Officials in southwest Colorado are asking for a federally funded cleanup of inactive mines, including the one that spewed millions of gallons of contamination into waters in three states.
The Gold King Mine spill became national news when it turned the Animas River orange in August. But, The Durango Herald reported hundreds of idle mines have been leeching wastewater into the river for years. Now, leaders in San Juan County, Colo., and the tiny town of Silverton, have voted to negotiate with state and federal agencies to set up what’s called a Superfund cleanup.
In the past, officials in the outdoorsy, tourism-supported community were wary of that designation, worried about stigma and red tape. But they say a tour of other Superfund sites this month changed their minds, showing them the process could be successful.
