U.S. Department of Energy removes 17 million tons of radioactive waste near Colorado River

The U.S. Department of Energy has reached a major milestone in one of the nation’s most extensive uranium cleanup projects, removing 17 million tons of radioactive waste and contaminated material from near the Colorado River.

The waste originated from a uranium processing facility that operated between 1956 and 1984 near Moab, Utah. Due to the proximity of the waste piles to the river, there was a significant risk of radioactive substances spreading into the environment and groundwater.

Since the cleanup operation began in 2009, the material has been loaded into specialized railcars and transported approximately 48 kilometers north to a secure storage site at Crescent Junction. While the primary waste piles have been cleared, work continues as crews focus on excavating contaminated soil from beneath and around the former site. The project is expected to continue through 2029.