Gold Mine Spill Contaminates Water in Colorado’s Animas River

On Aug. 5, an Environmental Protection Agency cleanup crew accidentally spilled three million gallons of toxic gold mine waste into Colorado’s Animas River, turning it orange and sparking a state of emergency in the local area. 

The EPA crews were investigating contamination at the Gold King Mine in San Juan County, Colo., which has been closed since 1923. They accidentally breached a barrier, causing decades-old mine waste to flood into the Animas River. News reports say the orange-colored sludge has traveled as far as Utah and New Mexico

An EPA sampling found elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and other possible poisons. The Animas River is not considered a source of drinkable water without treatment, though some local wells do source water from it. The river is also used for recreational activities, including whitewater rafting. The agency recommends that anyone who comes into contact with river water wash with soap and water. So far there have been no reports of harm to either humans or animals.

In declaring a state of emergency, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said, “We will work closely with the EPA to continue to measure water quality as it returns to normal but also to work together to assess other mines throughout the state to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

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JCK News Director

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