EPA researchers analyzed publicly available water quality and hydrologic data to characterize the release, transport, and fate (where a contaminant moves, how it changes, and where it ends up) of approximately 3 million gallons of acid mine drainage unexpectedly released from the Gold King Mine on August 5, 2015. This is a preliminary analysis and will be peer reviewed. Results will be shared with states, tribes, and the public when available. Tom Burke, EPA’s science advisor and the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research and Development, presented the preliminary analysis to tribal, state and government leaders at EPA’s Region 8 headquarters on Feb. 5, 2016.

• EPA’s DRAFT Analysis of Fate and Transport of Metals in the Animas and San Juan Rivers (PDF)(16 pp, 2 MB)