA ESI (Ref. 8, p. 6; Ref. 19; Ref. 35, p. 114). Sediment and surface water samples during the 

March 2010 sampling event were collected from the surface water pathway at 9 locations in the Rio 

Moquino, Rio Paguate, and Paguate Reservoir (Ref. 8, p. 27). During the April 2011 sampling event, 

surface water samples were collected from 8 locations and sediment samples were collected from 9 

locations in the Rio Moquino, Rio Paguate, and Paguate Reservoir (Ref. 36, p. 4). Sample locations are 

depicted in Figures A-5A and A-5B. 

Background Concentrations:

Background sediment and surface water samples were collected from the locations listed below to 

investigate whether a release from the facility could be established (Ref. 8, Ref. 19; Ref. 35, p. 118).

• Rio Moquino - Two background sediment samples and two surface water samples were 

collected from Rio Moquino during the March 2010 and April 2011 sampling events (RM-SWBG, RM-SED-BG, RM-SW-BG-110419, RM-SED-BG-110419) immediately upstream of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine before confluence with the Rio Paguate. The background 

sediment sample and surface water samples collected from Rio Moquino is compared to 

facility-related sediment and surface water samples collected from Rio Moquino, Rio Paguate

and the Paguate Reservoir.

• Rio Paguate – Two background sediment samples and two surface water samples were 

collected from Rio Paguate (during the March 2010 and April 2011 sampling events (RP-SWBG, RP-SED-BG, RP-SW-BG-041911, RP-SED-BG-041911) immediately upstream of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine before confluence with the Rio Moquino. The background 

sediment sample and surface water samples collected from Rio Paguate is compared to siterelated sediment and surface water samples collected from Rio Moquino, Rio Paguate, and the 

Paguate Reservoir.

• Mesita Diversion – One sediment sample (MD-SW-110420) was collected off the Rio San Jose from an 

irrigation diversion ditch in April 2011 to determine regional background levels and was used in 

standard deviation background calculations for radionuclide concentrations from the Rio Moquino, Rio 

Paguate and Paguate Reservoir.

The topographic map of the area indicates the presence of surface water bodies for which there are no 

background samples. Arroyo Moquino, which appears to be an intermittent stream that flows through 

the mine into Rio Paguate just below the Rio Paguate and Rio Moquino confluence, no longer 

converges with the Rio Paguate and therefore was not considered an appropriate background location

(Ref. 3; Ref. 19, p. 4). Another intermittent stream, Oak Canyon, exists south of the facility and flows 

into Rio Paguate at a point just north of the Paguate Reservoir (Ref. 3). According to the Pueblo of 

Laguna Environmental and Natural Resources Department, Oak Canyon is an arroyo with no regular 

flow and contains run-off water from rain events. Due to the topography of the area, there is no way to 

access Oak Canyon to obtain a background sample. Upon further review of possible sources within the 

vicinity of the Jackpile-Paguate Mine, there are no other potential sources of contamination located 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 36 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

upstream of Oak Canyon. The closest mine in the area, St. Anthony, drains into Arroyo Conchas 

located northeast of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine (Ref. 3; Ref. 19, p. 3)

According to the QASPs for the property, the Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate background sampling 

locations were collected immediately upstream of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine for the purposes 

of collecting samples unaffected by the mine facility and to establish background concentrations of the 

local area (Ref. 30, p. 23; Ref. 35, p. 118; Figures A-5A, A-5B). 

The background sediment samples were collected on 02 March 2010 and 19 April 2011 by START-3 

with disposable plastic scoops, in accordance with the approved QASPs, and then transferred to an 8-

ounce sample container (Ref. 8, pp. 15, 17; Ref. 30, p. 18; Ref. 35, p. 121; Ref. 36, p. 4). The sediment 

samples were collected from 0 to 2 inches below ground surface (Ref. 19, p. 29; Ref. 35, pp. 222-223; 

Ref. 36, p. 4). The samples were collected from locations within the creek channel where sediments had 

accumulated, such as bends in the creek (Ref. 8; Ref. 35, pp. 222-223; Ref. 36, p. 4). The background 

surface water samples were collected by submerging the sample container into the water and facing the 

mouth of the container upstream while sampling personnel stood downstream (Ref. 8, p. 113; Ref. 36, 

p. 4). The March 2010 samples were shipped via Federal Express to ALS Laboratory Group located in 

Fort Collins, Colorado (Ref. 8, p. 16; Ref. 19, pp. 11, 23). The April 2011 samples were hand delivered 

to Summit Laboratory, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 22 April 2011 (Ref. 36, p. 5). The 

March 2010 samples were analyzed for total metals by EPA Methods SW-846 3005A(liquid) 3050B 

(solid) and 6010B, total cyanide by EPA Methods SW-846 9010 and 9014, mercury by EPA Methods 

SW-846 7470A/7471A and SOP812 Rev. 14, and isotopic uranium by SOP778R13 and SOP714R11 

(Ref. 20, pp. 13, 51, 542, 720, 758, 1170). The April 2011 samples were analyzed for: isotopic 

uranium (isotopes 234, 235, and 238) by method Eichrom ACW-03-15 and ACW-10; total metals by 

EPA method 200.7 for water and 6010B for solids; selenium by EPA method 6020; mercury by EPA 

method 7470A/7471A; Radium226 by EPA method 903; and Radium228 by EPA method 904. In 

addition, all water samples were also analyzed for: alkalinity by method SM2310-B; bicarbonate by 

method SM-17 2320; carbonate by method SM 4500-CO2D; Total Dissolved Solids by method SM 

2540-C; and anions by EPA method 300 (Ref. 36, pp. 5). Once final analytical results were received, 

the data underwent third-party data review and validation by a START-3 chemist not associated with 

the sampling conducted at the facility (Ref. 25; Ref. 36, p. 5).

The background samples (surface water and sediment) and the samples collected to demonstrate an 

observed release were all collected during the same time frames during the same sampling events (Ref. 

36, p. 4). The samples were collected by the same field teams during the same sampling events, 

following the same sample collection protocols and methodologies. Background samples were 

collected from similar locations, were from similar media, same depth, under the same hydrological 

conditions and flow, used the same sampling methods, preservation, and handling and were all 

collected during the same weather conditions as the observed release samples (Ref. 35, pp. 87-96; Ref. 

36, pp. 7-16). 

No sediment samples were evaluated as observed release samples and therefore are not included in 

further discussion of background or observed release samples.
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 37 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

EPA SI Background Surface Water Sampling – March 2010 

Station Location Sampling Location

Sample Date 

(Military 

Time)

Reference

Rio Moquino

RM-SW-BG Rio Moquino upstream of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine and 

of the confluence with Rio Paguate 

03/02/10

(1012) Ref. 19, p. 18, Figure A-5A 

Rio Paguate

RP-SW-BG

 (Duplicate)

RP-SW-BGD 

(Duplicate)

Rio Paguate upstream of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine and 

of the confluence with Rio Moquino

03/02/10

(0929) Ref. 19, p. 18, Figure A-5A

EPA SI Background Surface Water Sample Concentrations – March 2010

Station Location Hazardous

Substance

Concentration

 (mg/l)

1

Reporting Limit2 

Reference

Rio Moquino

RM-SW-BG Manganese 0.027 0.01 Ref. 19, p. 18; Ref. 20, pp. 18, 70; 

Ref. 25, pp. 1 to 5

Rio Paguate

RP-SW-BG Manganese 0.045 0.01 Ref. 19, p. 18; Ref. 20, pp. 20, 73; 

Ref. 25, pp. 1 to 5

RP-SW-BGD

(Duplicate) Manganese 0.044 0.01 Ref. 19. p.18; Ref. 20, pp. 20, 74; 

Ref. 25, pp. 1 to 5

Notes:

1 mg/l – milligram per liter 2 The definition of the Reporting Limit used by ALS Laboratory Group was not provided in the laboratory package (Ref. 20, pp. 758 to 

762).

