New program at San Juan College helps uranium mine cleanup

New program at San Juan College helps uranium mine cleanup

There's a new program that will not only help clean up uranium mines in the Four Corners, but it will also help some people earn college credit.

FARMINGTON, N.M. – There’s a new program that will not only help clean up uranium mines in the Four Corners, but it will also help some people earn college credit. 

KOB 4 spoke with the vice president of Workforce Development at San Juan College about the program and how it will lead to jobs in the future. 

“This is a win-win we’re helping the economy we’re helping the jobseeker, employer, and then obviously we’re going to support and contributing to the better of the environment,” Lorenzo Reyes said, the vice president for Workforce and Economic Development at San Juan College.   

It’s the new “CREW” program at the School of Energy at San Juan College and anyone can sign up for it. 

“According to the data the uranium obviously contamination is causing some environmental damage to some of the areas and that could result in affecting our water source it could be resulting in some negative impact in the overall environment,” said Reyes. 

Reyes said the program will help in the uranium mine cleanup in the Four Corners. 

“Once they complete the program we’ll offer the opportunity for internship and apprenticeship programs,” said Reyes 

They’re offering something special for those who qualify. 

“We have one program that provides not only the tuition and cost of the program but also will provide a $2,000 stipend, but you have to meet certain eligibility in this, specifically those affected by the energy transition act,” said Reyes. 

According to research, cleaning and remediation of the mines could take anywhere from 10 to 15 years. 

“According to EPA there’s over 500 mines that need remediation so stable jobs will be available,” said Reyes. 

This is all possible through their partnership with the New Mexico Environmental Department and the newly rebranded America’s Job Center New Mexico. 

If you are interested, contact the San Juan College Center for Workforce (505)-566-3214 or email at cwd@sanjuancollege.edu or visit the website here.