His “show” also put out a message to the public that the water is safe to drink and recreate in. This remains to be seen and will require years of ongoing testing, as toxic levels will change with spring run off, heavy rains, etc.

As a Durango resident, I would like our governor to look at the root of the water-quality problem (which is toxicity caused by years of mining) and to address the toxic yellow sludge on the river bottom and banks.

To accomplish a complete cleanup, the area around Silverton and adjacent waterways must be declared a Superfund sight. Durango and its residents need government at all levels to help us accomplish this, not political theatrics and clown shows.

For the sake of public safety and health, I ask that the governor and government officials at all levels to stop misleading the public in the name of economic agendas. After all, public health trumps economics every day of the year.

Dennis O’Brien

Durango