The Environmental Protection Agency has selected a new lead for the Superfund cleanup of mines around Silverton that are contributing to degrading water quality in the Animas River.
The “Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund” site was declared in fall 2016, a little more than a year after an EPA-contracted crew triggered the Gold King Mine spill. The Superfund includes 48 mining-related sites the EPA says are the top contributors to metal loading into the upper Animas watershed.
In March, EPA project manager Rebecca Thomas announced her retirement, wrapping up more than 30 years with the agency. Thomas had been lauded by Silverton and San Juan County officials for her efforts at transparency and communication.
EPA names new lead for Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site
The EPA said in a news release that Progess has more than 15 years’ experience working as a remedial project manager in Region 8.
“The great majority of her experience has been at mining sites in the Rocky Mountains,” the EPA said.
Progess has worked at several cleanup sites in Colorado: the Standard Mine in Crested Butte, Captain Jack near Ward and Clear Creek near Idaho Springs. She also worked at the Superfund site cleaning asbestos in Libby, Montana.
Progess has been working on the Bonita Peak Superfund site for about a year and a half.
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