Colorado County, Tribe Want More Time For Mine Compensation
DENVER (AP) — A Colorado county and Indian tribe are asking the Environmental Protection Agency for more time to reach an agreement with the EPA to get compensation for their costs from the Gold King Mine spill.
La Plata County and the Southern Ute tribe say the deadline is Tuesday but EPA headquarters in Washington hasn't responded to multiple requests for an extension.
Sens. Michael Bennet and Corey Gardner and Rep. Scott Tipton asked the EPA Friday to make sure local governments and tribes are fully reimbursed for costs from the Aug. 5 spill.
PHOTO GALLERY: Gold King Mine Tour
An EPA-led crew inadvertently released 3 million gallons of wastewater tainted with heavy metals from the mine. Rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah were affected.
The EPA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.
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