"We do need to recognize people are concerned now that we're going to stir up this pile. We need to keep everyone informed and educated," she said.

Huntsman stopped short of saying the DOE decision bode well for another waste issue pending before the federal government — a proposed temporary nuclear waste storage site in Tooele County, sought by the Goshute tribe. Huntsman opposes the project.

"Certainly, with respect to this particular issue, we were able to get their attention, and that speaks well of our ability to communicate on a host of other issues with the federal government," he said.

The Moab tailings pile is one of the last remnants of weapons production for the Cold War and the last of several hazardous tailings piles to be removed from lands in the region.

Bill Hedden, a longtime Moab resident and executive director of the Grand Canyon Trust, called it a "huge victory" made possible by the combined efforts of county officials, the governors and congressional delegations of downriver states and water users and fellow conservation groups.

"This positive outcome proves that by working together in a collaborative manner, we can solve the environmental problems confronting the region," Hedden said.

The Atlas tailings project could have a significant impact on the Grand County economy, and perhaps beyond. Envirocare of Utah announced Wednesday it will bid on the project, said company spokesman Mark Walker.

"We would love to bid on any portion of the project they'd like us to bid on," Walker said. "We feel we do a better job than any company in the country when it comes to safely and securely disposing of projects such as the Moab tailings."

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