Samples collected during the March 2010 sampling event from Rio Moquino, Rio Paguate and Paguate 

Reservoir is compared to the highest designated background level as shown below: 

Significant Background Concentration – March 2010 

Matrix Hazardous 

Substance

Highest Background 

Concentration 

(mg/l)

1

3 x Background 

Surface Water Manganese 0.045 0.135 

Notes: 

1 mg/l – milligram per liter 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 38 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

EPA ESI Background Surface Water Sampling – April 2011 

Station Location Sampling Location

Sample Date 

(Military 

Time)

Reference

Rio Moquino

RM-SW-BG-110419 Rio Moquino upstream of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine and 

of the confluence with Rio Paguate 

04/19/11

(14:25)

Ref. 35, p.88, Figure A-5B 

Rio Paguate

RP-SW-BG-041911

Rio Paguate upstream of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine and 

of the confluence with Rio Moquino

04/19/11

(10:25)

Ref. 35, p.86, Figure A-5B

Mesita Diversion

This sample location was collected to determine regional background levels and was only used in standard deviation 

background calculations for radionuclide concentrations

MD-SW-110420

Mesita Diversion where water is

collected from the Rio San Jose to 

irrigate crops for Mesita Village. 

04/20/11

(1415) Ref. 35, p.93, Figure A-5B

EPA ESI Background Surface Water Sample Concentrations – April 2011

Station Location Hazardous

Substance Concentration Reporting Limit2 Units1 Reference

Rio Moquino

RM-SW-BG-110419

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

4.119

0.0996

2.230

0.066

0.019

0.066

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 744, 774, 

1587

Rio Paguate

RP-SW-BG-041911

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

6.242

0.216

3.793

0.061

0.018

0.041

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 747, 778, 

1587

Mesita Diversion

MD-SW-110420

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

4.858

0.306

2.811

0.054

0.016

0.070

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 736, 760, 

1587

Notes:

1 pCi/l = picocurie per liter 2

 The Reporting Limit is defined as the MDC for uranium by Alpha Spectroscopy and is the net concentration that has a specified 

chance of being detected (Ref. 39, p. 3). 3

 Radiological data were validated by a START-3 Certified Health Physicist with 30 years of radiation characterization experience. 

Data for target analytes meet the definitive data quality objective (Ref. 35, p. 1587, Ref. 36, p. 5).

Samples collected during the April 2011 sampling event from Rio Moquino, Rio Paguate and Mesita 

Diversion (for standard deviation calculations) is compared against the designated background levels as 

shown below: 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 39 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Significant Background Concentrations - April 2011

Sample ID

Hazardous 

Substance Conc. Units

Sample 

Mean

Sample

Variance1

Sample

Standard 

Deviation2

2 Standard 

Deviations 

Above The 

Mean

MD-SW-110420 Uranium234 4.858 pCi/l

RM-SW-BG-110419 Uranium 5.073 1.161451 1.077706361 7.228412721 234 4.119 pCi/l

RP-SW-BG-041911 Uranium234 6.242 pCi/l

MD-SW-110420 Uranium235 0.306 pCi/l

RM-SW-BG-110419 Uranium 0.2072 0.01070832 0.103481013 0.414162026 235 0.0996 pCi/l

RP-SW-BG-041911 Uranium235 0.216 pCi/l

MD-SW-110420 Uranium238 2.811 pCi/l

RM-SW-BG-110419 Uranium 2.94466667 0.624142333 0.790026793 4.524720252 238 2.23 pCi/l

RP-SW-BG-041911 Uranium238 3.793 pCi/l

Note:

1 Equation for sample variance =

 2 Equation for population standard deviation = square root of the population variance. 

(a) The result was reported as a non-detect (3.58 U pCi/l). A value of 1/2 the reporting limit was used in the calculation 

of the population standard deviation. 

∑=

− −

n

i

i XX

n 1

2

)( 1

1
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

40 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

 

Observed Release Samples:

Sediment and surface water samples identified as “contaminated” are those that meet observed release 

criteria as defined by the HRS (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). Observed release criteria is met when the hazardous 

substance is attributable to a release from the property, its concentration exceeds the Sample 

Quantitation Limit (SQL; including the background SQL), and is at least three times greater than the 

background concentration when the background concentration equals or exceeds its SQL for nonradionuclides (Ref. 1, Table 2-3). For radionuclides that occur naturally or are ubiquitous to the 

environment, observed release criteria are met when the measured concentration (in units of activity) 

are at a level that equals or exceeds a value 2 standard deviations above the mean site-specific 

background concentration for the radionuclide in a specific matrix (Ref. 1, Section 7.1.1). Surface

water sampling locations with concentrations meeting observed release criteria are presented in the 

table below.

Observed Release Sampling Locations

Station Location Sampling Location Sample Date 

(Military Time) Reference

EPA SI Surface Water Sampling – March 2010

RM-JM-SW

Rio Moquino, within the property, 

upstream of its confluence with Rio 

Paguate and 5,500 feet south of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Mine boundary at 

PPE3

3/3/10 (1529) Ref. 12; Ref. 19, p. 22

RP-JM-SW-01

Rio Paguate, within the property, 

just downstream of the confluence 

of Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate, 

600 feet from PPE3

3/3/10 (1511) Ref. 12; Ref. 19, p. 21

RP-SW-01

RP-SW-01D 

(Duplicate)

Rio Paguate at the south property

boundary, 5,500 feet downstream 

of PPE3

3/3/10 (1135) Ref. 12; Ref. 19, p. 34

RP-SW-02 Rio Paguate, 15,000 feet 

downstream of PPE3 

3/3/10 (1030) Ref. 12; Ref. 19, p. 34

RP-SW-03

Rio Paguate, on north side of 

Paguate reservoir, 27,100 feet 

downstream of PPE3 

3/2/10

(1710) Ref. 12; Ref. 19, p. 19

PR-SW-01 Paguate Reservoir, 27,800 feet 

downstream of PPE3 

3/2/10

(1526) Ref. 12; Ref. 19, p. 32

EPA ESI Surface Water/Sediment Sampling – April 2011

RM-JM-SW-110420

RM-JM-SW-02

(duplicate)

Rio Moquino, within the property, 

upstream of its confluence with Rio 

Paguate and 5,500 feet south of the 

Jackpile-Paguate Mine boundary at 

PPE3

4/20/11

(1705-SW, 1710-

SW DUP) Ref. 12; Ref. 35, pp. 96, 118

RP-JM-SW-01-

110420

Rio Paguate, within the property, 

just downstream of the confluence 

of Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate, 

600 feet from PPE3

4/20/11

(1540-SW Ref. 12; Ref. 35, pp. 94, 118
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

41 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Station Location Sampling Location Sample Date 

(Military Time) Reference

EPA SI Surface Water Sampling – March 2010

RP-SW-01-110419 Rio Paguate, 5,500 feet 

downstream of PPE3 

4/19/11

(1540-SW) Ref. 12; Ref.35, pp. 89, 118

PR-SW-01-110420 Paguate Reservoir, 27,800 feet 

downstream of PPE3 

4/20/11

(1135-SW) Ref. 12; Ref. 35, pp. 92-93, 118

All observed release samples were collected by START-3 on 02 through 04 March 2010 and from 19 

through 20 April 2011 (Ref. 19; Ref. 35, pp. 85-98). The sediment samples were collected by START3 with disposable plastic scoops, in accordance with the approved QASPs, and then transferred to an 8-

ounce sample container (Ref. 8, pp. 15, 17; Ref. 30, p. 18; Ref. 35, p. 121; Ref. 36, p. 4). The surface 

water samples were collected by submerging the sample container into the water and facing the mouth 

of the container upstream while sampling personnel stood downstream (Ref. 8, p. 113; Ref. 36, p. 4). 

