Watch VideoPumping to begin at Leadville mine tunnel
Story By: Susan Davies
Source: KOAA
Pumping could begin Thursday or Friday on the blocked mine drainage tunnel in Leadville. Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Reclamation briefed reporters at Congressman Doug Lamborn's request. They say initial pumping will begin within days.
That pumping will take place a couple of miles from the mine pool in an area known as the Gaw Shaft. Engineers hope water pumped from the shaft will lower the water table and reduce pressure in the blocked mine.
E.P.A. eventually plans to dig directly into the clogged mine drainage tunnel, install a pump and draw out water. That plan is more complex, more costly and will take longer to plan and implement. Bill Murray with E.P.A says once a plan and funding are in place, pumping could begin in four to six weeks.
The Bureau of Reclamation has been criticized for inaction. Donald Moomaw, assistant regional director says the situation is more complex than most people recognize. His office says the risk to residents living near the tunnel is unclear. He says a formal risk assessment is underway and should be completed by the end of June.
Rep. Lamborn was asked why it's taken him this long to weigh in on the discussion. He says he contacted both federal agencies back in January after receiving complaints from Lake County residents.
