The images of a toxic-looking yellow river have stuck in the public’s mind, although the spill itself had a small environmental impact. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)
The images of a toxic-looking yellow river have stuck in the public’s mind, although the spill itself had a small environmental impact. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)cca

The state of New Mexico’s Office of Natural Resources Trustee approved 10 area projects to received $12 million in funds recovered from the EPA and EPA contractors in a settlement for their part in the 2015 Gold King Mine spill.

These projects were part of the second phase of funds awarded for restoration and improvements to area lands and watersheds negatively affected by the spill.

The EPA and its contractors were excavating the mine when on Aug. 5, 2015, pressurized water leaked from the mine tunnel and spilled into the Animas River above Silverton, Colorado. Three million gallons of water stored in the mine, flowed out carrying toxic minerals into the once-clean water.

The minerals flowed through Durango, south into San Juan County, where the Animas River turned orange from the minerals and debris. The polluted water also entered the San Juan River, where it meets the Animas on Navajo Nation land.

The final restoration projects selected in New Mexico include:

$480,000, city of Aztec, construction of North Main wastewater management infrastructure.$950,000, Aztec, rehabilitation of raw water Reservoir 1.$2,000,000, Farmington, construction of whitewater wave and irrigation diversion dam at Farmington Gateway Park.$65,575, Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, construction of Nenahnezad Chapter San Juan River boat ramp.$1,803,000, New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, San Juan River Water Lease Agreement Partnership.$205,226, New Mexico State Parks Division, construction of an aquatic invasive species station on San Juan River quality waters,$681,440, San Juan County, construction of San Juan River public boat ramps and park improvements.$2,300,000, San Juan County, construction of the San Juan County Extension Service office building.$1,000,000, San Juan County, construction of water and wastewater improvements for the Totah Subdivision.$1,616,600, San Juan Soil and Water Conservation District, construction of irrigation ditch diversion project.

“EPA takes responsibility for the Gold King Mine release and is committed to continue working hand-in-hand with the impacted local governments, states and tribes,” the agency stated in a news release on its website.