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Emergency Response to August 2015 Release from Gold King Mine

  • Emergency Response to Gold King Mine

    Learn more about the activities addressing the spill on this page. 

On August 5, 2015, EPA was conducting an investigation of the Gold King Mine near Silverton, Colorado, to:

  • assess the on-going water releases from the mine,
  • treat mine water, and
  • assess the feasibility of further mine remediation.

While excavating above the old adit, pressurized water began leaking above the mine tunnel, spilling about three million gallons of water stored behind the collapsed material into Cement Creek, a tributary of the Animas River.

EPA takes responsibility for the Gold King Mine release and is committed to continue working hand-in-hand with the impacted local governments, states and tribes.


Photos related to Gold King Mine response

  • Looking down into a forested valley, with four large, square constructed ponds and drainage channels.

    These treatment ponds were built at mines close to the Gold King Mine in Colorado. When water leaves the mines, these ponds slow it down and allow us to adjust the pH and let contaminants settle to the bottom.

  • A narrow, forested valley with machinery and pump hoses with a drainage ditch lined with plastic sheets.

    As part of our Gold King Mine response, we’ve built diversion channels to direct water flowing out of nearby mines into settlement ponds where we treat it before it enters the creek.

  • Looking across a vally, the opposite slope is a mostly dirt face with roads cut diagonally.

    As part of our ongoing response, workers are almost finished stabilizing the road to ensure crews and equipment can access the Gold King Mine.

  • a person in a red kayak on a wilderness river

    A kayaker paddles the Animas River minutes after the La Plata County Sheriff lifted the ban on recreational river use on August 14, 2015. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)

  • scenic photo of mountain stream with many boulders in the foreground

    The Animas River in Durango, CO on August 14, 2015. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)

  • scenic view of mountain stream with houses on the opposite shore

    The Animas River in Durango, CO on August 14, 2015. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)

  • a man holding a electronic measuring device and a water probe, standing waist-deep in the middle of a river

    Water monitoring taken in the Animas River near Durango, CO on August 14, 2015. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)

  • side of a hill with a large opening and lots of excavation

    The Gold King Mine entrance area is shown on August 14, 2015. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)

  • a man in a hard hat sprinkling lime (white power) into a pool of muddy water

    As water exits the mine, it flows into a system of four treatment ponds. The treatment ponds provide retention time to allow the pH to adjust. Here, lime is added to a settling pond to assist in the pH adjustment of the water prior to discharge to Cement Creek on Aug 14, 2015. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)

  • scene of a two constructed, muddy-colored ponds lined with black plastic, with mountains in the background

    Settling ponds used to precipitate iron oxide and other suspended materials from nearby Red and Bonita mines drainage are shown in this Aug. 14 photo. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)

  • Area Command photo: Area Command staff from EPA and Coast Guard receive updates during a morning briefing

    Area Command photo: Area Command staff from EPA and Coast Guard receive updates during a morning briefing.

  • Sampling photo: EPA team monitor water in the Animas River to assure water quality is remaining at pre-event levels.

    Sampling photo: EPA team monitor water in the Animas River to assure water quality is remaining at pre-event levels.

Response Efforts

Worker adding lime to a settling pond to assist in the pH adjustment of the water prior to discharge to Cement Creek on Aug 14, 2015. (Credit: Eric Vance/EPA)
  • Press releases and updates
  • About the emergency response
  • Frequent questions
  • En español: Respuesta de emergencia al derrame de la Mina Gold King
  • Reimbursement Totals

Data and Information

Partial view of table with data about mineral levels in the Animas and San Juan Rivers
  • Fate and Transport Report
  • Biological Response Report
  • Sampling data – follow-up monitoring
  • Sampling data – emergency response monitoring
  • Gold King Mine documents
  • Gold King Mine photos
  • Gold King Mine videos
  • Learn about the WIIN Act
  • Gold King Mine Settlements

Claims Information

Close up view of a hand holding a pen over the signature line on a document (Adobe Stock)
  • FTCA Claims Decision
  • Learn about the Federal Tort Claims Act

Fact Sheets

Man's hands on a laptop keyboard with illustrations of documents hovering above his hands (Adobe Stock)
  • Learn how the spill happened
  • History of the Gold King Mine
  • Navajo Nation Fact Sheet
  • Navajo Nation: Livestock Watering Locations
Related Information

EPA has added the Bonita Peak Mining District to the National Priorities List. The Gold King Mine is included as one of the potential sources contributing to the Bonita Peak Mining District site. View the Bonita Peak Mining District site.

EPA HOTLINE

Call toll-free: 844-607-9700

Before calling the hotline, please check these local resources.

Latest Updates

Info for Vendors

Latest Updates

  • March 16, 2023: EPA posts Gold King Mine settlements
  • Aug. 5, 2020: EPA Settlement Agreement with Utah
  • Nov. 30, 2018: EPA posts Biological Response Report
  • Jan. 4, 2018: EPA posts follow-up monitoring data collected after November 2016 storm event and spring 2017 snowmelt
  • Aug. 25, 2017: EPA posts the full set of data associated with the Fate & Transport Analysis report
  • Aug. 4, 2017: EPA Administrator visits GKM and announces agency will reconsider FTCA claims.

Previous Updates

Information for Specific Communities

La Plata County, Colorado

Navajo Nation: Livestock Watering Locations

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 10, 2025
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