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Discoloration in Cement Creek, Animas no cause for alarm

Spring runoff kicks up sediment

Cement Creek and the upper Animas River are showing signs of discoloration reminiscent of last year’s Gold King Mine spill, but health officials say there’s nothing to worry about – it’s just a result of spring runoff.

Health officials are monitoring water quality at multiple locations in Cement Creek and the Animas River to see if the high flows kick up metals that may have been deposited from the mining accident. But as of Friday, there was no environmental or public health concern associated with the runoff, the San Juan Basin Health Department said in a news release.

The discoloration is a result of spring runoff that swells waterways, kicks up sediment and collects loose dirt along the banks. Warm weather is accelerating snowmelt, which has increased discoloration, health officials said.

Cement Creek is the tributary that carried an estimated 3 million gallons of mustard-colored mine wastewater into the Upper Animas River on Aug. 5, 2015, as a result of the Gold King Mine spill.

Exposure to both water and sediment is not expected to harm human health during typical recreation exposure. The Health Department offered these tips for river users:

It is good public health practice to wash with soap and water after exposure to untreated river water or sediment.As a precaution, it is recommended that river users avoid extended contact with visibly discolored sediment or river water.Because children sometimes ingest water and soil when playing in or around the river, they should be supervised closely to limit exposure to untreated water or sediment.When using any river or stream as a water source, be sure to properly treat water before consumption.Rinsing fishing and boating equipment after each use is a good practice.Residents can receive emergency notifications if conditions change by visiting www.co.laplata.co.us/emergency.

shane@durangoherald.com

May 17, 2016
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