Animas River Mine Sediment Pictures above Durango

Tonight around 7:30 the sediment plume made it to Durango, although somewhat dilute from what was witnessed upstream. Much of the sediment is falling out of the water as the river meanders through the valley north of town and the river turbulence quiets. It will likely take a couple of days for the main portion of this to pass Durango completely. Keep in mind that the impacts from this event will take a long time to clear up and we will likely see this sediment stirred up with the rise and fall of the river. Given the river flows at this time of year and the slow movement from north to south, operators have had lots of time to shut down drinking and agricultural water diversions along the Animas including city of Durango water. What happens next will be determined by the test results from the EPA tomorrow.

Until we have a clear picture of the hazard, stay on the side of caution and stay out of the river.

We have word that Cement Creek and the Animas near Silverton are clearing up a bit tonight.

Here are some pictures of the sediment flow near Baker's Bridge today.

This aerial is from KOB tv. See their video HERE

Note how much sediment settled after 12 minutes 

These are from this morning south of Baker's Bridge at the East Animas Canal Diversion

TM

Animas River is Closed until Further Notice

Effective Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 3:00 p.m., La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith issued an order pursuant to CRS 33-13-111 and 112, closing the Animas River to all watercraft including canoes, kayaks, tubes, rafts and other flotation devices from the north County line (San Juan County, Colorado) to the south County line (at the Colorado/New Mexico State line) until further notice.  Furthermore, all such watercraft must be removed from the Animas River within the locations cited above.  

 

“This decision was made in the interest of public health after consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, San Juan Basin Health Department and representatives of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe,” advised Sheriff Sean Smith.  “This Order shall remain in effect until it is determined that the river is safe.  EPA test results of the Animas River are expected within 24-48 hours, and the Order will be re-evaluated at that time.”  

 

The City of Durango and La Plata County Sheriff’s Office are posting notices along the Animas River to notify citizens.   

 

A Call Center has been set up for the public at 970-385-8700.  As additional information is received, it will be posted to the La Plata County website at http://www.co.laplata.co.us/emergency, San Juan Basin Health Department’s Website at www.sjbhd.org, La Plata County Government Facebook and San Juan Basin Health Department Facebook.

Closure Posters 

Closure Order 

Gold King Mine release of water will affect Durango this afternoon

Yesterday, the EPA and State Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety team working to investigate and address contamination at the Gold King Mine in San Juan County, Colo. unexpectedly triggered a large release of mine waste water into the upper portions of Cement Creek.  Initial estimates are that the release contained approximately 1 million gallons of water that was held behind unconsolidated debris near an abandoned mine portal.  There were several workers at the site at the time of the breach, all were unharmed.  

 

The EPA recommends that recreational users of the Animas River avoid contact with or use of the river until the pulse of mine water passes.

 

The acidic mine water associated with the release contains high levels of sediment and metals.  EPA teams are conducting sampling and visual observations today and will be monitoring river conditions over the next several days.  The water associated with the release is obvious and highly discolored. 

 

This mine waste water was sighted at Baker’s Bridge (north of Durango) early this morning.  It is estimated that it will arrive within the city limits of Durango by approximately 3:00 p.m.

 

La Plata County Office of Emergency Management, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, San Juan Basin Health Department and City of Durango have been monitoring the issue since yesterday.  Local officials will be working to notify recreational users to avoid contact with the river until further notice.  All agricultural water users have been notified to shut off water intake.  It is recommended that pet owners keep their dogs and livestock out of the Animas River until further testing can be done to determine the content of the waste water.

 

Joe Lewendowski, Public Information Officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife in Durango said, “Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists are monitoring the impacts to the fish and other wildlife in the Animas River.” 

 

A Call Center has been set up for the public at 970-385-8700.  As additional information is received, it will be posted to the La Plata County website at http://www.co.laplata.co.us/emergency, San Juan Basin Health Department’s Website at www.sjbhd.org, La Plata County Government Facebook and San Juan Basin Health Department Facebook.