The samples were analyzed using established EPA methodologies and laboratory Standard Operation 

Procedures (SOPs). The March 2010 samples were shipped via Federal Express to ALS Laboratory 

Group located in Fort Collins, Colorado (Ref. 8, p. 16; Ref. 19, pp. 11, 23). The April 2011 samples 

were hand delivered to Summit Laboratory, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 22 April 2011 

(Ref. 36, p. 4). The March 2010 samples were analyzed for total metals by EPA Methods SW-846 

3005A (liquid) 3050B (solid) and 6010B, total cyanide by EPA Methods SW-846 9010 and 9014, 

mercury by EPA Methods SW-846 7470A/7471A and SOP812 Rev. 14, and isotopic uranium by 

SOP778R13 and SOP714R11 (Ref. 20, pp. 13, 51, 542, 720, 758, 1170). The April 2011 samples 

were analyzed for: isotopic uranium (isotopes 234, 235, and 238) by method Eichrom ACW-03-15 and 

ACW-10; total metals by EPA method 200.7 for water and 6010B for solids; selenium by EPA method 

6020; mercury by EPA method 7470A/7471A; Radium226 by EPA method 903; and Radium228 by EPA 

method 904. In addition, all water samples were also analyzed for: alkalinity by method SM2310-B; 

bicarbonate by method SM-17 2320; carbonate by method SM 4500-CO2D; Total Dissolved Solids by 

method SM 2540-C; and anions by EPA method 300 (Ref. 36, pp. 5). Once final analytical results were 

received, the data underwent third-party data review and validation by a START-3 chemist not 

associated with the sampling conducted at the property (Ref. 25; Ref. 36, p. 5).
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

42 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Surface Water Sample Concentrations – March 2010

Station Location Hazardous

Substance

Concentration

(mg/l)

1

Reporting Limit2

Reference

EPA SI3

Rio Paguate

RP-SW-01 Manganese 0.19 0.01 Ref. 19, p. 34; Ref. 20, pp. 714, 780; Ref. 25, 

pp. 45 to 49

RP-SW-01D Manganese 0.19 0.01 Ref. 19, p. 34; Ref. 20, pp. 714, 771; Ref. 25, 

pp. 45 to 49

Paguate Reservoir

PR-SW-01 Manganese 0.25 0.01 Ref. 19, p. 34; Ref. 20, pp. 22, 75; Ref. 25, pp. 

1 to 5

Notes:

1

 mg/kg - milligram per liter (mg/l) 2

 The definition of the Reporting Limit used by ALS Laboratory Group was not provided in the laboratory package (Ref. 20, pp. 758 to 

762). 3

 Chemical laboratory data collected during EPA SI and ESI activities were validated by a START-3 chemist in accordance with EPA 

USEPA Contract Laboratory Program National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Data Review (July 2002), and the Regional 

Protocol for Holding Times, Blanks, and VOA Preservation (April 13, 1989). Data for target analytes meet the definitive data quality 

objective (Ref. 25, pp. 5, 36, 49, 74).

Surface Water Sample Concentrations – April 2011

Station Location Hazardous

Substance

Concentration

(pCi/l)1

Reporting Limit2

Reference

EPA ESI3

Rio Moquino

RM-JM-SW-110420

Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

37.997

1.540

33.431

0.141

0.029

0.101

Ref. 35, pp. 96, 743, 772, 1587

RM-JM-SW-02-

110420

Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

28.334

0.961

23.591

0.038

0.044

0.011

Ref. 35, pp. 96, 743, 772, 1587

Rio Paguate

RP-JM-SW-01-110420

Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

32.398

1.236

29.257

0.070

0.034

0.052

Ref. 35, pp. 94, 745, 775, 1587

RP-SW-01-110420

Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

85.098

3.236

78.787

0.031

0.011

0.025

Ref. 35, pp. 89, 747, 777, 1587

Paguate Reservoir

PR-SW-01-110420

Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

17.445

0.565

14.624

0.141

0.029

0.101

Ref. 35, pp. 92-93, 740, 769, 1587

Notes:

1 pCi/l = picocurie per liter 2 The Reporting Limit is the MDC, the net concentration that has a specified chance of being detected for uranium by Alpha Spectroscopy 

(Ref. 39, p. 3). 3

 Radiological data were validated by a START-3 Certified Health Physicist with 30 years of radiation characterization experience. Data 

for target analytes meet the definitive data quality objective (Ref. 35, p. 1587; Ref. 36, p. 5).

The metal analysis for samples collected in March 2010 was not of dissolved metals, and field filtration 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 43 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

of the surface water samples was not performed. Both sediment and surface water samples were 

collected from each surface water pathway sample location. The sediment samples from March 2010 

did not exhibit metal concentrations at observed release concentrations indicating that the metal 

concentrations present in the surface water samples were not due to the sediments (Ref. 30, pp. 86 to 

88). All water samples collected April 2011 were field filtered using 0.45 micrometer (μm) filter 

paper (Ref. 36, p. 4).

The background samples and observed release samples were both collected from the same medium on 

02 through 04 March 2010 or 19 through 20 April 2011, by the same START-3 teams operating under

the same QASPs and sampling procedures. Background and observed release samples were collected 

from similar locations, were from similar media, same depth, used the same sampling methods, 

preservation, and handling and were all collected during the same weather conditions (Ref. 8; Ref; 19; 

Ref. 30, p. 18; Ref. 35, pp. 87-96; Ref. 36, pp. 7-16). Both the background samples and observed 

release samples are of sufficient similarity to document an observed release as defined by the HRS 

(Ref. 1, Section 4.1.2.1.1). 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

44 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Attribution:

 

As part of an environmental assessment of the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine facility in March 2010, 

and April 2011 START-3 collected a solid waste source sample from the waste dump within the mine 

area (Ref. 19, Figure A-5A). The solid waste sample contained uranium238 at 367 ug/g and manganese 

at 84 mg/kg (see Section 2.4.1 of this HRS documentation record). These same contaminants have 

been found as observed release samples in the surface water pathway as high as 78.787 pCi/l for 

uranium238 and 0.25 mg/l for manganese (see Section 2.4.1.2.1.1 of this HRS documentation record). 

The source at the facility is uncontained, and after rain events, the Rio Moquino would contain water 

such that part of the source would be in direct contact with the surface water (Ref. 19, pp. 4, 6, 7; Ref. 

43, p. 1). The Rio Paguate has been rechanneled for more than 2,000 feet downstream of its entrance to 

the mine facility (Ref. 4, p. 101; Ref. 31). The Rio Moquino has been extensively modified over a 

4,000-foot segment immediately above its confluence with the Rio Paguate. Waste material has been 

dumped into the original channel on both sides, straightening the course of the meandering stream (Ref. 

4, p. 102). It appears that normal practice was to stockpile waste material in the Rio Moquino’s 

floodplain as records indicate that approximately 500,000 tons of material from Waste Dump U on the 

east side of the river were removed during 1982, the last year of mining operations (Ref. 4, p. 69). 

Potential hazards resulting from waste dump instability at the mine include rotational failures, base 

translational failures, and foundation spreading (Ref. 4, p. 77). Such waste dump failures could expose 

material and thus present a health and environmental hazard (Ref. 4, p. 77). Limited slope stabilization 

studies were performed on the slope of Waste Dump I to evaluate the ability of biodegradable matting 

to inhibit erosion. Special reseeding techniques were performed on the slope of Waste Dump J. The 

matting and special reseeding techniques were unsuccessful; however, it is unknown if slope 

stabilization has actually been performed (Ref. 4, p. 69). Rapid surface water flow from flooding of the 

rivers could expose surface water to sources at the property in addition to accelerated erosion of the 

waste dumps due to the long, steep slopes of the waste dumps and potential high-intensity rainfall 

resulting from summer thunderstorms (Ref. 4, p. 116; Ref. 22, p. 2). 

Mine waste enters the surface water pathway via two mechanisms. As discussed above, mine waste 

enters the surface water pathway through direct deposition by overland flow. During the EPA ESI 

conducted April 2011, it has also been demonstrated that mine waste also enters the surface water 

pathway through ground water within the mine pits (see Section 2.2 for Source 1 and Section 3). The 

ground water to surface water mechanism is further discussed in Section 4.2 of this report. 

