An exploratory drilling project in the La Plata Mountains by Metallic Minerals raises the possibility of a 21st-century mining operation in La Plata County ‒ and an opportunity to measure potential impacts concurrently.
It marks a shift in a region where the understanding of historic mining and the effects on ecosystems and watersheds has come decades later.
The Mountain Studies Institute is conducting a water-quality monitoring study of water sources in and around the La Platas. At the start of this year, the institute released initial baseline data collected from the East Mancos and La Plata rivers for future comparison as exploration continues.
“Historically speaking, there wasn’t this before and after, and definitely not studies happening simultaneously with mining,” said Jewell Coleman, MSI’s community science program director. “So I think this is a really good step in the right direction for us to be able to have pre-data … and be able to tell a story over time.”
The January report shows naturally elevated metal concentrations – expected results because the mineral-rich La Platas naturally leach into surrounding waterways.
The effort also represents a way to involve and inform the community about local natural resources, Coleman said.
It’s been designed as a true community science project, she said. Local volunteers, many of whom are not professional scientists, are trained by MSI staff in rigorous water-sampling methods and then collect samples from rivers like the East Mancos, La Plata and Bedrock Creek.
“It’s kind of like a group inquiry. Everybody wants to have their own part in it and help figure out what this means for the water,” Coleman said.
This way, she added, residents are not just observing the research – they are helping to generate data that will guide future decisions about their local watersheds.
“We want anyone and everyone who’s interested in this project to be a part of it,” Coleman said.
The project will continue for the duration of the exploration, with trained residents collecting samples. If water quality declines or significant changes occur, policymakers will decide what to do about it.
MSI describes itself as a nonadvocacy organization whose goal is to provide accurate, scientifically rigorous data to help inform decisions.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the project can email jewell@mountainstudies.org.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
