New Mexico releases monitoring plan after Gold King Mine spill

Extensive soil and water sampling would be done along the Animas River in northwestern New Mexico and residents would be recruited to assess the level of heavy metals in their urine under a plan aimed at getting a better handle on the long-term effects of a mine spill that contaminated rivers in three Western states. New Mexico is developing a plan that will guide long-term monitoring activities in the wake of the Gold King Mine spill, which occurred near Silverton. A draft was released Tuesday, kicking off a 30-day comment period. Officials are urging tribes, local leaders, concerned residents and researchers to weigh in. State agencies working with scientists at some of New Mexico’s colleges and universities will be focusing on water quality, sediment and effects on agriculture, livestock and wildlife. Environment Secretary Ryan Flynn described it as an “important endeavor to protect New Mexicans and our unique environment.”...more