Gold King Mine Release Joint Information Center: August 2015

Friday, August 28, 2015

Final Post of the Gold King Mine Release Joint Information Center

This will be the final blog post for Gold King Mine Release Joint Information Center; however, incident information sharing and coordination will continue as necessary. Starting immediately, further information and updates related to the incident, including EPA claims program, will be handled by the EPA through their toll free hotline at (844) 607-9700. Local agencies will continue to inform the public of ongoing operations through our established media process. Local information can be accessed at:

Sunday, August 23, 2015

EPA has released Sediment Data for 8/13 and 8/14/15

EPA has released sediment data and has issued the following information:

The EPA surface water samples collected on August 16 and 17, 2015 from along the Animas River have been validated. EPA has done a review of the data which included a comparison to screening levels for exposure during recreational use to determine if the metal concentrations are consistent with pre-incident levels.

Based on the results of the surface water samples in the Animas River, surface water concentrations are trending toward pre-event conditions.

Click link below to read more from the EPA

http://www2.epa.gov/goldkingmine/gold-king-mine-data-august-23-2015

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Media Advisory - Gold King Mine Incident Media Site Visit Plan

******MEDIA ADVISORY****MEDIA ADVISORY***MEDIA ADVISORY***

DATE: August 22, 2015
CONTACT: (970) 812-3351

Gold King Mine Incident Media Site Visit Plan

DURANGO, CO – Due the demand for visits to the Gold King Mine release site, the Unified Colorado Command has announced the following rules for media site visit requests:

All requests for visitation must be submitted 48 hours prior, to the Joint Information Center (JIC) Media line (970) 812-3351, Monday through Friday. Access is provided for the sole purpose of capturing B-roll/footage.
If access to Gold King Mine is made available following construction work on the access road, ALL media/visitors must receive personal protective equipment (PPE), an in-person safety briefing and sign the ‘Gold King Mine Visitor’ sheet prior to work zone entry.
Use of a media pool is requested for access to the Gold King Mine for the purpose of capturing B-roll/footage, if the site is deemed accessible in the fall. No more than three representatives will be allowed; to be determined by media outlets. Names of media representatives shall be provided with credentials to Public Information Offer (PIO) at time of visit. Representatives should report no later than 10:45 am to the Silverton Courthouse, 1557 Green Street, to meet the PIO for tours on designated days.
If Gold King Mine becomes accessible, visit/tour times will be limited to two days (Tuesday/Thursday) during the week from 11 am to 1 pm. Tours of the Silverton Hundred Gold Mine are available for filming/photos of general mining operations. After contacting PIO to confirm tour, report to the Silverton Courthouse by 10:45 am.
Additional access via Hurricane Pass overlook is available without PPE or a safety briefing. To schedule, call the JIC Media line at (970) 812-3351.
Safety briefings are to be provided by designated Incident Management Team (IMT) Safety Officers, EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC), or United States Coast Guard (USCG) Strike Team contract oversight personnel only.
Based on location of visit, visitors are required to wear appropriate PPE at all times. (e.g., eye protection, hard hat, and closed toe shoes).
Site operations will take priority; be aware that visitations may be cancelled or postponed last minute due to operational constraints or weather conditions.

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EPA Releases Gold King Mine File Documents

EPA announced today that it is has made a number of Gold King Mine file documents available to the public. These include the EPA Task Order, the Action/Work Plan and Site Health and Safety Plan for the work at the Gold King Mine site: http://www2.epa.gov/goldkingmine/epa-posts-gold-king-mine-file-documents

The most recent water quality and sediment sample data can be found here: http://www2.epa.gov/goldkingmine/data-gold-king-mine-response

Friday, August 21, 2015

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Claims Processing

Links to Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Claims Processing FAQ sheet handed out at the 8/20/15 community meeting: http://bit.ly/1JqD1WA and Claim Process Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/1NrqZ1F

Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) FAQ

Link to Community Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) FAQ sheet handed out at the 8/20/15 community meeting: http://bit.ly/1fwDev6

Livestock/Feed FAQ

Link to Livestock/Feed FAQ sheet handed out at the 8/20/15 community meeting: http://bit.ly/1h1Qzg6

Animas River FAQ

Link to the Animas River FAQ sheet handed out at the 8/20/15 community meeting: http://bit.ly/1LnYtej

