DURANGO, Colo. - The Bureau of Reclamation has increased its water releases from Navajo Dam, from 650 to 1,300 cubic feet per second (cfs), in response to the Gold King mine spill near Silverton, Colorado.
Increased releases may help dilute mine contaminates in the San Juan River and alleviate concerns for endangered species and wildlife, while helping with other river issues.
Releases from the dam will remain at 1,300 cfs through the weekend and will be reevaluated on Monday, August 10. The decision to increase releases to help decrease the effects of the Gold King mine spill on local rivers and wildlife was made in collaboration with the San Juan Recovery Implementation Program.
Reclamation's Western Colorado Area Office says at this time projects in the area have not been impacted, but staff will continue to observe and patrol area projects and will take action as needed.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
