Gold King Mine spill

Local News

A look at the stories that defined 2025 in La Plata County

wildfires to torrential rains, local happenings to national politics: Here’s what defined community conversations

December 31, 2025

Local News

EPA activity releases sediment from Bonita Peak mine into Animas River tributary

Impacts were minimal, no adverse effects to water quality observed

August 14, 2025

Local News

Sen. Bennet chalks wins – and misses – for Southwest Colorado

senator has tackled public lands bills, television markets and FLC tuition waiver

April 11, 2025

Local News

Bill to clean up thousands of abandoned mines passes Congress

Samaritan law will empower states, nonprofits to tackle abandoned sites

December 12, 2024

Local News

Colorado senator’s bill could, finally, fulfill Gold King financial damage claims

Sen. Michael Bennet will introduce legislation to provide $3.3 million for lost business

September 25, 2024

Local News

Gold King Mine owner sells property to government, ending litigation

Hennis will receive $919,000 for property near Silverton

May 16, 2024

Local News

How will the state use Gold King Mine settlement funds?

A pot of $7.3 million is available to address damage to natural resources

May 11, 2024

Local News

Without abdicating authority, EPA responds to Butler criticism

quality expert left role in November citing lack of engagement by federal agency

February 23, 2024

Local News

Frustrated, Peter Butler leaves Superfund advisory group

‘We are not consulted’ wrote outgoing chairman

December 21, 2023

Local News

After 8 years, businesses’ Gold King claims denied

100 businesses and individuals applied for compensation for losses related to the spill

August 22, 2023

Local News

How did Silverton save a seat at the table?

small town sits adjacent to a Superfund site; it fought to have a voice

July 12, 2023

Local News

Silverton awarded $800,000 from EPA

will be used for environmental cleanup and revitalization

May 26, 2023

Local News

Colorado attorney general meets with stakeholders in Durango on Gold King Mine settlement spending

was to explore how best to leverage funds

May 18, 2023

Local News

Silverton mine waste repository construction to begin

site will provide a final resting place for sludge removed from drainage of mines

March 29, 2023

Local News

What was the social impact of Gold King?

Environmentally, the spill was negligible. But seeing a mustard-yellow river spurred action to clean up mines

January 8, 2023

Local News

Environmental Protection Agency assesses permanent mine waste repository

Mayflower Tailings Impoundment offers large capacity for sludge created by water treatment

October 5, 2022

Local News

Bulkheads caused the Gold King Mine spill. Could they also be part of the solution?

Remediation tool can limit acidic drainage, but experts must also understand the complicated hydrology

March 30, 2022

Local News

Gold King Mine owner sues over taking of private property after 2015 mine spill

Lawsuit seeks $3.8 million in compensation

August 6, 2021

Local News

What’s up with the yellow water in the Animas River?

change most likely caused by sediment in water from summer showers

July 22, 2021

Local News

Confluence of rivers, people drive career path for Barb Horn

Founder of River Watch of Colorado retires after 30 years

March 15, 2021

Southwest Life

EPA to drill into mine west of Silverton at risk of blowout

says it wants to prevent future unplanned releases

January 14, 2021

New Mexico

New Mexico reaches $11 million settlement with mining company over Gold King spill

says EPA now responsible for damages

January 13, 2021

Local News

Outgoing La Plata County commissioners reflect on past eight years

Wildfires, mine spill, pandemic – leaders navigated several crises in office

January 11, 2021

Local News

EPA orders access to water treatment plant north of Silverton

has been treating discharges out of Gold King Mine since 2015

January 10, 2021