New Mexico’s congressional delegation is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to process reimbursement claims stemming from the .
The five members last week expressing concern about the millions of dollars still owed to the state and the Navajo Nation.
“It is our understanding that both governments have conveyed the extent of their expenses to the EPA,” the letter said.
The delegation also asked the agency to set up an “Office of Gold King Mine Spill Claims” to begin processing compensation for victims and called for a long-term water monitoring plan approved by New Mexico.
“Many are still feeling the economic impacts and health uncertainties of the spill and need a better process for processing claims,” the letter added.
The delegation is made up of four Democrats and one Republican.
The Aug. 5 spill, caused by the sent about 880,000 pounds of heavy metals cascading through Colorado, New Mexico, the Navajo Nation and Utah.
In mid-January, the New Mexico Environment Department , the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and the owners of the Gold King and other surrounding mines.
The Navajo Nation has said . The tribe’s president, Russell Begaye, said the disaster .
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733 or jpaul@denverpost.com