There are other mines in the area, including St. Anthony Mine which is approximately 11,000 feet 

northeast of Jackpile-Paguate Mine. The St. Anthony Mine does not connect to Rio Paguate, Paguate 

Reservoir or Rio San Jose surface water pathway being evaluated (Ref. 3, p. 1, Ref. 19, p. 3). Also, 

background samples collected for Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine showed low levels (3.86 ppb and 

560 ppb) of total uranium and manganese (Ref. 20, pp. 18 to 20, 70, 72-74, 79, 86, 87, 557 to 559, and 

561 to 563). A search of the Toxic Release Inventory database was performed within the zip code of 

the facility location and no other facilities are listed (Ref. 13).

Due to historical operations, one that has demonstrated to cause uranium and manganese 

contamination, combined with the overall lack of containment of the source at the facility and the fact 

that surface water samples meeting observed release criteria are present that support uranium and 

manganese contamination migration from the source at the facility into the surface water pathway, the 
SW Pathway – Likelihood of Release

HRS Documentation Record 45 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

uranium and manganese contamination in the facility can be attributed (wholly or, at least, in part) to 

the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine facility. 

Likelihood of Release Factor:

Based on the analytical data and attribution components listed above, uranium234, uranium235, 

uranium238 and manganese have been documented as the hazardous substances in the observed release 

to Rio Paguate. Therefore, the observed release factor value of 550 was assigned for Rio Paguate (Ref. 

1, Section 4.1.2.1.1). 

Likelihood of Release Factor Value: 550 
SW Pathway –Human Food Chain Threat/Waste Characteristics

HRS Documentation Record 46 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.2.1.2 POTENTIAL TO RELEASE

4.1.2.1.2.1 Potential to Release by Overland Flow

Potential to release was not evaluated because an observed release to surface water was established by 

chemical analysis (see Section 4.1.2.1.1 of this HRS documentation record). 
SW Pathway –Human Food Chain Threat/Waste Characteristics

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

47 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.2 DRINKING WATER THREAT 

WASTE CHARACTERISTICS

Evidence of contamination associated with Source 2 has been established based on chemical analyses 

of samples collected from the source as well as through direct observation (refer to the Attribution 

section and Section 2.2). Manganese, uranium234, uranium235, and uranium238, were detected in surface 

water samples collected in Rio Paguate and Paguate Reservoir, establishing an observed release (see 

Section 4.1.2.1.1). 

4.1.2.2.1 Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation

Hazardous

Substance

Source 

Number

Toxicity 

Factor

Value

Persistence1

Factor Value

Toxicity/

Persistence/ Reference

Manganese 2 10,000 1 10,000 Ref. 2, p. 10

Vanadium 2 100 1 100 Ref. 2, p. 13

Uranium234 2 10,000 1 10,000 Ref. 2, p. 16

Uranium235 2 10,000 1 10,000 Ref. 2, p. 16

Uranium238 2 10,000 1 10,000 Ref. 2, p. 16

Notes:

1 All hazardous substances were assigned the same persistence factor value (i.e., 1.0000) for both water body types (river and lake) 

within the TDL (Ref 1, Table 4-10). 

Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value: 10,000 
SW Pathway –Human Food Chain Threat/Waste Characteristics

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

48 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.2.2.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Source

No.

Source Hazardous 

Waste Quantity

Value

Containment

Ground 

Water

Surface Water: 

Overland/Flood 

Migration Component

Surface Water: 

Ground Water to Surface 

Water Migration Component

Air Gas Air 

Particulate

2 43,560 NE 10 NE NE NE

TOTAL 43,560

NE= not evaluated

A hazardous waste quantity of 43,560 is estimated for Source 2 at the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine 

facility which when applied in HRS Table 2-6 yields a surface water pathway overland/flood migration 

component drinking water threat hazardous waste quantity of 10,000 for the watershed. Also, as 

documented in Sections 4.1.2.1.1 and 4.1.4.3.1.2 of this HRS documentation record, a fishery is 

subject to Level II concentrations; therefore, a minimum value of 100 can be assigned for the 

hazardous waste quantity factor value (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.2). A value of 10,000 is assigned as the 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value since it is the greater value. This hazardous waste value is 

based on the non-radioactive hazardous substances only and does not include the radioactive 

substances. (Ref. 1, Table 2-6).

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value = 10,000 

4.1.2.2.3 Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value

Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value: 10,000 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 10,000 

10,000 (Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value) x 10,000 (Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value) = 1 x 

108 (maximum of 1 x 108 according to HRS Section 4.1.3.2.3) 

Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value: 100 

(Ref 1, Table 2-7) 

4.1.2.3 TARGETS

No drinking water population targets were identified. 
SW Pathway –Human Food Chain Threat/Waste Characteristics

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013 49 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium MineNMN000607033

4.1.2.3.3 RESOURCES 

The Rio Paguate is designated by the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission for the 

following uses: domestic water supply, fish culture, high-quality coldwater fishery, irrigation, 

livestock, and wildlife watering, and secondary contact recreation (Ref. 4, p. 106). According to 

Laguna Natural Resource officials, there are approximately 1,500 cattle whose only source of drinking 

water is the surface water from the Rio Paguate and the Paguate Reservoir within the TDL. These 

cattle are used for meat by the tribe. There are also approximately 800 cow elk that use the surface 

water for drinking (Ref. 4, pp. 98, 100, 104; Ref. 19, pp. 6, 7). As such, under the HRS, a resources 

value of 5 is assigned to the surface water, in-water segment of the hazardous substance migration path 

for the watershed used for watering of commercial livestock (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.2.3.3). 

Resources Factor Value: 5

4.1.3.2 HUMAN FOOD CHAIN THREAT 

WASTE CHARACTERISTICS

Evidence of contamination associated with Source 2 has been established based on chemical analyses 

of samples collected from the sources as well as through direct observation (refer to the Attribution 

section and Section 2.2). Manganese, uranium234, uranium235, and uranium238, were detected in surface 

water samples collected in Rio Paguate and Paguate Reservoir, establishing an observed release (see 

Section 4.1.2.1.1). 

4.1.3.2.1 Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation

Hazardous

Substance

Source 

Number

Toxicity 

Factor

Value

Persistence1

Factor Value

Human Food 

Chain

Bioaccumulation 2

Value

Toxicity/

Persistence/

Bioaccumulation 

Factor Value

Reference

Manganese 2 10,000 1 50,000 5 x 108 Ref. 2, p. 10

Vanadium 2 100 1 500 5 x 104 Ref. 2, p. 13

Uranium234 2 10,000 1 0.5 5,000 Ref. 2, p. 16

Uranium235 2 10,000 1 0.5 5,000 Ref. 2, p. 16

Uranium238 2 10,000 1 5,000 5 x 107 Ref. 2, p. 16

Notes:

1 All hazardous substances were assigned the same persistence factor value (i.e., 1.0000) for both water body types (river and lake) 

within the TDL (Ref 1, Table 4-10). 2 Bioaccumulation factor values are assigned from the SCDM (Ref. 2), for the type of water body "Fresh Water”, in which the fisheries 

are located (Ref. 1, Sect. 4.1.3.2.1.3).

Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation Factor Value: 5 x 108 
SW Pathway –Human Food Chain Threat/Waste Characteristics

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

50 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.3.2.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity

Source

No.

Source Hazardous 

Waste Quantity

Value

Containment

Ground 

Water

Surface Water: 

Overland/Flood 

Migration Component

Surface Water: 

Ground Water to Surface 

Water Migration Component

Air Gas Air 

Particulate

2 43,560 NE 10 NE NE NE

TOTAL 43,560

NE= not evaluated

A hazardous waste quantity of 43,560 is estimated for Source 2 at the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

facility which when applied in HRS Table 2-6 yields a surface water pathway overland/flood migration 

component human food chain threat hazardous waste quantity of 10,000 for the watershed. Also, as 

documented in Sections 4.1.2.1.1 and 4.1.4.3.1.2 of this HRS documentation record, a fishery is 

subject to Level II concentrations; therefore, a minimum value of 100 can be assigned for the 

hazardous waste quantity factor value (Ref. 1, Section 2.4.2.2). A value of 10,000 is assigned as the 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value since it is the greater value. This hazardous waste value is 

based on the non-radioactive hazardous substances only and does not include the radioactive 

substances. (Ref. 1, Table 2-6).

