The Swamp Stomp
Volume 16, Issue 5
New Mexico announced on January 14 that it intends to sue the EPA over last year’s mine spill that contaminated the Animas and San Juan Rivers, reported the Washington Times. New Mexico will be the first state to sue the EPA over this event.
In August, an EPA cleanup crew tasked with draining the Gold King Mine in Colorado unleashed millions of gallons of contaminated water into the nearby rivers. The yellow plume of water made its way through rivers in Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, causing many farmers to close their taps and a temporary shutdown of drinking water supply.
New Mexico Environment Department cabinet secretary Ryan Flynn said the state heard about the spill not from the EPA, but from the Southern Ute Tribe. He claimed that the EPA has not cooperated with state and local agencies to manage the fallout from the spill.
“From the very beginning, the EPA failed to hold itself accountable in the same way that it would a private business,” he said.
According to ABC News, the EPA is well aware of New Mexico’s intent to sue. Spokeswoman Christie St. Clair said that the EPA is reviewing the state’s plans to sue.
“EPA is working closely with the states to develop a long-term monitoring plan to evaluate potential environmental impacts from the spill and will be meeting with representatives in early February,” St. Clair said. “EPA is also reimbursing state and local agencies for response-related costs associated with the spill.”
In addition to the EPA, the state also plans to go after Colorado and the owners of the mines involved in the incident, according to ABC News. Flynn said that Colorado was less than cooperative when New Mexico asked for information on the spill’s effects on the Animas River watershed. According to Flynn, Colorado asked for about $20,000 for a public records request in response to New Mexico.
Larry Perino, a reclamation manager for Sunnyside Mine, has stated that its owners will “vigourously” defend themselves from legal action. He said that the mine was not involved in the spill and thus has no responsibility for its effects. However, Colorado-based San Juan Corp., who owns the Gold King Mine, claims the buildup of wastewater in Gold King is a direct result of a 1990s project in Sunnyside Mine, reported ABC News. Canada-based Kinross Corp., who owns Sunnyside, disputes these claims.
The Navajo nation said that it may too sue the EPA, although no formal has been filed, reported ABC News. Many of the nation’s farmers were forced to close their taps to a very important source of fresh water due to the spill, leading to concerns about economic as well as environmental effects.
Sources:
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/apnewsbreak-mexico-sue-epa-mine-spill-36293032
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/14/new-mexico-sue-epa-over-toxic-gold-king-mine-spill/