Gold King Mine Spill Udates

9/9/15 – The Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS) launches the Gold King Mine Spill Water and Sediment Sample Locations map as a single reference that catalogues the locations of all sampling efforts with links for data discovery and access.
8/27/15 – Arizona’s cooperating agencies agree Lake Powell and the downstream Colorado River are safe for all uses, including recreational and agricultural as well as a drinking water source for public water systems.
Test results from monitoring locations upstream of Lake Powell in Utah show that metals concentrations were generally consistent with background levels. Water quality, fish tissue and sediment tests are continuing in Lake Powell to assure that the lake water is safe for all uses.
To establish baseline water quality before any remnants of the spill reached Lake Powell, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality conducted water quality sampling on August 12, 2015. Test results of these samples are consistent with historic water quality data from Lee’s Ferry (downstream of Glen Canyon Dam). These results, along with ADEQ’s data analysis of water entering Lake Powell (San Juan River test data collected by Utah) are available for review:
  • Rationale for Lake Powell being Safe for Recreational Use (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division)
  • ADEQ Baseline Test Results from 08-12-15 Sampling (source: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division)

Scientists and specialists from several Arizona agencies have been and are continuing to monitor and assess data related to the mine spill. As part of the ongoing water quality monitoring and assessment work, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will collect and test fish tissue and water quality samples from the Arizona portion of Lake Powell this week.

As new test results become available, ADEQ will compare them with Arizona surface water quality standards and historical data to support water quality protection efforts and continue to share updates.  
CTA to Come >