DURANGO - After analyzing sediment in Animas River, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has deemed it safe for recreation.
The analysis showed levels of contamination are below what would be a concern for human health.
La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith released this statement:
"My primary concern is the public health and safety of our community. In an abundance of caution, with the consultation of all our partner agencies, I issued the order to close the river to recreational uses on Thursday, August 6. With the release of preliminary results from the state health department and its accompanying recommendation, I am opening our river for recreation effective Friday, August 14, 2015 at noon with the health advisory."
The Colorado Department of Health does not anticipate adverse health effects from exposure to contaminants detected in the water and sediment during typical recreational activities.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry gives these recommendations to anyone coming in contact with the water:
- Don't drink untreated water from the river.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with the sediment and surface water.
- Avoid contact in areas where there is visible discoloration in sediment or river water.
- Wash clothes after contact with sediments and surface water.
Even though the river is safe for recreation, irrigation ditches that draw from the river are being flushed.
La Plata County says some irrigation ditches are safe to use for crops like alfalfa and wheat. The county is working to reopen all ditches.
Gardeners who use water from the Animas River and grow leafy vegetables and root crops should call the CSU Extension office at 970-382-6463. Answers to questions are site and crop specific.
The EPA says results from sediment samples from the river at Baker's Bridge to north of Durango have been analyzed but not yet validated.
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