Heinrich Statement On Waste Spill In The Animas River

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement today on the spill of contaminated wastewater in the Animas River:

"Water is our most precious resource. The release of contaminated wastewater from the abandoned Gold King Mine above the Animas River watershed is deeply troubling. My staff is on the ground working with the Environmental Protection Agency and tribal, state, and local officials to monitor the safety of water along the Animas and San Juan River basins.

"The EPA must be forthcoming with information and work with the State and the Navajo Nation to mitigate the damage from this spill. I expect the EPA to protect the health and safety of impacted communities in northwest New Mexico."

A call center has been set up for the public at (970) 385-8700.