EPA to release water quality data for Animas, San Juan Rivers after mine spill

FARMINGTON, NM, Aug. 14, 2105 -- After releasing an estimated 3 million gallons of contaminated water from the Gold King Mine into the Animas River earlier last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is releasing additional water quality data from Friday, Aug. 7, to Saturday, Aug. 8, for the Animas and San Juan Rivers from the Northern Border of New Mexico to Navajo Nation.

To assess the impacts of the release at the Gold King Mine, water samples were collected from the Northern Border of New Mexico to Navajo Nation at numerous intervals beginning on Aug. 7, 2015. Samples were taken prior to the plume's arrival to establish a baseline for water quality comparisons. Each surface water sample was analyzed for 24 metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Surface water samples were collected on Aug. 7, at four locations prior to arrival of the plume along the Animas and San Juan Rivers in New Mexico. On Aug. 8, nine locations were sampled after arrival of the plume.

EPA has continued to take additional samples to document the change in the concentration of metals in the river. EPA has shared this data with state, local and tribal officials in New Mexico to assist them in their decisions regarding the ongoing use of water resources. These results are based on validated sampling data collected during the timeframe.

See also:

"EPA announces CWA settlement with one of the nation's largest coal companies"

"EPA announces settlement of CWA violations with Pan AM Railways"

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