NM Gov. Martinez declares state of emergency following gold mine waste spill

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez declared a state of emergency Monday to free up more state money to help communities surrounding the Animas River affected by an EPA-caused waste spill that happened Aug. 5 at a mining site near Silverton, Colorado. Gov. Martinez's order frees up $750,000 in additional state funds that will be used to test wells, study potential effects of the spill, support a multiagency response team in the area and fund further efforts. The agency, which has been in place for days, will also remain in northwest New Mexico indefinitely to help local residents, as per Monday's order. The governor has also told administration officials to be prepared to take legal action against the EPA, likely in a broader lawsuit with others affected by the Gold King Mine...more