Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement on a report released today by the Department of Interior on the Gold King Mine spill in southwest Colorado caused by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
“We look forward to reviewing the report in detail, but it’s clear that the EPA made unacceptable mistakes and did not have adequate procedures in place.
“The Gold King Mine spill caused significant damage to the environment and economy in southwest Colorado. It is our hope that recommendations in the report will lead to improved processes for remediating mines so this type of accident doesn’t happen again. It’s also critical we hold the EPA and individuals accountable for any gross mistakes or negligence.”
“In addition to reviewing the findings, we will continue to work on Good Samaritan legislation and hard rock mining reform to help clean up these mines and reduce the risk they pose to communities throughout Colorado. We will also continue to advocate for our bill to help businesses and affected individuals recover costs as well as for the construction of a permanent water treatment plant in the headwaters of the Animas River.”
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