Green Sludge Plant in Uravan: Approved for EEOICPA DOL White Card benefits

The genesis of a mining town

The small town of Uravan, Colorado, played an unexpectedly significant role in the Manhattan Project by becoming a crucial cog in the machinery of uranium production.

Nestled in the arid landscapes of western Colorado, Uravan was originally known for its rich deposits of carnotite which is a mineral containing both radium and uranium. As the 20th century unfolded, demand for these elements surged. Radium, initially sought after for its luminescent properties, gave way to a heightened interest in uranium, a material destined to become central to atomic research.

A vision unfolds for the Manhattan Engineer District

As tensions escalated during World War II, the United States embarked on a clandestine project to harness nuclear energy for military purposes. The Manhattan Project required vast quantities of uranium, and the Manhattan Engineer District (MED), the organizational nerve center for this work turned to Uravan.

In the early 1940s, the Union Mines Development Corporation, a branch of the MED, ramped up operations in Uravan. This small town became a hive of activity, with workers mining and processing uranium ore, which would then be transported across the country to further processing sites. The Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation, which managed the operations, transformed this community into a bustling hub of nuclear productivity.

The journey of uranium from ore to power

Understanding the process of uranium production in Uravan is like piecing together a puzzle. Initially, miners extracted carnotite ore from the surrounding mesas. This ore was then processed in mills, where uranium was separated from other elements using a series of chemical reactions. The uranium concentrate, often referred to as yellowcake, was then packaged and shipped to other facilities for further refinement and enrichment.

While the technical aspects of uranium production are fascinating, it is crucial to recognize the human element interwoven with the operations. The workers of Uravan, many of whom relocated from various parts of the country, became an essential part of this historical narrative. Their daily lives were shaped by the demands and challenges of working in such a critical and secretive industry.

Legacy and reflections of uranium production

The impact of uranium production in Uravan is complex. On one hand, it contributed significantly to the success of the Manhattan Project, leading to the development of atomic weapons which played a decisive role in ending World War II. On the other hand, the environmental and health repercussions of extensive mining and milling have left lasting scars on the region.

Today, Uravan stands as a ghost town, a testament to its once-thriving past. The remnants of mining operations and the personal stories of those who lived and worked there serve as reminders of a complex chapter in history. The cleanup efforts, which began in the late 20th century, were meant to mitigate the environmental damage, but health hazards continue to echo.

Workers at the Green Sludge Plant in Uravan, Colorado faced significant adverse health effects due to prolonged exposure to radioactive materials. The plant subjected workers to hazardous conditions without adequate protective measures. As a result, many employees experienced severe health issues, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, and an increased risk of cancer. 

Approved for EEOICPA DOL White Card benefits

The Green Sludge Plant in Uravan is an approved facility for The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program or the EEOICPA DOL White Card Program. This designation applies only to the MED-owned plant located on the north side of the San Miguel River which was shut down in 1945.

As of March 2025, Green Sludge Plant workers have received over $2 million in EEOICPA settlements and medical bills paid.

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