Uranium mill seeks looser groundwater rules in New Mexico
Published Date: 9/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The Homestake Mining Company wants to change how it protects groundwater at its old uranium mill near Grants, New Mexico. They’re asking the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to approve new safety limits and update some license rules. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until November 24, 2026, to request a hearing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Groundwater rules changed to Alternate Concentration Limits
Homestake Mining Company asked the NRC to replace its Groundwater Corrective Action Program at the Grants Reclamation Project (License No. SUA-1471, Docket No. 040-08903) with Alternate Concentration Limits (ACLs) and to revise license conditions 15, 28, 35, 36, and 42. HMC states further groundwater restoration is not technically feasible and proposes ACLs plus restrictions on access and use of groundwater to ensure protectiveness of human health, safety, and the environment at the points of exposure. The site is located 5.5 miles northeast of Milan, New Mexico.
Public may request hearing by November 24, 2026
Any person whose interest may be affected may file a request for a hearing and petition to intervene regarding this license amendment; petitions must be filed no later than November 24, 2026 (60 days from publication). States, local governments, and Federally recognized Indian Tribes may petition to be parties under 10 CFR 2.309(h) or participate as non-parties under 10 CFR 2.315(c).
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