# EPA Lists Site: Jackpile-Paguate Mine Concerns

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/epa-lists-site-jackpile-paguate-mine-concerns/
- Published: 2014-01-06T12:39:16-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## EPA Lists Cibola County Mine Site to Superfund National Priorities

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added the Jackpile-Paguate Uranium
Mine in Cibola County, [New Mexico](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/states-develop-new-strategies-to-reduce-nutrient-levels-in-mississippi-river-gulf-of-mexico/),
to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). This designation helps ensure federal
resources will go toward assessing and cleaning up the contamination at the site.

Located on the Laguna Pueblo, the abandoned mine has long been a concern for the
community. The listing allows the EPA to investigate, plan, and carry out long-term
cleanup while working closely with local residents, tribal leaders, and other agencies.

### History of Contamination

The Jackpile-Paguate mine produced uranium for decades, starting in the 1950s and
continuing until operations stopped in 1982. As a result, large areas of disturbed
land remain contaminated with radioactive materials and heavy metals. These pollutants
pose risks to soil, water, and air quality.

![Epa lists abandoned site uranium mine in cibola county new mexico with eroded 
barren landscape barbed wire fence and a warning sign reading hazardous area  keep
out](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/FAAFC2F5-34A6-
49C5-8073-DD8F2C8B32D4.png?resize=780%2C520&quality=50&ssl=1 "FAAFC2F5-34A6-49C5-
8073-DD8F2C8B32D4 - The Green Living Guy")

Jackpile Paguate Uranium Mine Now on the EPAs National Priorities List for Superfund
cleanup

Moreover, the mine’s proximity to the Rio Paguate and local communities raises concerns
about potential exposure. Erosion, wind-blown dust, and water runoff can spread 
contamination beyond the mine site, threatening human health and the environment.

### EPA Lists Site: Supporting the Laguna Pueblo Community

The EPA emphasizes working in partnership with the Pueblo of Laguna throughout the
cleanup process. Tribal leaders and residents have long advocated for federal action
to address the contamination and protect their land and people.

With the Superfund listing, the site becomes eligible for federal funding and resources
dedicated to assessing hazards, planning remediation, and reducing exposure. The
goal is to ensure a thorough, science-based cleanup that considers the community’s
input and priorities.

### The Importance of Superfund Designation

Being added to the National Priorities List is a critical step for contaminated 
sites like Jackpile-Paguate. The NPL is the EPA’s list of the most hazardous sites
in the country requiring long-term remediation. Sites on this list receive priority
for federal funding and attention.

This designation is especially important in rural and Indigenous American areas 
that may lack the resources to address contamination alone. By securing a place 
on the list, the EPA commits to protecting human health and restoring affected environments
over the long term.

### Sources

 * [EPA Superfund Program](https://www.epa.gov/superfund)
 * [Pueblo of Laguna Official Website](https://www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov/)

**
 Nine hazardous waste sites added, eight proposed nationally
 (DALLAS – December
11, 2013)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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