Animas River Recreational and Tourism FAQ

Link to Animas River Recreational and Tourism FAQ sheet handed out at the 8/20/15 community meeting: http://bit.ly/1JxMBsr

Gardening/Agriculture FAQs

Link to Gardening/Agriculture FAQ sheet handed out at the 8/20/15 community meeting: http://bit.ly/1JmVoaz

Animas River's Changing Color FAQs

Link to FAQ sheet handed out at the 8/20/15 community meeting: http://bit.ly/1MDsrwh

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Increased Sediment in Cement Creek Due to Road Work

San Juan County has resumed construction on the damaged road that leads to Gold King Mine. The road work is causing an increase in sediment load in Cement Creek. This road sediment will not be hazardous but may cause a discoloration of the creek.

Free Testing of Private Drinking Water Wells Continues

DURANGO, CO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to test drinking water wells in the Animas and San Juan River watersheds through the EPA’s voluntary drinking water well testing program established for this incident.

EPA is continuing to test private drinking water wells under the voluntary testing program. EPA, State and County are studying the area to identify wells that may have a hydrologic connection with the Animas River. Residents may contact (970) 382-7592 to determine if wells need to be tested. Residents will be contacted if their well has been identified to need testing.

Sample results are provided directly to well owners.

EPA has completed testing of 105 private drinking water wells along the Animas River in Colorado. Of these, only seven samples exceeded drinking water standards. EPA is working directly with well owners to further investigate these wells. It is currently unknown if the exceedances were caused by the mine release.

Initial water well samples were collected from the well head, not at the tap (faucet/spigot) inside of homes. Wells that exceeded drinking water standards will undergo further investigation by flushing the well; resampling the well; and taking an additional tap water sample for analysis.

Local soil and bedrock conditions can cause drinking water wells to exceed water quality standards for compounds like manganese and iron. The owners of wells where these drinking water standards have been exceeded are being notified by the EPA and advised of these exceedances. They do not pose a health threat. Therefore, additional well sampling is not being conducted at those wells.

TONIGHT - Gold King Mine Public Meeting

The Durango Herald will video tonight's Gold King Mine Public Meeting and will post a link on their website. A link to the video will also be posted on this site.

Durango, CO - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), San Juan Basin Health Department, La Plata County, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and other agencies responding to the impacts of the Gold King Mine incident in La Plata County will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Miller Middle School, 2608 Junction Street, Durango. A Spanish interpreter will be present.

There will be an overview of the incident given in the auditorium and then the public will have the opportunity to go to break-out tables to speak with experts available on topics including the following:

Recreation on the Animas, including rafting and fishing
Gardening and Agriculture
Environmental Monitoring
Economic Impacts

A Recovery Center is open in Durango on Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the east end of the La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 2500 Main Avenue, Durango Colorado. Staff from local, state and federal agencies will be available to answer questions regarding financial and/or technical assistance related to the Animas River - Gold King Mine release. If you believe that you have suffered an economic loss related to the event, or if you have questions related to water quality, crops or livestock, individuals will be on hand to offer information and/or assistance.

La Plata County has set up a Call Center for the public at 970-382-7592 and it is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Southern Ute Tribal members may call the Tribal Hotline at 970-563-5025. Public information can be found on the following sites:

Blog: goldkingminerelease.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/goldkingminerelease
Twitter: @GKMRelease
YouTube channel: Gold King Mine Release.

EPA website for the incident can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/goldkingmine.

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also has a webpage for the incident at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/animas-river-spill.

FAQ What Are the Health Risks of Exposure/Ingestion

Based on data collected so far, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry do not anticipate adverse health effects from exposure to the metals detected in the river water from skin contact or incidental (unintentional) ingestion. Similarly, they do not anticipate adverse effects to livestock that may have been exposed to metals detected in river water samples from ingestion or skin contact. We continue to evaluate water quality at locations impacted by the release.

Although the pH levels in the Animas River between Cement Creek and Durango have returned to baseline levels, washing with soap and water after contact with untreated river water is always sound public health practice. This will minimize exposure to any metals and pathogens that may be present.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

REMINDER-GOLD KING MINE PUBLIC MEETING

Durango, CO - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), San Juan Basin Health Department, La Plata County, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and other agencies responding to the impacts of the Gold King Mine incident in La Plata County will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Miller Middle School, 2608 Junction Street, Durango. There will be an overview of the incident given in the auditorium and then the public will have the opportunity to go to break-out tables to speak with experts available on topics including the following:

Recreation on the Animas, including rafting and fishing
Gardening and Agriculture
Environmental Monitoring
Economic Impacts

Map of Data-Gold King Mine Response

Open this link, click on the individual "balloon" to get specific information for that location.

