Animas River Health Updates

Statement from Liane Jollon, San Juan Basin Health Executive Director

San Juan Basin Health cares about your health and we acknowledge our responsibility to protect you. We believe local, state, and federal agencies are united in a rigorous process to ensure your health and safety. This spring we will see remnants of the Gold King Mine spill, but we confidently believe our community’s future is healthy and cared for.

  • San Juan Basin Health does not anticipate spring runoff will pose any additional human health risks as compared to previous years.
  • If conditions change, emergency action plans are in place to protect community health and safety and to notify river users.
  • Many eyes are now on the issue of watershed health and we look forward to working with you on improving the state of our river and our community’s health.

Right now I have complete confidence in our community’s safety. Local public health is loyal only to getting it right for you. We continue to follow this issue very closely and through the recovery you will continue to hear from us. We cannot do this without you. Please let us know what you need and what your concerns are through email or phone.

Spring 2016

Animas River Spring Runoff  Read more…

Colorado’s Long-Term Monitoring Plan

Real-time monitoring of water quality is currently taking place at three local river gages as part of SJBH and Partners Announce Water Quality Monitoring Now Operational at River Gages

Sign up for the La Plata County Code Red
system to receive Tips for River Users:

  • It is always a good public health practice to wash with soap and water after exposure to untreated river water or sediment.
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that river users avoid extended contact with visibly discolored sediment or river water.
  • Because children sometimes ingest water and soil when playing in or around the river, they should be supervised closely to limit their exposure to untreated water or sediments.
  • When using any river or stream as water source be sure to properly treat water before consumption.
  • Rinsing fishing and boating equipment after each use is always a good practice.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.

BACKGROUND

On August 5th, 2015, while investigating the Gold King Mine in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, an Environmental Protection Agency team triggered a large release of mine wastewater into Cement Creek, a tributary of the Animas River. The release affected Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and three federally recognized Indian tribes. The immediate threat of the spill triggered emergency operations in all the affected jurisdictions, and extended analysis and monitoring of river conditions. While emergency operations are no longer in effect, San Juan Basin Health continues to assess the potential health risks posed by sediment deposited by the release which will re-enter flowing water this spring.

For the latest information and photos visit: http://www2.epa.gov/goldkingmine.

Data

Press Releases and .pdf”http://www.sjbhd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/PeakRunoffPSA5.25.16.pdf”>Animas River Peak Runoff 2016

  • SJBH and Partners Announce Water Quality Monitoring Now Operational at River Gages
  • Community Thank You for The Animas Watershed Event, April 7, 2016
  • Animas River Agriculture
  • National Groundwater Awareness Week, March 6-12, 2016
  • EPA Announces Gold King Mine Water Treatment System for Winter 2015-16
  • Gold King Mine Incident Communications .pdf”http://www.sjbhd.org/trout-from-the-animas-river-safe-to-eat-tests-show/” target=”_blank”>Trout from the Animas River safe to eat, tests show
  • Gold King Mine Incident Communications .pdf”http://www.sjbhd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/SJC-Road-Repair-Press-Release-v2.pdf”>Road Construction/Repairs May Cause Cement Creek to be Discolored
  • .pdf”http://www.sjbhd.org/la-plata-county-recovery-center/”>La Plata County Recovery Center
  • Animas River Health Advisory
  • Sheriff Smith Opens Recreation on the River in La Plata County
  • Gold King Mine QA 8 13 15
  • News Release: Turbid Water Expected Today
  • Statement: Irrigation ditches flushed, Turbid Water Expected Today
  • Health department: Water treatment facilities can begin using Animas River water
  • Irrigation Ditches to be Flushed
  • Contamination in Animas River continues to decrease
  • Drinking Water .pdf”http://www.sjbhd.org/august-10-.pdf” target=”_blank”>August 10 .pdf”http://www.sjbhd.org/public-meeting-and-opportunity-for-public-comment-on-the-animas-rivergold-king-mine-incident/”>Public Meeting and Opportunity for Public Comment on the Animas River/Gold King Mine Incident
  • Animas River May Experience another Surge of Discolored Water
  • Public Meeting Hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency on the Mine Waste Water Released into the Animas River
  • NEWS RELEASE: Temporary Closure of the Animas River
  • Mine Waste Water Released into Upper Portions of the Animas River

Please call the EPA call center at 844-607-9700 with spill-related questions.