This week, the Environmental Protection Agency accidentally dumped 1 million gallons of heavy metals from an inactive mine into the Cement Creek in Colorado. A tributary of the Animas River, the sludge, which turned the water an eerie orange color, could be seen snaking toward New Mexico on Wednesday.
The Denver Post reports EPA workers caused the spill while they were investigating acid discharge from Gold King and three other mines in the area. The paper also quotes Dave Ostrander, the EPA’s regional director of emergency preparedness assessment and response, as saying, “We are very sorry for what happened. This is a huge tragedy. It’s hard being on the other side of this. Typically we respond to emergencies; we don’t cause them. … It’s something we sincerely regret.”
According to the NY Times, “E.P.A. officialsconfirmed the leak contained heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, but said it was too early to know whether there was a health risk to humans or animals. The river was closed for recreational and other uses, but officials said water sources should be safe.”
Now this writer is no expert, but it’s difficult to imagine that wastewater in the river will not affect the river’s eco-system. Further questions arise as to how will this tragedy impact the plants, fish and wildlife that depend on the river to survive?
The EPA is evaluating the human health risk, but it is reported that at least two of the heavy metals in this spill can be “lethal for humans in long-term exposure. Arsenic at high levels can cause blindness, paralysis and cancer. Lead poisoning can create muscle and vision problems for adults, harm development in fetuses and lead to kidney disease, developmental problems and sometimes death in children”.
This is serious stuff. Residents along the river are being asked to “minimize water usage”. At least seven water utilities shut down their intake valves ahead of the plume to keep it out of their systems and farmers also closed the gates on their irrigation ditches to protect crops.
With news of toxic algae stretching from California to Alaska, fracking chemicals contaminating wells in Pennsylvania and now heavy metals dumped into the Animas in Colorado, just how safe are our water supplies?
Collecting rainwater for potable and non-potable use should carry the importance of what it is “a safe, reliable source of drinking water” that protects the health and welfare of its users. What is that worth? At what point do we consider rainwater collection to be too expensive? Only hire those that are qualified, not those who are the cheapest.
For Immediate Release
Ken Blair, President, ARCSA AP, IS
Chad Lindsly: Chad has been an energetic member of the RainBank team since September 2013, working as a consultant, designer, foreman and installer of residential and commercial rainwater systems. A mechanical engineer, Chad earned a degree from Michigan State University and has seven years’ project management with a focus on resource conservation – including water collection, reuse and treatment for residential and manufacturing processes.He also has four years’ previous experience in commercial and residential building and residential renovation. Chad’s strong pull toward sustainability is prevalent in his solid work ethic, which makes him a good fit for RainBank’s progressive outlook toward rainwater systems.
Tracy Bell: As a former co-owner of Clearview Mechanical Inc., Tracy brings his 30+ years’ experience in alternative energy and water systems, commercial and residential new construction & renovation, off-grid and semi-grid living, and problem solving skills to the RainBank team. A Seattle native, Tracy is a 30-year licensed Journeyman commercial plumber and pipefitter; a licensed commercial property and residential home inspector. Tracy is an avid organic gardener, enthusiastic fisherman, treasure hunter, reclaimed and sustainable materials artist; and he is an ardent social entrepreneur.
Sonia Schenker, Administrator