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value = 10,000 

4.1.3.2.3 Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value

Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value: 10,000 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 10,000 

Bioaccumulation Potential Factor Value: 50,000 

10,000 (Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value) x 10,000 (Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value) = 1 x 

108

 (maximum of 1 x 108 according to HRS Section 4.1.3.2.3) 

1 x 108 (Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value x Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value) x 

50,000 (Bioaccumulation Potential Factor Value) = 5 x 1012 (maximum of 1 x 1012 according to HRS 

Section 4.1.3.2.3) 

A hazardous waste quantity factor value of 10,000 is assigned according to HRS Section 2.4.2.2. 

From Reference 2 and Table 4-12 of the HRS, manganese has a toxicity/persistence value of 10,000 

and a bioaccumulation potential factor value of 50,000. The waste characteristics factor category 

value from Reference 1, Table 2-7 for a waste characteristics product of 1 x 1012 is 1,000. 

Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value: 1,000
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

51 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.3.3 TARGETS

Level II concentrations in the surface water pathway can be established based on surface water

samples that meet the criteria for an observed release and the hazardous substance has a 

bioaccumulation potential factor value greater or equal to 500 (Ref. 1, Sec. 4.1.3.3). As noted in 

Sections 4.1.2.1.1 and 4.1.3.2.1 of this HRS documentation record, an observed release of hazardous 

substances having a bioaccumulation factor value of 500 or greater (uranium238 and manganese) is 

documented in Rio Paguate. A human food chain fishery is present in Rio Paguate within the TDL 

(Ref. 3, pp. 2, 3; Ref. 23; Figure A-3). According to the Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and Natural 

Resources Department, Rio Paguate and Rio San Jose are fished for catfish, bluegill, and crappie that

are caught for human consumption (Ref. 23). Level II concentrations of manganese, uranium234, 

uranium235, and uranium238 in surface water samples have been documented within the surface water 

flow path from sample RM-JM-SW to sample PR-SW-01; and a zone of actual contamination is 

established from PPE 3 to sample PR-SW-01—a distance of 27,800 feet (or 5.26 miles) downstream

(Ref. 12; Ref. 1, Section 4.1.3.3). The area beginning from the farthest downstream Level II sample

location (PR-SW-01) to the 15-mile TDL is subject to potential contamination (refer to Figure A-3). 

EPA SI Surface Water Samples Meeting Observed Release Criteria 

March 2010 

Station Location

(CLP Sample No.)

Distance From PPE 3 

(Feet)*

Hazardous 

Substance

Bioaccumulation Potential 

Factor Value

RM-JM-SW At PPE3 Manganese 50,000

RP-JM-SW-01 600 Manganese 50,000

RP-SW-01

RP-SW-01D

5,500 Manganese 50,000 

PR-SW-01 27,800 Manganese 50,000

* Ref. 12

EPA ESI Surface Water Samples Meeting Observed Release Criteria

April 2011 

Station Location

(CLP Sample No.)

Distance From PPE 3

(Feet)*

Hazardous 

Substance

Bioaccumulation Potential 

Factor Value

RM-JM-SW At PPE3 Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

0.5

0.5

5,000

RP-JM-SW-01 600 (PPE3) Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

0.5

0.5

5,000

RP-SW-01

RP-SW-01D

5,500 Uranium234

Uranium235 

Uranium238

0.5

0.5

5,000

PR-SW-01 27,800 Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238

0.5

0.5

5,000

* Ref. 12
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record 52 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

-Closed Fisheries

No fisheries within the surface water pathway have been closed due to manganese or uranium238

contamination. 

-Benthic or Other Tissue

No benthic or other tissue samples have been collected from the surface water pathway.
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

53 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.3.3.1 Food Chain Individual 

The Rio Paguate’s designated uses include cold water aquatic life, domestic water supply, fish culture, 

irrigation, livestock watering, wildlife habitat, and primary contact according to the EPA (Ref. 11, p. 

18). According to the Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and Natural Resources Department, Rio 

Paguate, the Paguate Reservoir (Mesita Dam) and Rio San Jose are fished for catfish, bluegill, and 

crappie that are caught for human consumption. The TDL extends from PPE 3 to the Rio San Jose, to 

approximately where the Rio San Jose meets Interstate 40 (refer to Figure A-4). Fishing is 

documented within the 15-mile TDL (refer to Figure A-3) (Ref. 3, pp. 1 to 3; Ref. 23; Ref. 41). Level 

II concentrations of uranium238 and manganese have been established in Rio Moquino and Rio 

Paguate to a distance of 27,800 feet from PPE 3 to the northern part of the Paguate Reservoir (as 

defined by Level II surface water sample location PR-SW-01) (refer to Figure A-5A). 

Fishery Type of Surface Water Body Reference(s)

Rio Paguate Minimal Stream Ref. 7, p. 14

Paguate Reservoir

(northern portion)

Lake Ref. 7, pp. 22 to 24

An observed release to Rio Paguate and Paguate Reservoir by chemical analysis has been documented 

(Ref. 20, pp. 22, 75, 76, 565, 566, 711, 714, 771, 775, 1185, 1191). The release contained manganese

with a bioaccumulation potential factor value of 50,000. In addition, the release occurred to a 

watershed containing Level II fisheries within the target distance limit; therefore, a food chain 

individual value of 45 was assigned (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.3.3.1). 

Food Chain Individual Factor Value: 45 

4.1.3.3.2 Population 

4.1.3.3.2.1 Level I Concentrations

Level I concentrations have not been established as fish tissue samples have not been collected; 

therefore, the Level I concentrations factor value receives an assigned value of 0.

 Level I Concentrations Factor Value: 0
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

54 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.3.3.2.2 Level II Concentrations

Identity of 

Fishery

Annual 

Production 

(pounds)

Type of Surface 

Water Body

Average 

Annual 

Flow Reference

Population 

Value (Pi)

Dilution 

Weight (Di)

Pi x Di

Rio Paguate >0, but 

unknown

Minimal stream Less than 

10 cfs

Ref. 1, Tables 4-13, 

4-18; Ref. 15, pp. 1 

to 3

0.03 1 0.03

Paguate 

Reservoir

(northern 

portion)

>0, but 

unknown

Lake Less than 

10 cfs1 Ref. 1, Tables 4-13, 4-18; Ref. 15, pp. 1 

to 3

0.03 1 0.03

Notes: 

cfs = cubic feet per second

1 For a lake the dilution weight is based on the sum of the average annual flows for the surface water body entering the lake (Ref. 1, Sec. 

4.1.2.3.1). 

The zone of Level II contamination in Rio Paguate extends 27,800 feet from PPE 3 to the farthest 

downstream sample location, PR-SW/SED-01 (Section 4.1.2.1.1). Rio Paguate and the Paguate 

Reservoir (Mesita Dam) are fished for catfish, bluegill, and crappie according to the Pueblo of Laguna 

Environmental and Natural Resources Department, and these fish are caught for human consumption

(Ref. 23, p. 1; Ref. 40, p. 1). Data to estimate pounds of fish caught annually for Rio Paguate and 

Paguate Reservoir are not available; however, because these water bodies are fished, the annual 

production is known to be greater than zero. As such, a human food chain population value of 0.03 is 

assigned from Table 4-18 of the HRS (Ref. 1, Table 4-18). Sampling data collected from the EPA 

March 2010 and April 2011 sampling events document Level II contamination in both the Rio Paguate 

and the Paguate Reservoir (Ref. 1, Section 4.1.3.3.2.2; Ref. 20, pp. 22, 75, 76, 565, 566, 711, 714, 771, 

775, 1185, 1191). 

Rio Paguate/Paguate Reservoir - Product of Pi x Di = 0.03 x 1 

Product of Pi x Di: 0.03 

Level II Concentrations Factor Value: 0.03 
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record 55 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.1.3.3.2.3 Potential Human Food Chain Contamination

Identity of 

Fishery

Annual 

Production 

(pounds)

Type of Surface 

Water Body

Average 

Annual 

Flow

Reference Population 

Value (Pi)

Dilution 

Weight (Di) Pi x Di

Rio San Jose >0, but 

unknown

Minimal stream Less than 

10 cfs

Ref. 1, Tables 4-13, 

4-18; Ref. 15, pp. 