FAQ EPA Water Quality Data

"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working around the clock to collect and analyze water quality information in order to develop a comprehensive picture of water quality at various locations over time. This is a massive task and it is critical to make sure we are doing all we can to develop the sound science that will support recommendations and decisions that protect the public.

This is a time consuming process. The EPA is looking to develop and evaluate a full picture of the release event and water quality conditions before, during and following the movement of the plume downstream. The EPA is sampling water at several locations in the Animas and San Juan Rivers for a suite of metals and contaminants. The lab work and quality assurance process for generating this data is extensive and designed to make sure we can have confidence in our results. This effort is generating thousands of data points which must be analyzed by our scientists, placed in context of other data collected, assessed for trends and compared to risk screening levels that EPA uses to make sure public health is protected."

Durango Celebrates with a River Parade

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Gold King Mine Release Unified Command News: Road Construction/Repairs May Cause Cement Creek to be Discolored

News Release - Road Construction/Repairs May Cause Cement Creek to be Discolored:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0YLxlWzJlCfUHJHejFWTXdTT0ZjVWtZcE04b0lHSldHTm5v/view?usp=sharing

FAQ - What Work Is Happening at the Mine Site Right Now

As water exits the mine, caustic is added to increase the pH, as the water then flows into a system of four treatment ponds flocculent is added. The treatment ponds provide retention time to allow the pH adjustment to settle the metals to the bottom of the retention ponds. One additional retention pond is being added to the treatment system to maintain efficiency as the crews are managing the sludge that has settled out to date.

This additional pond will allow the treatment system to maintain efficiency as the crews are managing the existing ponds. A commercial water treatment system will be implemented on site as part of short-term actions for water treatment. Planning is in place for a treatment solution that includes piping discharge to a lower mine site with a better location for water treatment to continue into the fall. Longer-term treatment needs and options are being evaluated.

Public Meeting on the Animas River/Gold King Mine Incident

Recreation on the Animas, including rafting and fishing
Gardening and Agriculture
Environmental Monitoring
Economic Impacts

Local Recovery Center Open

The local Recovery Center will be open Tuesday, Aug. 18 and Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 10am - 4pm in the east end of the La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, Main Ave., Durango Colorado.

For additional information, please contact the Call Center at 970-382-7592 or email susan.hakanson@co.laplata.co.us.

Staff from local, state and federal agencies are available to answer questions regarding financial and/or technical asssistance related to the Animas River - Gold King Mine release. If you believe that you have suffered an economic loss related to the event, or if you have questions related to water quality, crops or livestock, individuals are on hand to offer information and/or asssistance.

Services will be directed toward La Plata County businesses, employees and landowners who have been affected by the Gold King Mine release.

Services/Resources will include:

Environmental Protection Agency-Assistance with Form 95 Claims for Damage for questions concerning loss of income or business.
Environmental Protection Agency/Colorado Department of Health and Environment - for questionss concerning water quality issues.
Small Business Development Center/Region 9 Economic Development District/La Plata County Economic Development Alliance / Chamber of Commerce - for questions and resources regarding impacts on business.
Colorado State University Extension Service for information concerning agricultural and ditch issues.
La Plata County Department of Human Services for information about local social and financial supports
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment/Unemployment Benefits
Southwest Workforce for information on how to apply for unemployment benefits and job-seeking.
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FAQ What About Wildlife and Fish

The assessment of impacts to wildlife and fish populations in both the Animas and San Juan Rivers is ongoing but promising. The Environmental Protection Agency is working with the State of Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife, the New Mexico Department of Game Fish, the Navajo Nation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate reports of impacts to wildlife.

There were no fish kills along the Animas River during the plume event. Biologists walked and paddled the river looking for dead fish. There was also no evidence of scavenging by birds or mammals.

After being removed from the river the fish were frozen and taken to Denver, where they'll be tested for toxicity by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Scientists will be looking for deposits of metals in tissue and organs. Those results will not be known for at least two weeks.

There have been no reported effects on terrestrial animals - ducks, mammals, etc. Ducks have been seen back on the river since Monday, Aug. 10.

