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.
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