Gold King Mine Spill
On August 5, 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was conducting an investigation of the Gold King Mine near Silverton, Colorado. During excavation, a blowout occurred above the mine tunnel, releasing three million gallons of acidic water contaminated with heavy metals into the Animas River, which then flowed downstream into the San Juan River.
Federal officials, along with local and state officials in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and the Navajo Nation are assessing the effects of the spill in their jurisdictions.
Arizona is working closely with local agencies to analyze the potential impacts of the spill in Arizona. The state is also working closely with its neighboring states: Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, and exchanging date with the EPA.
Available test results and information indicate that the Gold King Mine spill has not affected Arizona’s surface, ground or drinking water.