Please, stop shooting the messenger over this horrible mine-waste spill. There is a long history here, and EPA was trying to do its job with its hands tied sociopolitically.
Twenty-five years ago, when Silverton was struggling to exist after the last mine closed, “Superfund site” was no welcome label. So a compromise was reached, doing the jobs piecemeal. I know this as I worked on these issues with Friends of the Animas River more than 20 years ago. Silverton’s history has always been the region’s problem, but we didn’t want to face it.
Ironically, Silverton is listed in EPA’s Superfund status anyway, with Leadville, Breckenridge, Creede, Aspen and Salida, among others. It is hardly a death-knell moniker.
EPA states: “Superfund sites in Region 8 provide an estimated 9,900 jobs and contribute an estimated $519 million in annual employment income for residents. Restored site properties in Region 8 generate $3 million in annual property tax revenues for local governments.”
Remember grandma said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Since Silverton’s history must be faced now, blame games won’t fix this current spill or the long-term challenges. Facing these issues and supporting EPA and others to do the job comprehensively this time will.
Nancy Jacques
Durango
