Post by Logan on Jun 28, 2016 21:32:26 GMT -6
FARMINGTON — While studies have shown that the Gold King Mine spill did not cause immediate damage to local fish populations, experts say more work is needed to determine the long-term impacts the heavy metals released during the disaster could have on aquatic life.
Speaking at the monthly Gold King Mine Spill Citizens’ Advisory Committee meeting tonight , Eric Frey with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, said a lack of baseline data and pre-event comparisons have limited the conclusions monitoring efforts can draw.
Frey said samples taken shortly after the Aug. 5 spill showed the presence of heavy metals, such as aluminum and arsenic, in fish tissue but at levels far below the standards for human consumption. Further tests conducted in March showed toxin levels continued to drop. Frey attributed this decline, however, to the fact that fish are often dormant in the winter and less likely to take up contaminants through feeding and other activities. He said additional tests will shed more light on the issue.
The mine spill occurred when a crew from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency working to clean up abandoned mining sites near Silverton Colo., accidentally triggered a blowout that released millions of gallons of wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers.
Read more: www.daily-times.com/story/news/local/four-corners/2016/06/27/experts-say-mine-spill-has-not-affected-fish/86435212/
Speaking at the monthly Gold King Mine Spill Citizens’ Advisory Committee meeting tonight , Eric Frey with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, said a lack of baseline data and pre-event comparisons have limited the conclusions monitoring efforts can draw.
Frey said samples taken shortly after the Aug. 5 spill showed the presence of heavy metals, such as aluminum and arsenic, in fish tissue but at levels far below the standards for human consumption. Further tests conducted in March showed toxin levels continued to drop. Frey attributed this decline, however, to the fact that fish are often dormant in the winter and less likely to take up contaminants through feeding and other activities. He said additional tests will shed more light on the issue.
The mine spill occurred when a crew from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency working to clean up abandoned mining sites near Silverton Colo., accidentally triggered a blowout that released millions of gallons of wastewater into the Animas and San Juan rivers.
Read more: www.daily-times.com/story/news/local/four-corners/2016/06/27/experts-say-mine-spill-has-not-affected-fish/86435212/