Public Meeting Planned About Animas River After Mine Spill
DURANGO, Colo. (AP) — The San Juan Basin Health Department is holding a meeting in Durango to answer questions about the Animas River after 3 million gallons wastewater spilled from the Gold King Mine.
The meeting will be held Sunday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
Organizers describe it as an open house to celebrate the river and answer questions. State and local officials, business owners, recreation groups and others are expected.
The Environmental Protection Agency inadvertently triggered the spill on Aug. 5. A crew was attempting to drain wastewater pooling behind debris that blocked an entrance to the mine north of Silverton.
The EPA says river quality has returned to pre-spill levels but questions persist about toxic metals in sediment. Local, state and national officials say they're considering alternatives for a long-term cleanup.
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