Thanks for asking. The yellow Animas was a result of monsoonal storms stirring up sediment in the upper watershed, which includes a combination of natural, metal laden soils and waste from legacy mine sites. There was a particularly large storm over the Cement Creek watershed, which caused a mud slide, and was the largest source of sediment causing this recent color change. For context, the Cement Creek drainage was the site of the Gold King Mine Spill in 2015. So to answer your question, it is not from another mine spill.
My name is Caitlyn Rogers and I’m a student research assistant working with Dr. Courtney Flint at Utah State University. We are currently engaged in a study regarding river and watershed related organizations and groups in the intermountain west. We would love to speak with someone within your organization about the Animas Riverkeeper and your work in the region.
I’d be hoping to set up a short 25-30 minute phone or Zoom interview to briefly discuss your goals, successes, challenges, collaborations, etc.
We would be super appreciative of any time you can share with us, especially considering the obstacles we all face in the world today. Let me know if you are willing to participate, and we can set up a time to chat. I look forward to hearing from you!
Is the present yellow animas river a result of another mine spill?
Hi Jack!
Thanks for asking. The yellow Animas was a result of monsoonal storms stirring up sediment in the upper watershed, which includes a combination of natural, metal laden soils and waste from legacy mine sites. There was a particularly large storm over the Cement Creek watershed, which caused a mud slide, and was the largest source of sediment causing this recent color change. For context, the Cement Creek drainage was the site of the Gold King Mine Spill in 2015. So to answer your question, it is not from another mine spill.
Hi there,
My name is Caitlyn Rogers and I’m a student research assistant working with Dr. Courtney Flint at Utah State University. We are currently engaged in a study regarding river and watershed related organizations and groups in the intermountain west. We would love to speak with someone within your organization about the Animas Riverkeeper and your work in the region.
I’d be hoping to set up a short 25-30 minute phone or Zoom interview to briefly discuss your goals, successes, challenges, collaborations, etc.
We would be super appreciative of any time you can share with us, especially considering the obstacles we all face in the world today. Let me know if you are willing to participate, and we can set up a time to chat. I look forward to hearing from you!
Caitlyn Rogers
Hi Caitlyn!
Do you happen to have an email we can contact you by? Thanks for your interest!