Navajo Nation Response to Animas River Spill

August 28, 2015 – Navajo farmers who live near the Animas River continue to deal with the lingering effects of a toxic wastewater spill triggered by a team working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at an abandoned mining site in Colorado.

The Navajo Nation held off on approving use of water from the river much longer than other communities. President Russell Begaye has raised concerns about communication from the EPA and the quality of water brought in by trucks for crops and livestock.

NMiF producer Sarah Gustavus sat down with Antonia Gonzales, anchor and producer of National Native News, this week to hear what she learned while reporting on the spill from the Navajo Nation.

UPDATE: After this interview was taped, President Begaye approved opening the San Juan River for irrigation in three chapters of the Navajo Nation. The Farmington Daily Times reported on the details.

Recent NNN coverage: 

August 27 – Senate committee schedules hearing on mine waste spill

August 24 – Shiprock farmers and ranchers vote no to opening San Juan River irrigation

August 21 – Navajo young people work on new farming techniques after mine waste spill

August 20 – Navajo Nation investigates EPA water delivery tanks