1, 4, 5

0.03 1 0.03

Paguate 

Reservoir

(southern 

portion)

>0, but 

unknown

Lake Less than 

10 cfs1 Ref. 1, Tables 4-13, 

4-18; Ref. 15, pp. 1 

to 3

0.03 1 0.03

Notes: 

cfs = cubic feet per second.

1 For a lake the dilution weight is based on the sum of the average annual flows for the surface water body entering the lake (Ref. 1, Sec. 

4.1.2.3.1). 

Rio San Jose and the southern portion of the Paguate Reservoir are fished for catfish, bluegill, and 

crappie according to the Pueblo of Laguna Environmental and Natural Resources Department; these 

fish are caught for human consumption (Ref. 23; Ref. 41). Data to estimate pounds of fish caught 

annually for Rio San Jose and Paguate Reservoir are not available; however, because this water body 

is fished, the annual production is known to be greater than zero. As such, a human food chain 

population value of 0.03 is assigned from Table 4-18 of the HRS (Ref. 1, Table 4-18). For Rio San 

Jose, the dilution weight was based on the average annual flow data collected by the USGS at a 

gauging station located at Grants, New Mexico (Ref. 15, pp. 1, 4, 5). Based on the stream flow, Rio

San Jose, according to Table 4-13 of the HRS, is classified as a minimal stream and receives an 

assigned dilution weight of 1 (Ref. 1, Table 4-13). 

For the southern portion of the Paguate Reservoir, the dilution weight was based on the sum of the 

average annual flows for the surface water body entering the lake. Since the Paguate flows into the 

Paguate Reservoir, the average annual flow for the Rio Paguate was also used for the southern portion 

of the Paguate Reservoir (Ref. 1, Tables 4-13, 4-18; Ref. 15, pp. 1-3). A dilution weight of 1 was also 

assigned to the Paguate Reservoir in accordance with Table 4-13 of the HRS (Ref. 1, Table 4-13). 

Rio San Jose/Paguate Reservoir - Product of Pi x Di = 0.03 x 1 

Product of Pi x Di: 0.03 

(Sum of Products of Pi x Di)/10: 0.003
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record 56 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

4.2 GROUND WATER TO SURFACE WATER MIGRATION COMPONENT- NOT SCORED

Section 4.2 of the HRS states that the ground water to surface water component can be used to 

evaluate surface water threats that result from migration of hazardous substances from a source at the 

facility to surface water (Ref. 1). Ground water in the Jackpile Sandstone interchanges with water in 

the Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate through unconsolidated alluvium deposits along the steam channels. 

The ground water to surface water component is presented in this section although the surface water 

likelihood and potential to release as well as the threat-targets are scored based on the overland/flood 

migration component as shown in Section 4.1 of this report. Since the threat of release by overland 

flow or flood is more than minimal for this facility and the component score sufficient to score the 

overall site, this information is presented as supporting information.

In April 2011 an ESI was conducted on behalf of EPA Region 6. The ESI sampling included the 

collection of ground water, surface water, and surface sediments that were submitted to an EPAapproved laboratory for general water quality analyses (metals, anions, TDS), as well as radionuclides. 

Field water quality measurements, including pH, temperature, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen, 

and Oxidation-Reduction Potential, were collected at the time each sample was collected. Ground 

water elevation measurements were also collected from a wider suite of wells to gain a better 

understanding of the overall ground water system (Ref. 35, p. 2794). Based on data culled from 

several hydrologic studies from 1979 to the present, as well as the results of the 2011 ESI, a CSM was 

completed in July 2011 (Ref. 35, p. 2794). The ground water and surface water systems of the facility

may be described as follows: 

• Hydrologic data indicate that both surface water and ground water flow from east-northeast to westsouthwest in the western half of the study area, and from north to south in the eastern half of the study 

area (Ref. 35, p. 2740). 

• General cation/anion chemistry identifies two distinct populations of water – one is a sodium + 

potassium – bicarbonate-sulfate water that is associated with the Jackpile Sandstone, and the other is a 

calcium + magnesium – carbonate-bicarbonate-sulfate water associated with the Alluvial Aquifer and 

surface water systems. Strong similarities between the surface water and alluvial ground water 

strongly suggest that these populations are in intimate contact across the facility (Ref. 35, p. 2740). 

• Uranium concentrations/activities increase with respect to background in both ground water and 

surface water across the facility. This is demonstrated in the results of the 2011 ESI sampling event, as 

well as at least four studies involving surface water, and two studies involving ground water ( (Ref. 35, 

p. 2794). 

• Ground water, surface water, and sediment samples collected on-site and downgradient of the facility

have uranium activities that are significantly elevated with respect to background above the property

(Ref. 35, p. 2783). 

The hydrologic system of the Jackpile-Paguate Mine includes surface water, and ground waters of the 

Jackpile Sandstone, Alluvial Aquifer, and waters of the backfilled Paguate and Jackpile pits. 

Hydrologic studies indicate that these reservoirs interact with each other in a fairly complicated 

manner based on surface water flow rates and the hydraulic conductivities of the reservoirs where they 

are in contact with one another (Ref. 35, pp. 2772, 2789). 

Mining activities have historically lowered ground water elevations in the upgradient areas of the 

facility, but not the downgradient areas. The cessation of mining activities, as well as the backfilling 

of the Paguate and Jackpile pits, has caused the ground water system to rebound. This rebound was 

predicted before the pits were backfilled; however, the rate of ground water rebound appears to be 

faster for the South Paguate Pit than anticipated. The models predict that ground water accumulating 
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record 57 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

in the pits will flow through the natural (Jackpile and Alluvium) geologic materials, as well as waste 

rock and tailings, to flow into the surface water system (Ref. 25, p. 2773). 

Geologic cross sections completed through the facility indicate that surface water may have flowed 

into the North and South Paguate pits, causing ground water to rebound more quickly than modeled. 

Ground water elevations indicate that ground water from the North Paguate and Jackpile pits is 

flowing into Rio Moquino. Ground water from the South Paguate Pit appears to be flowing into Rio 

Paguate, and water from Rio Paguate (and/or the associated Alluvial Aquifer) may be flowing into the 

North Paguate Pit (Ref. 35, pp. 2767, 2773).

Historical hydrologic data establish that there is hydrologic communication between surface water and 

both natural ground water reservoirs (Alluvial and Jackpile) at the facility. This observation is based 

on ground water and surface water elevation data, aquifer pump tests, and hydrologic modeling. Cross 

sections using historical and recent hydrologic data also support this observation (Ref. 35, p. 2740). 

The hydrologic models also predict hydrologic communication between backfilled pits and the surface 

water – ground water system. Ground water is predicted to flow from the North Paguate and Jackpile 

pits into the Alluvial Aquifer, then into the Rio Paguate. Ground water from the South Paguate Pit is 

predicted to flow into the Jackpile Sandstone and the Alluvial Aquifer, with some fraction reaching 

Rio Paguate. This prediction is bolstered by the fact that ground water levels in several of the wells 

near the pits have increased up to 66 feet in the last 30 years. The rebound of the water table is due 

partially to the fact that mining activities, specifically pumping of water from the pit areas, ceased in 

1982. Cross sections drawn through the pits illustrate the relationship between the excavated and 

backfilled pit conditions with respect to the most dramatically affected wells (Ref. 35, p. 2789). 

Field measurements and laboratory analysis of the ground water in the Jackpile, North Paguate, and 

South Paguate pits indicate that chemical reactions are occurring in the backfill that mobilize uranium 

in very high concentrations (four to five orders of magnitude higher than background surface or 

ground water). Ground water in the pits appears to be rebounding at a rate much higher than preremedial modeling predicted; ground water in the South Paguate Pit has already rebounded 10 feet 

above the elevation it was projected to reach after 150 years. Hydrologic observations and modeling 

indicate that these pit waters are not contained and will flow into the surface water system via ground 

water pathways, carrying contaminants into that system (Ref. 35, p. 2795). 

