There are 22,000 abandoned mines in Colorado, and 230 mines are known to be leaking heavy metal contaminants into Colorado rivers. In the process of Gold King Mine cleanup, 1 million gallons of contaminated water was released into the Animas River. The heavy metals released are impacting wildlife and local towns and communities. Over time the contamination will impact everyone down stream.
How do we stop leaking mines from contaminating the environment?
Things you will need to know:
- What is the history of mining in Colorado?
- What contaminants are in the mines?
- What is currently being done to clean up mines?
- What causes erosion and deposition?
- How does the landscape of the mountains affect the mines and the possible contamination they may cause?
- What is natural water flow and groundwater flow?
- What do mine systems look like?
- What causes a mine to be "at-risk"?
- What are the long-term effects contamination can have on the environment?