The mining activity that for more than a century defined Silverton’s economy and community has, in recent decades, transitioned to become a challenge for the region. The combined impacts of geology and industry have left a legacy that has long compromised water quality in Mineral and Cement creeks and the Animas River, culminating with the Gold King Mine blowout in August. The 3 million gallons of metal-laden water that flowed through Silverton, Durango, Aztec, Farmington and ultimately, into Lake Powell, prompted a national conversation about how to address the problem meaningfully and completely. Last week’s consensus from Silverton and San Juan County to pursue a Superfund designation to treat the contaminated water that flows from the mines above the town is a significant step toward securing a long-needed remedy.
The Silverton community has resisted such a move for decades, fearing that the federal designation that ostensibly brings federal resources to address the costly contamination would negatively affect the town’s tourism economy. That concern is understandable, but the regional water quality impacts of the mine drainage have wrought long-term environmental consequences that demand a solution. The Gold King blowout, triggered by an Environmental Protection Agency crew, brought the issue into sharp focus – thanks to the vivid imagery of the Animas River stained orange. The color, though provocative, was less problematic than the arsenic, cadmium and lead that was suspended in the water. The episode was dramatic and has moved the long-simmering conversation about how to address mine drainage from one of discussion to one of action.
Silverton and San Juan County’s leadership on the issue was essential. The EPA is hesitant to issue Superfund designations where the local community is resistant. But the implications of mine drainage on downstream communities – as well as the fish and other wildlife that live in the rivers – require a significant investment at the headwaters. Superfund is the best mechanism for making that investment, with input from the local and state levels. By voting to pursue the designation, the town and county have deployed a network of resources that can facilitate the water treatment needed in the mine region above Silverton.
As Silverton Mayor Chris Tookey said after Monday’s vote to seek a Superfund designation, “We need to do what’s best for the town, the county, the environment and our downstream neighbors, and at this point, it appears (the National Priority List) will provide the most comprehensive cleanup in the shortest time frame.” That is a welcome recognition of the problem’s scope and impact, and the dual resolutions to facilitate solving it embody a momentous evolution.
The question now turns to how the town and county’s resolutions will translate into action from the EPA. Whether the agency assigns the Superfund designation, what remedy the label offers, and the level of funding available to implement the cleanup effort are yet to be determined. These issues must be addressed carefully – and expeditiously, in close consultation with local leaders. But in opening the conversation to include a major federal mine mitigation effort, Silverton and San Juan County have demonstrated the leadership needed to modify mining’s legacy for the better.