Ground water sampling was performed as part of the April 2011 sampling activities. Analytical data 

from this sampling event indicated the presence of hazardous substances similar to those found in the 

scored sources and observed release samples evaluated for this site. Information from the April 2011 

activities are presented in the following tables and paragraphs. 
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record 58 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Ground Water Release Sampling Locations

Station Location Sampling Location Sample Date 

(Military Time) Reference

EPA ESI Ground Water Sampling – April 2011

MW-2 

Monitoring well location just south 

and downgradient of JackpilePaguate mine.

4/21/11

(1023) Ref. 35, pp. 81 ,119; Figure A-5B

MW-2-2 

Monitoring well location just south 

and downgradient of JackpilePaguate mine (duplicate).

4/21/11

(1028) Ref. 35, pp. 81, 119; Figure A-5B

MW-3 

Monitoring well located within the 

Jackpile-Paguate mine along the 

north side of Rio Paguate.

4/20/11

(1415) Ref. 35, pp. 78, 119; Figure A-5B

MW-4 

Monitoring well located within the 

Jackpile-Paguate mine along the 

south side of Rio Paguate.

4/20/11

(1333) Ref. 35, pp. 77-78, 119; Figure A-5B

MW-6 Monitoring well located south and 

downgradient of mine.

4/20/11

(1153) Ref. 35, pp. 77, 119; Figure A-5B

MW-MD

Monitoring well located 

downgradient of Jackpile-Paguate 

mine and west of Mesita Dam.

4/20/11 

(1030) Ref. 35, pp. 76-77, 119; Figure A-5B

MW-MD-02

Monitoring well located 

downgradient of Jackpile-Paguate 

mine and west of Mesita Dam 

(duplicate).

4/20/11

(1030) Ref. 35, pp. 76-77, 119; Figure A-5B

Background and characterization samples were collected by START-3 on 19 through 21 April 2011 

(Ref. 35, pp. 72-82; Ref. 36, p. 4). The samples were collected and transferred to approved sample 

containers in accordance with the approved QASPs (Ref. 8, p. 13; Ref. 36, p. 4). The ground water 

samples were collected using low flow sampling techniques and either a pneumatic pump or a bailer 

(Ref. 35, p. 113; Ref. 35 pp. 72-82).

 

The samples were analyzed using established EPA methodologies and laboratory Standard Operation 

Procedures (SOPs). The April 2011 samples were hand delivered to Summit Laboratory, located in 

Albuquerque, New Mexico on 22 April 2011 (Ref. 36, p. 4). The samples were analyzed for: isotopic 

uranium (isotopes 234, 235, and 238) by method Eichrom ACW-03-15 and ACW-10; total metals by 

EPA method 200.7 for water and 6010B for solids; selenium by EPA method 6020; mercury by EPA 

method 7470A/7471A; Radium226 by EPA method 903; and Radium228 by EPA method 904. In 

addition, all water samples were also analyzed for: alkalinity by method SM2310-B; bicarbonate by 

method SM-17 2320; carbonate by method SM 4500-CO2D; Total Dissolved Solids by method SM 

2540-C; and anions by EPA method 300 (Ref. 36, pp. 5).Once final analytical results were received, 

the data underwent third-party data review and validation by a START-3 chemist not associated with 

the sampling conducted at the facility (Ref. 25; Ref. 36, p. 5). 
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record 59 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Ground Water Background Sample Concentrations

Station Location Hazardous

Substance

Concentration Units1 Reference

MW-1 

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

Radium228

3.74

0.161

0.826

1.26

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 374, 756, 1587

MW-7-110419

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

Radium226

Radium228

3.80

0.062

0.44

2.71

1.11

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 377, 764, 1587

MW-8-110419

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

5.21

0.059 

1.95

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 765, 1587

MW-RM

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

11.6

0.733

30.0

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 780, 1587

Notes:

1 pCi/l – picocurie per liter

Ground Water Non-Radioactive Characterization Sample Concentrations 

Station Location Hazardous

Substance

Concentration Reporting 

Limit1 Units2

Reference

EPA ESI – April 20113

MW-2-110421 Manganese 0.275 0.00043 mg/l Ref. 35, pp 81, 341, 1527, 1534

MW-2-2-110421 Manganese 294 0.430 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 81 , 342, 1527, 1534

MW-4-110420 Manganese 32.4 0.43 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 77-78, 344, 1527, 

1534

MW-MD-110420 Manganese 654 0.43 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 76-77, 349, 1527, 

1534

MW-MD-02-110420 Manganese 693 0.43 mg/l Ref. 35, pp. 76-77, 348, 1527, 

1534

Notes:

1 The Reporting Limit is defined as the LOD for the April 2011 data provided by Summit Analytical Laboratories. The LOD is equal to 

the Laboratory Detection Limit which is adjusted for dilution factors (Ref. 35, p. 337). 2 ppb – parts per billion = microgram per 

liter (ug/l), pCi/l = picocurie per liter 2 mg/l – milligram per liter 3 Chemical laboratory data collected during EPA SI and ESI activities were validated by a START-3 chemist in accordance with EPA 

USEPA Contract Laboratory Program National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Data Review (July 2002), and the Regional 

Protocol for Holding Times, Blanks, and VOA Preservation (April 13, 1989). Data for target analytes meet the definitive data quality 

objective (Ref. 25, pp. 5, 36, 49, 74).
SW Pathway – Human Food Chain Treat/Targets

HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

60 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Ground Water Radioactive Characterization Sample Concentrations 

Station Location Hazardous

Substance

Concentration Reporting 

Limit1 Units2

Reference

EPA ESI – April 20113

MW-2-110421

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238 

63.5

2.23

54.2

0.051

0.012

0.042

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp 81, 757 , 1587

MW-2-2-110421

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238

62.7

2.49

54.4

0.054

0.033

0.035

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 81 , 758, 1587

MW-3-110420 Uranium234 17.7 0.046 pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 78, 1587

MW-4-110420

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238

119

4.58

108

0.038

0.011

0.038

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 77-78, 762, 1587

MW-6-110420

Uranium234

Uranium235

Uranium238

73.2

2.62

61.8

0.010

0.011

0.050

pCi/l

pCi/l

pCi/l

Ref. 35, pp. 77, 763, 1587

MW-MD-110420 Uranium234

Uranium235

31.3

1.00

0.036

0.033

pCi/l

pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 76-77, 767, 1587

MW-MD-02-110420 Uranium234

Uranium235

29.1

1.06

0.185

0.091

pCi/l

pCi/l Ref. 35, pp. 76-77, 766, 1587

Notes:

1 Reporting Limit is the MDC which is the net concentration that has a specified chance of being detected (Ref. 39, p. 3). 2 pCi/l - picocurie per liter 3

 Radiological data were validated by a START-3 Certified Health Physicist with 30 years of radiation characterization experience. 

Data for target analytes meet the definitive data quality objective (Ref. 35, p. 1587; Ref. 36, p. 5).

The ground water and surface water samples both contain the same contaminants, further bolstering 

the interaction between the pathways. Uranium234, uranium235, uranium238, and manganese were found 

at concentrations exceeding established background concentrations within ground water and surface 

water samples. If this analytical data were to be used to establish an observed release by chemical 

analysis, Level II concentrations of uranium234, uranium235, uranium238, and manganese would be

established in Rio Moquino and Rio Paguate to a distance of 27,800 feet from samples RM-JM-SW 

and RP-JM-SW1 to the Paguate Reservoir (as defined by Level II surface water sample location PRSW-01) (refer to Section 4.0 and Figure A-3A). 