Monday, August 17, 2015

FAQ How Do You Know What the Long Term Effects Will Be?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is collecting samples and assessing water quality for the Animas and San Juan Rivers daily. The La Plata County Sheriff lifted the recreation use ban on the Animas River on Friday, Aug. 14. The water quality data the EPA has analyzed thus far continues to be encouraging and points to minimal short-term risks associated with the plume and a return to pre-event baseline conditions in the Animas River in Colorado. In the San Juan River, data indicate the plume dissipated as it traveled downstream, and samples show a smaller rise in acidity and metal levels in the river compared to those in the Animas River. Further downstream, data suggest slight impacts as the plume dissipated and no leading edge was visible. While the EPA is taking samples in Lake Powell near the San Juan River inflow, they expect no adverse impacts to the Lake or other locations downstream from the lake.

Phone Number Change for Public Call Center

Due to a change in location of the Public Information Call Center, the phone number for the Call Center has changed. Effective today at 4:30 p.m. the new phone number is 970-382-7592. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

FAQ Scientific Perspective on Contaminants Found

Data is posted at http://www2.epa.gov/goldkingmine as they become available.

FAQ - Can I Open My Ditch and Begin Irrigating?

From the infomation the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has received, farmers can irrigate their crops from the Animas River. CDA does not have regulatory authority over the ditches but are comfortable with irrigation beginning since reports show the water quality levels are comparable to those prior to the spill.

River Parade Planned for Tuesday, August 18

River parade planned

Get Well Gathering at Rotary Park

On Sunday, August 16, 2015, Fort Lewis Associate Professor of Sociology Becky Clausen put on an get well gathering event for the Animas River. You can watch a short video about the event here. http://youtu.be/url7G9y8AsI.

Claims Process and Standard Form 95 for Damage, Injury or Death as a Result of Gold King Mine Release

People who suffer personal injury or property damage from U.S. government actions may make a claim for compensation.

Link to the EPA article

Sunday, August 16, 2015

FAQ - What happens if my well is contaminated?

Upon request, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), EPA, and San Juan Basin Health are conducting sampling of household water from wells that are in close proximity to the Animas River that may be influenced by river water. If you have a well used for household water and would like a sample collected, please call the La Plata County Call Center at (970) 385-8700. Residents should not take their own samples; technicians will be sent to sample the water from homes. If discoloration is observed in well water or residents are highly concerned, the EPA will provide drinking water.

FAQ - Will there be an impact to animals?

The Colorado Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian's Office is confident that water from the Animas River can be used to water livestock. “The information we have received shows that water quality levels are comparable to those prior to the spill,” said Dr. Carl Heckendorf, State Veterinarian for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates if it becomes necessary.”

There were no fish kills along the Animas River during the plume event. Biologists walked and paddled the river looking for dead fish. There was also no evidence of scavenging by birds or other mammals.

No effects were seen on terrestrial animals – ducks, mammals, etc. Ducks have been seen back on the river since Monday, Aug. 10.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists placed fingerling rainbow trout in the Animas River in Durango the afternoon of Aug. 6 before the mine-spill plume reached the city. Fingerlings were used because they are most sensitive to environmental changes. A total of 108 fish were placed at three separate locations in cages. Only 1 fish died, but not due to water quality. The fish remained healthy throughout the event and afterwards. They were removed from the river on Aug. 11.

After being removed from the river the fish were frozen and taken to Denver, where they’ll be tested for toxicity by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Scientists will be looking for deposits of metals in tissue and organs. Those results will not be known for at least two weeks.

During the week of Aug. 24, CPW biologists will electro-fish the Animas River in Durango to check on populations of wild fish – sculpin, suckers, rainbow trout and brown trout. Some of those fish will also be sent to Denver for testing.

The Animas River has been affected by acid-mine run-off for decades and that has been detrimental to fish populations for many years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has seen a noticeable decline in the number of trout in the river for the last 10 years. There are very few fish found from Silverton to Baker’s Bridge. The bridge is located about 10 miles north of Durango.

While this information is encouraging in terms of short-term impacts to fish, we will be evaluating long-term impacts associated with exposure to the plume and the impacts of deposited sediments over time. EPA will be working with the States of Colorado, New Mexico and the Navajo Nation to evaluate these and other ecological impacts as we move forward.

Animas River

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