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The state of Colorado will receive $5 million from the Federal Government to clean up and restore damaged areas from mines in southwest Colorado, predominantly for the cleanup of the Gold King Mine spill. The Gold King Mine Spill released over 880,00 pounds of heavy metals into the Animas River after a cleanup crew led by EPA officials accidentally triggered the spill.
As a result of the Gold King Mine spill, the area has been classified as a Superfund Site. According to the chairman of Bonita Peak Mining District Community Advisory Group, Peter Butler, the $5 million doesn’t amount to much compared to the estimated cleanup costs, but it’s a positive step. Additional settlements following the spill will likely be pooled with the $5 million to restore natural resources.