Gold Metal Waters: The Animas River and the Gold King Mine Spill

Gold Metal Waters is a book that explores the ecological, economic, political, social, and cultural significance of the August 2015 Gold King Mine spill in Silverton, Colorado. It is a inter- and transdisciplinary examination of the event, with contributions from college professors, students, scientists, and activists from various academic and epistemological backgrounds. The spill led to Superfund listing and has had far-reaching implications for local and national communities, including Native American reservations, agriculture, and wildlife.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: University Press of Colorado

Gold Metal Waters is a groundbreaking exploration into the August 2015 Gold King Mine spill in Silverton, Colorado, which resulted in the release of over three million gallons of subterranean mine water, containing 880,000 pounds of heavy metals, into a tributary of the Animas River. This comprehensive book delves into the enduring ecological, economic, political, social, and cultural significance of this regional event, shedding light on its far-reaching implications. It showcases how this natural and technical disaster has impacted and continues to affect local and national communities, including Native American reservations, agriculture, and wildlife in the region.

The book is approached from a diverse range of perspectives, including college professors, students, scientists, and activists from various academic and epistemological backgrounds. Each chapter reflects unique professional and personal experiences, contributing to a rich and multifaceted examination of the event. Contributors delve into both the context surrounding the spill and the responses to it, placing this discussion within the broader context of the tens of thousands of mines leaking pollutants into waterways and soils throughout Colorado.

The Gold King Mine spill played a pivotal role in bringing the Silverton area to the attention of the Superfund program, making it a sensational event in many respects. Gold Metal Waters will appeal to students and scholars across various disciplines, including environmental history, western history, mining history, politics, and communication, as well as general readers interested in human relationships with the environment.

The book features contributions from a diverse group of experts, including Alane Brown, Brian L. Burke, Karletta Chief, Steven Chischilly, Becky Clausen, Michael A. Dichio, Betty Carter Dorr, Cynthia Dott, Gary Gianniny, and David Gonzal. Their insights and perspectives provide valuable perspectives on the Gold King Mine spill and its ongoing impacts.

Weight: 340g
ISBN-13: 9781646423088