EPA waits to release comments on Colorado mine cleanup plan

(Brennan Linsley | The Associated Press) In this Aug. 12, 2015, file photo, wastewater flows through a retention pond built to contain and remove heavy metals from the Gold King Mine outside Silverton, Colo. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accidentally triggered a spill of 3 million gallons of wastewater from the mine. The Obama administration said it could not legally repay any of the claims for damage from the spill, but the Trump administration promised last year to reconsider. As of Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, no claims had been paid, but the agency said it is continuing to review them. Durango, Colo. • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it won’t release public comments on its interim cleanup plan for southwestern Colorado mines until it has reached a final decision on the plan.

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