What were the effects of the Gold King Mine spill?

The effects of the Gold King Mine spill on the Navajo Nation has included damage to their crops, home gardens, and cattle herds. The Navajo Nation ceased irrigating their crops from the San Juan River on August 7, 2015.

Is the Animas River still contaminated?

Despite the many Stakeholders Group successes, water quality in the Animas River in recent years has diminished, mainly from the mines leaching into one of the river’s tributaries, Cement Creek. In 2014, the EPA decided pollution had gotten so bad that it stepped in with a $1.5 million cleanup project of its own.

How did the Animas River get polluted?

They found that the Animas River was polluted with chemical and radioactive materials. Water, mud and algae samples taken two miles below the mill were 100 to 500 times more radioactive than the control samples taken above the mill.

Why did the Animas River turn bright orange?

The Environmental Protection Agency was trying to remove some heavily polluted wastewater from a mine near Silverton, Coloroado, when it accidentally spilled some into the nearby Animas River, causing it to turn orange. While doing this, toxic water started pouring into a tributary of the River.

Why was the Animas River yellow after the spill?

The Animas River between Silverton and Durango within 24 hours of the spill. The river turned yellow from the oxidation of dissolved iron in the escaped waste water.

When did Gold King waste water reach Lake Powell?

The heavy metals appeared to be settling to the bottom of the river. They are largely insoluble unless the entire river becomes very acidic. The waste was initially expected to reach Lake Powell by August 12; arriving on August 14, it was expected to pass through the lake within two weeks.

What was the response to the Gold King Mine spill?

The Navajo Nation Commission on Emergency Management issued a state of emergency declaration in response to the spill; it has suffered devastating effects. People living along the Animas and San Juan rivers were advised to have their water tested before using it for cooking, drinking, or bathing.

What was the outcome of the Silverton mine spill?

After the spill, the Silverton Board of Trustees and the San Juan County Commission approved a joint resolution seeking Superfund money.