Re: nuclear accident in New Mexico <fwd>

[DWMCCARN@aol.com]

As I recall, the New Churchrock Tailings Dam accident happened during the 
late spring or early summer of '79 during a heavy storm.  Failure of the 
tailings dam was attributed to a engineering error by a subcontractor who 
took responsibility for the dam.  Obviously, they went bankrupt.  The mine 
owner / operator was not held responsible and they received a very, very 
large court settlement when the US Government prematurely withdrew their 
operating license before the results of the investigation was completed.  The 
owner took the money and went into the aerospace industry. The site was the 
"New Churchrock Mine" to distinguish it from the "Old Churchrock Mine" 
several miles away.

Hope that helps!

D. McCarn

In a message dated 4/19/99 12:39:16 PM Mountain Daylight Time, brees@lanl.gov 
writes:

<< This MAY refer to the failure of the tailings containment dam at a uranium
 mill near Churchrock NM in the (70s or 80s - ?).  My understanding is that
 portions of the tailings pile flowed into the Rio Puerco, which does flow
 (using that term loosely- this is New Mexico!) through Sandoval County.  
 
 The Navajos were heavily involved, but I don't know where to find more info
 - sorry.  Hope this helps...
 
 Brian Rees
 brees@lanl.gov
 
 
 At 09:46 AM 4/19/99 -0500, you wrote:
 >good morning,
 >
 >can anyone elaborate?  all i know is what was sent to me.....
 >
 >thanks,
 >denny
 >
 > >>

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