17 Million Tons of Radioactive Mill Tailings Relocated from Utah’s Colorado River

The former Moab uranium mill left a sand-like, radioactive tailings pile adjacent to the Colorado River, raising concerns about wind, erosion and water contamination. Beginning in 2009, the Department of Energy used specially managed rail shipments to transport the waste to a purpose-built disposal cell near Crescent Junction, roughly 30 miles from the river. In September 2026 the Moab Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project reported that 17 million tons have been removed, dramatically reducing the immediate environmental threat.

The project still faces tasks such as developing a long-term groundwater compliance plan, removing contaminated soil beneath the original pile, and completing the disposal cell’s cover. Final site work will involve regrading, revegetation and ongoing monitoring to ensure the area remains stable for future generations.