The Herald got it right that Durango has long been concerned about pollution of the Animas River. But it was wrong when it said, “They were not overly concerned about the environment.”

When the pollution from mines and mills began to reach Durango in the winter of 1900, the people of Durango were outraged. In fact, in August 1902, after a tour of the mines and mills of the Silverton area, the Durango City Council instructed the city attorney to file a lawsuit to stop the pollution. The council was appalled that the mines and mill dumped their waste directly into the Animas River and its tributaries. (Durango Democrat, Aug. 6, 1902.)

The difference is that we now have the tools to compel clean p of our water, specifically the Clean Water Act and its accompanying laws and regulations.

A couple of contemporary quotes will illustrate:

“If you contemplate suicide don’t overlook the Animas as a means to the end. You don’t have to drown yourself in it. Just drink some of its water and you’ll get there.” (Durango Wage Earner 1902.)

“We are violently opposed to allowing the Animas River to be destroyed by mill tailings and polluting agencies ... and if there is a law to prevent pollution of the Animas, in God’s name let it be enforced.” (Durango Democrat, Nov. 2, 1902.)

“Only a few years ago and those who had occasion to cross the Animas river over the bridge separating North and South Durango will recall what a clear stream it was. One could stand on the bridge and gazing down into the pellucid waters watch the innumerable fishes on the bottom. Go now and see what a change has been wrought by the mills above. Sluggish and thick with impurities — no fish of decent habit can exist in it. The Wage Earner believes that the mills should be compelled to stop their pollution of the grand old Animas and that its waters should be restored to their original beauty and purity.” (Durango Wage Earner, Oct. 1903.)

Michael Black

Durango