Mineral Creek to be focus of extensive watershed study
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Facing extreme pressure in recent years, waterway near Silverton will be examined
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 5:03 AM
Mineral Creek to be focus of extensive watershed study Mineral Creek, a popular place for outdoor recreation, will be the focal point of a watershed assessment conducted by the U.S. Forest Service this summer. Courtesy of Ray Dileo
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The U.S. Forest Service this summer will launch an extensive study of the Mineral Creek watershed west of Silverton, an area that has been bombarded in recent years with campers and hikers headed up the Ice Lakes Trail.
Five environmental issues to watch in 2021
Durango, Colorado Currently Thu 50% chance of precipitation 73% chance of precipitation 5% chance of precipitation
Drought, overuse of public lands, mine cleanup top list in Southwest Colorado
Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 5:03 AM Updated: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 6:50 PM Kerry Guy, on-scene coordinator with the Environmental Protection Agency, stands inside the Red & Bonita Mine north of Silverton. The EPA closed the bulkhead at the mine to evaluate whether a permanent closure is a long-term option. 2020 marked the five-year anniversary of the Gold King Mine Spill, which released 3 million gallons of wastewater into the Animas River. It is expected the agency will start cleanup projects to improve water quality in 2021.