 

1 Sampling location RP-JM-SW is in Rio Paguate, within the property, just upstream of its confluence with Rio Moquino 

and 8,600 feet east of the Jackpile-Paguate Mine boundary (Ref. 12). March 2010 EPA SI surface water sample RP-JM-SW 

collected at that location contained 0.14 mg/l manganese (reporting limit 0.01 mg/l) (Ref. 19, p. 21; Ref. 20, pp. 726, 777; 

Ref. 25, pp. 1 to 5). April 2011 EPA ESI surface water sample RP-JM-SW-110420 collected at that location contained 

28.476 pCi/l uranium234 (reporting limit 0.056 pCi/l), 1.071 pCi/l uranium235 (reporting limit 0.043 pCi/l), and 24.247 pCi/l 

uranium 238 (reporting limit 0.075 pCi/l) (Ref. 35, pp. 94-95, 746, 776, 1587). Each of these concentrations meets observed 

release criteria described in Section 4.1.2.1.1 above.
Soil Exposure Pathway – Not Scored

HRS Documentation Record 61 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

5.0 SOIL EXPOSURE PATHWAY SCORE - NOT SCORED

The soil exposure pathway will not be scored because it would not significantly affect the overall site 

score. Further, the site score exceeds 28.50 based only on the evaluation of the surface water pathway.
Air Pathway – Not Scored

HRS Documentation Record 62 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

6.0 AIR MIGRATION PATHWAY SCORE - NOT SCORED

The air migration pathway will not be scored because it would not significantly affect the overall site 

score. Further, the site score exceeds 28.50 based only on the evaluation of the surface water pathway.
HRS Documentation Record

December 2013

63 Jackpile-Paguate Uranium Mine

NMN000607033

Attachment A
FIGURE A-1

SITE LOCATION MAP

JACKPILE-PAGUATE URANIUM MINE

SR 279 Laguna Pueblo

Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico

USEPA REGION 6

START - 3

DATE

MAY 2010

PROJECT NO SCALE

20406.012.019.0514.01 AS SHOWN

File: \\fsdtx03\IT\GIS_Projects\brownm\Jackpile\HRS\Figure A-1, 23-June 2011, brownm

Source: Microsoft Virtual Earth Roads, 2009

CERCLIS: NMN000607033

SSID: A6T3

TDD: TO-0019-10-02-02

New Mexico

Site Location

LEGEND

 Approximate Mine Area

0 2 10 0

SCALE IN MILES

Approximate site area (which includes sources and zones of contamination) derived from 

NGS USA Topographic Maps of Jackpile Mine area

outlined at 1:60,000 scale 
Appproximate site area (which includes sources and zones of contamination) derived from NGS USA Topographic Maps of Jackpile Mine area outlined at 1:60,000 scale.

Approximate Source Locations derived from Refernces 28, 29 and 33.

File: C:\Program Files\fsdtx03\IT\TGIS_Projects\brownm\Jackpile\HRS\Figure A-2)101411.mxd, 14-October 2011, brownm

USEPA REGION 6

START-3

DATE PROJECT NO SCALE

OCT 2011 20406.012.019.0514.01 AS SHOWN

FIGURE A-2

SITE LAYOUT MAP

JACKPILE-PAGUATE URANIUM MINE

SR 279 Laguna Puablo

Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico

0 0.4

SCALE IN MILES

DISCLAIMER: THIS FIGURE IS PREPARED FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES

ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR, SURVEY

OR ENGINEERING PURPOSES.

TDD NO: TO-0019-10-02-02

CERCLA NO: NMN000607033

SSID: A6T3

SOURCE: Microsoft Virtual Earth Roads, 2009

South Paguate Pit

North Paguate Pit

Jackpile Pit

Waste Dump V

Rio

M

oq

uino

Rio Paguate

New Mexico

Rio

Pag

u

ate

LEGEND

 Approximate Mine Boundary

 

 River

 Waste Dump

 Open Pit

0.8
Appproximate site area (which includes sources and zones of contamination) derived from NGS USA Topographic Maps of Jackpile Mine area outlined at 1:60,000 scale.

Approximate Source Locations derived from Refernces 28, 29 and 33. Copyright: ' 2010 National Geographic Society

File: C:\Program Files\fsdtx03\IT\TGIS_Projects\brownm\Jackpile\HRS\Figure A-3_101411.mxd, 14-October 2011, brownm

"""

USEPA REGION 6

START-3

DATE PROJECT NO SCALE

OCT. 2013 20406.012.019.0514.01 AS SHOWN

FIGURE A-3

SURFACE WATER PATHWAY MAP

JACKPILE-PAGUATE URANIUM MINE

SR 279 Laguna Puablo

Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico

0 1.25

SCALE IN MILES

DISCLAIMER: THIS FIGURE IS PREPARED FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES

ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR, SURVEY

OR ENGINEERING PURPOSES.

TDD NO: TO-0019-10-02-02

CERCLA NO: NMN000607033

SSID: A6T3

SOURCE: NGS USA Topographic Maps

o

South Paguate Pit

North Paguate Pit Jackpile Pit

Waste Dump V

New Mexico

Rio

Pag

u

ate

LEGEND

 Approximate Mine Boundary

 

 River

 Probable Point of Entry (PPE)

 Level II Sample Locations

 Waste Dump

 Open Pit

 Overland Flow Direction

 

 Level II Documented Fishery

 Potential Documented Fishery

 Target Distance Limit (TDL)

 Surface Water Flow Direction

 

XY

PPE 3

Level II Documented Fishing Area

Potential Documented Fishing Area

XY

Ri o San Jos e

Paguate Reservoir

RM-JM-SW

RP-JM-SW-01

RP-SW-01

RP-SW-02

RP-SW-03

PR-SW-01

Mesita Dam

Paguate Lake

2.5
USEPA REGION 6

START-3

DATE PROJECT NO SCALE

FIGURE A-4

15-MILE TARGET DISTANCE LIMIT

JACKPILE-PAGUATE URANIUM MINE

SR 279 Laguna Pueblo

Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico

OCT. 2013 20406.012.001.0222.01

File: \\fsdtx03\IT\GIS_Projects\brownm\Jackpile\HRS\Figure A-4, 23-September-2011, brownm

Source: NGS USA Topographic Maps

CERCLIS: NMN000607033

SSID: A6T3

TDD: TO-0019-10-02-02 £ "

NEW MEXICO

NOT TO SCALE

XY

0 4 2.25 .5

SCALE IN MILES

Rio Moquino

Rio San Jose

Paguate Reservoir

Rio Paguate

LEGEND

 Approximate Mine Boundary

 Probable Point of Entry (PPE)

 Surface Water (SW) Pathway

 Target Distance Limit (TDL)

 Flow Direction

Approximate site area (which includes the sources and zones of contamination) derived from 

NGS USA Topographic Maps of Jackpile Mine area

outlined at 1:60,000 scale 

15 Mile Target Distance Limit from furthest downstream PPE

(PPE3)

PPE3

XY

Mesita Dam

JPOP41N

40

File: \\fsdtx03\IT\GIS_Projects\brownm\Jackpile\Figure 3-1, 8-March-2011, brownm

USEPA REGION 6

START-3

DATE PROJECT NO SCALE

JULY 2011 20406.012.019.0603.01 AS SHOWN

FIGURE A-5B

EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION

SAMPLE LOCATION MAP

JACKPILE-PAGUATE URANIUM MINE ESI

SR 279 Laguna Pueblo

Paguate, Cibola County, New Mexico

0 1

SCALE IN MILES

DISCLAIMER: THIS FIGURE IS PREPARED FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES

ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED, AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR, SURVEY

OR ENGINEERING PURPOSES.

LEGEND

 Approximate Mine Boundary

 Surface Water (SW) Pathway

 SW and Sediment Sample 

 Location

 Monitoring Well Sample Location

 SW and Sediment 

 Background Sample Location

 Monitoring Well Background 

 Sample Location

 Sample Name

NEW MEXICO

Source: NGS USA Topographic Maps

CERCLIS: NMN000607033

SSID: A6T3

TDD: TO-0019-10-11-01

Paguate Reservoir

Rio Paguate

Rio San Jose

RP-SW-BG

MW-RM RM-SW-BG

MW-8

RM-JM-SW

RP-JM-SW

RP-JM-SW-01

RP-SW-01

RP-SW-02

RP-SW-03

PR-SW-01

RP

MW-MD

SPOP35

MW-1

NPOP20E

MW-6

MW-7

MW-2

MW-4

Approximate site area deriverd from NGS Topographic Maps of Jackpile Mine area outlined at 1:60,000 scale.

MD-SW

MW-3

2