No leak reported after uranium truck crash near Shonto

WINDOW ROCK

Navajo police and environmental officials say no hazardous material was released after a crash involving a uranium transport truck near Shonto, Arizona, but the incident drew immediate concern from President Buu Nygren and at least one Council delegate over whether the Nation should reconsider its dealings with Energy Fuels.

No hazardous material released

According to the Navajo Police Department, the crash happened about one-half mile east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 160 and Route 98 near Shonto.

Police said the incident involved a semitruck transporting uranium material from Tuba City to the White Mesa Mill in Blanding, Utah.

Two people in an SUV involved in the collision were injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities said the driver of the uranium transport truck was not injured.

Preliminary findings from the Kayenta Police District investigation determined the crash occurred when an SUV tried to pass another semitruck and struck the front passenger-side tire and bumper of the uranium transport vehicle.

Navajo police said the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency was immediately notified and coordinated with Pinyon Plain Mine safety managers to assess the scene and address public safety concerns.

Officials conducted inspections and testing on the roadway, surrounding ground area, transport truck and air levels above the scene to determine whether any hazardous material had been released.

Police said authorities confirmed there was no damage to the cargo container transporting the uranium material and that the secured load was never breached.

Martin Tyler, the technical and environmental manager with Pinyon Plain Mine, conducted inspections of the transport vehicle and collected samples to test for possible leakage, according to the department.

“After completing all inspections and safety assessments, officials confirmed there was no hazardous material leak associated with the crash,” the Navajo Police Department stated.

Authorities said a gamma radiation detector was used to measure radiation levels in and around the crash site.

“The inspection conducted was a spot check of the area that started from one-half mile of the initial incident to the crash site,” the department stated. “The ground level and above-ground level were measured. The measure showed no radiological release.”

Police said all required safety protocols were followed during the investigation.

The Kayenta Police District continues to conduct a preliminary crash investigation, and officials said the outcome remains pending.

“The Navajo Police Department would like to reassure the public that there is no threat to the community, and no hazardous materials were released as a result of this incident,” the department stated.

Safety concerns 

A post on Nygren’s official Facebook page stated that the crash remained unacceptable even if early reports showed the ore truck was not damaged.

“Uranium has harmed our people, our lands, and our water for generations, and many Navajo families continue to live with those impacts today,” the post stated. “That is why incidents like this create serious concern in our communities.”

The post stated that the Navajo Nation does not control transportation on Arizona state highways, but companies hauling material through Navajo communities have a responsibility to operate safely.

“I have been clear from the beginning, if I had authority over these state routes, this transport would not be taking place,” the post stated.

The post stated that the Office of the President and Vice President would call on federal partners and agencies involved to improve coordination, strengthen safety measures and provide answers to Navajo communities.

“The Navajo Nation will work with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to determine what occurred, proactively minimize the possibility of another similar event on the Navajo Nation, and ensure accountability for this unacceptable event,” the post stated.

Delegate Brenda Jesus said Wednesday night that the crash raised questions about whether the Navajo Nation should reconsider its contract with Energy Fuels.

“I did speak with (Navajo Nation EPA) director (Stephen) Etsitty and I did let him know that I do not know if the Navajo Nation has to reconsider the contract with Energy Fuels,” Jesus said, referring to the Shonto incident.

Council opposition continues 

The crash comes amid continued Navajo Nation opposition to uranium transportation through tribal lands, particularly shipments connected to the White Mesa Mill in Utah.

Legislation 0082-24, later approved as CAP-23-24, was sponsored by Delegate Casey Allen Johnson and co-sponsored by Speaker Crystalyne Curley.

According to the legislation, Navajo people, lands and water are to be safeguarded from the transport of uranium ore through Navajo Nation lands. The legislation also called on federal officials to work to halt uranium transportation through Navajo Nation lands.

The resolution was approved and last updated May 1, 2024.

Legislation 0198-24, approved as CAU-37-24, amended the Radioactive and Related Substances, Equipment, Vehicles, Persons and Materials Transportation Act of 2012.

The legislation was sponsored by Johnson and co-sponsored by Delegates Brenda Jesus and Danny Simpson.

According to the legislation title, the amendment was intended to protect Navajo Nation communities from the transportation of radioactive and related substances through tribal lands.

The resolution was approved and last updated Aug. 29, 2024.

Legislation 0001-25, approved as NABIJA-05-25, adopted the Navajo Nation’s 2025 State of Utah legislative priorities and authorized the president, speaker and their designees to advocate for those priorities with Utah lawmakers.

The legislation was sponsored by Delegate Shaandiin Parrish and co-sponsored by Delegate Curtis Yanito.

Jesus said the incident could bring constituent concerns back before Navajo leadership.

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