Hedden is one of those who cared. He has spent 17 years working to get the radioactive tailings pile removed. “This has been leaching into the Colorado River since the late 1950s and has created a real dead zone along the river. A big flood could conceivably wash the whole thing into the Colorado River,” he warned.  The Moab tailings pile adjacent to the Columbia River (Photo courtesy DOE)

Left over from the uranium-ore processing operations that were conducted by Uranium Reduction Company and later Atlas Minerals Corporation between 1956 and 1984, the tailings cover an area of 130 acres. They are being moved to keep chemicals from seeping into the Colorado River, which serves as a water source for more than 25 million people downstream, including Los Angeles residents.

The U.S. Energy Department has put $108 million of federal stimulus money towards the effort to clean up the millions of tons of uranium tailings.  Most of the waste will be transported in covered containers by rail. In addition, says the Energy Department, which now owns the Moab site, the ground water beneath the site will be addressed and the site will be reclaimed to a natural appearance.

The main potential health risks associated with the mill tailings are from decades-long exposure to low levels of gamma radiation and radon gas, a decay product of uranium, and process-related waste materials, according to the Energy Department.

“Citizens recreating near the site boundary, for example rafting on the Colorado River or mountain biking along Potash Road, need not be concerned about exposure to radon or gamma radiation,” the agency says.  “The campgrounds located near the Moab site are a safe distance from the tailings pile,” the agency says.  Recreational users of the Colorado River or Potash Road are far enough from the pile that radon and gamma radiation are at background levels at these locations, the DOE assures, saying risk of exposure can be minimized by moving through the area quickly.

Dust blowing from the site is minimally contaminated, according to the Energy Department, as it comes from an interim cover over the entire tailings pile of uncontaminated soil about a foot thick.

• 1-2 Bedrooms
• 1-2 Bathrooms
• 900-1600 Sq. Ft.
• Central Management
• Great downtown location

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Desert Wind offers three and four bedroom units. Each unit has three bathrooms. The standard finishes are unique to this project with Pella windows and patio doors, tile flooring and the highest attention to the quality of the details. Fine craftsmanship and a dedication to quality are the hallmarks of this exciting new project. This will be a premier investment property as nightly rentals are permitted. The common areas are fully landscaped with easy access to recreation galore.

• Nightly rental potential
• Pool
• Santa Fefireplaces
• decks
• upgraded appliances
• Plus 2-car garage
• 4 bedroom 3 bath; 1641 sq. ft.  Price: $280,000
• 3 bedroom 3 bath; 1490 sq. ft. Price: $250,000

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• Starting at $305,000
• 2300- 2599 Approx Sq. Ft.
• 2Car Garage Attached
• 4 Bedroom
• 2 Bathroom

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Brand new territorial style town home. Has interior ceiling height of 9 ft and 8ft. garage ceilings. Also has Alder cabinets, stained grade base and doors, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, space under staircase for storage or play area, stained concrete floors, and full walk-out balcony off master bedroom with panoramic views.

Southgate Village Town Homes are under construction. This unit offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, solar capabilities, an attached 2 car garage and 1821 sq. ft. of living space. Enjoy the views of the Moab Rim and La Sal Mountains from your secluded patio. Club house and swimming pool coming soon! Zoned for nightly rental. Unit will be fully landscaped. LUXURY TOWNHONE ZONED FOR NIGHTLY RENTAL WITH HIGH POTENTIAL.

• Starting at $299,900
• 1821 Sq. Ft.
• 3 Bedroom
• 3 Bath
• 2 Car garage
• .14 Acre Lot
• Community Clubhouse and Pool

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• Starting at $259,900
• 1400-1699 Sq. Ft.
• 3 Bedroom
• 2-3 Bathroom
• 2 Car Garage
• Zoned for Nightly Rentals

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