Mapping Inactive Metal Mines Across the US

On August 5, the Animas River in southwestern Colorado was subjected to at least a 3,000,000 gallon discharge of acidic, metal-laden mine waste from the Gold King Mine when contractors for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accidentally breached a mine pool while investigating a leak from the inactive mine. 

Tens of thousands of these toxic sites lie scattered across the nation.

With all the attention on the problem of abandoned and inactive mines SkyTruth thought they would try to map some of these other mines that haven't made headlines (yet).

LINK

It could be worse

Five Western waterways worse than the orange Animas

LINK (via HCN)

If there's any good news to be gained from the toxic spill of mine wastes into the Animas River upstream of Durango, Colorado, it's that public attention has suddenly shifted to the health of rivers in the West.

LINK (via: HCN)

Colorado River Spill Update

Preliminary tests on the once-toxically orange Animas River in Colorado indicate little danger to fish or other wildlife, authorities said Monday, five days after a spill sent contaminated water seeping into the river.

LINK (via: NBC News)