It’s been over two years since the designation of the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site above Silverton, CO, and questions remain as to the severity and extent of more than a century of hard-rock mining pollution in the upper Animas River Basin. In the coming years, federal and state entities will continue to study the impacts of historic mining at the site and will make important decisions regarding the long-term clean up of the Animas River’s headwaters.
As this Superfund process moves forward, it’s critical that our communities remain informed and engaged in the decisions that will impact the health of our beloved river. That’s why, in collaboration with our watershed partners, we’re developing an official Community Advisory Group for the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site.
A Community Advisory Group – or CAG – is an important tool for enhancing community involvement in the Superfund process. Once formed, the Bonita Peak CAG will create a citizen-driven, public forum for community discussion and will serve as a long-term nexus between our watershed communities and the agencies in charge of environmental investigations, cleanup activities, and overall environmental and human health goals.
We believe it is essential the CAG represent diverse interests and perspectives from throughout the entire Animas River watershed. We’d appreciate your help in spreading the word to find the best people to represent impacted communities. Applications for membership will be accepted through Dec. 22nd, 2018.
EPA leadership is unpredictable and wavering, making our involvement in the health of our river more important than ever. Check out the CAG webpage, sign up for updates, and keep yourself informed. The future of the Animas depends on citizens like you.
For questions about the Animas River or the Superfund process, please contact:
Marcel Gaztambide, marcel@sanjuancitizens.org, 970-259-3583 Ext. 6
