Long-term effects resulting from the Aug. 5 inadvertent release of acidic heavy metals into the Animas River in southwestern Colorado were yet to be defined six days after the spill, and the entity responsible for the incident, the Environmental Protection Agency, had not fully assessed danger to humans.

The EPA said that over the next several days, it will determine when access to the Animas River will be restored for uses such as irrigation, fishing and drinking water.The Animas River Aug. 9, four days after 3 million gallons of sludge contaminated with arsenic, lead, copper and cadmium started moving downstream.

On Aug. 10 Governor of Colorado John Hickenlooper declared a State of Disaster Emergency, making available $500,000 from a state fund for response efforts to the spill, which occurred when an EPA team using heavy equipment entered the Gold King Mine, located north of Durango, intending to pump out contaminated water but instead releasing the contaminants into the Animas.

Initial estimates were that 1 million gallons had been released. That number was soon modified, and the EPA said 3 million gallons of sludge contaminated with arsenic, lead, copper and cadmium were moving downstream.

Early on the contaminants broke state water quality limits based on data issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Governor of New Mexico Susana Martinez also declared a State of Disaster Emergency. “I had the chance to see the spill with my own eyes. It is absolutely devastating, and I am heartbroken by this environmental catastrophe,” she said. “As I’ve said before, I am very concerned by EPA’s lack of communication and inability to provide accurate information. One day, the spill is 1 million gallons. The next, it’s 3 million.”

Martinez’ executive order declaring a state of emergency frees up an additional $750,000 in state funds in addition to the $500,000 in state emergency funds that NMED requested and received on Friday.

Farther west California is questioning what the situation bodes for its water supply.

In the meantime, persons living along the Animas in Colorado were requesting well tests.

The EPA response Aug. 10 included delivery of bottled water to the affected areas in Colorado and New Mexico, as well as Navajo Country, AZ, and said it would be testing for contamination as far away as Lake Powell. Sludge had reached Utah, reports said.
 
While no definitive answer had been given regarding potential health hazards, authorities had closed access to the Animas until at least Aug. 17, and the EPA was said to be developing a criteria to determine risk. The Produce News has contacted the EPA regarding any possible contamination of cropland, but as of press time no response has come in.