A walk in New Mexico honors the 1979 Church Rock uranium spill, highlighting the ongoing cleanup efforts and dangers of uranium mining on tribal lands.
Noel Lyn Smith reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The 1979 Church Rock spill released more radioactive material than the Three Mile Island accident, affecting the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas.
- The Red Water Pond Road Community Association organizes annual walks to raise awareness and push for continued cleanup.
- Many Navajo families have relocated due to health issues linked to the spill and the lingering presence of radioactive contamination.
Key quote:
“A lot of this contamination that we have, that has been here for decades now, we would like to see it taken off the reservation and properly disposed of in long-term waste depositories.”
— Stephen B. Etsitty, executive director, Navajo Nation EPA
Why this matters:
Radioactive waste left at mining sites continues to seep into the soil and groundwater, posing severe health risks to the Navajo community. Many residents suffer from illnesses linked to radiation exposure, including cancer and kidney disease. The Navajo Nation struggles with high rates of respiratory problems and other chronic health issues directly tied to the contamination.
