EPA denies claims in Gold King Mine spill

Jan. 16, 2017
More than $1 billion in claims for losses related to toxic Colorado mine spill denied.

COLORADO, JANUARY 16, 2017 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has denied $1.2 billion in claims for economic losses stemming from a 2015 toxic wastewater spill at the Gold King Mine in southwest Colorado.

In a statement, the EPA said it was "not legally able to pay" damage claims filed by farmers, ranchers and others; as federal law grants immunity to government agencies should "discretionary" action taken by an employee cause significant damage to property.

Reuters reports that in August 2015, an EPA contractor hired to slow seepage of pollutants from the mine breached a tunnel wall, letting loose a gush of wastewater that had built up inside the mine.

Three million gallons of contaminated water, containing 900,000 pounds of heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury were then released into a creek that feeds the Animas River, the San Juan River in New Mexico and Lake Powell in Utah.

The EPA decision could be appealed to the federal court system within six months.

Read more here.

Sponsored Recommendations

WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track

Automated Fresh Water Treatment

March 15, 2024
SCADA, Automation and Control for Efficient and Compliant Operations

Digital Transformation Enables Smart Water

March 15, 2024
During this webinar we will discuss factors driving the transformation to digital water, water industry trends, followed by a summary of solutions (products & services) available...

Smart Water Solutions: Transforming the Water Universe

March 15, 2024
Water is our most valuable resource, and efficient and effective water and wastewater handling is crucial for municipalities. As industry experts, you face a number of challenges...