Document 5BkBK5eaKnjwyeO7aaNyk9Xz

Message From: Sent: To: CC: Subject: Valentine, Julia [/0=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=0D386C8E6ABC4DAB9A307A9411E36D47-VALENTINE,] 8/4/2017 10:28:42 PM I.............. Ex. 6 .............! ^Pr'ss I/=ExcTingeT'Bs/u=Exchange Administrative Group (FYDIBOHF23SPDLT)/cn=Recipients/cn=b293283291dc44eOb5dlc36be9281d8a-Press] Response from EPA for Newsweek Hi Doug, our apologies for the delay getting this to you. Attribution to an EPA spokesperson. Response: On the eve of the two-year anniversary of Gold King Mine spill, Administrator Scott Pruitt visited the site outside Silverton, Colo, to discuss his commitment to those affected by the release of 3-million-gallons of contaminated mine water into the Cement Creek and Animas River. Fulfilling his promise during his confirmation hearing to the people of Colorado to visit the site, Administrator Pruitt, along with U S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennett and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper toured Gold King Mine, met with EPA Regional staff on site and discussed a path forward. When he was appointed EPA Administrator by President Trump, he committed to review the Gold King Mine decision made by the previous Administration that left so many impacted people without any support or help from the federal government. The Administrator believes that a new review is paramount to ensure that those who have, in fact, suffered losses have a fair opportunity to have their claims heard. Following the tour, EPA political appointees participated in a town hall in Durango, Colo, with local residents to hear directly from those living around the mine about how they have been affected by the spill. Additional Background: In January 2017, the previous EPA administration denied 79 administrative claims filed by farmers, ranchers, homeowners, businesses, employees, state and local governments, as well as other individuals seeking damages in connection with the Gold King Mine incident. On July 5, 2017, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced his decision to reconsider claims for Gold King Mine damages previously denied by the past Administration. As part of this process, EPA is continuing to review pending claims. EPA is working with its state and tribal partners to develop a long-term water quality monitoring program for the Animas and San Juan Rivers. Congress appropriated $4 million for this monitoring program in 2017 and has authorized funding for four more years. The Gold King Mine is included as one of the potential sources contributing to the Bonita Peak Mining District site, which EPA has added to the Superfund National Priorities List. The Bonita Peak Mining District site consists of 48 sources where historic mining operations have contaminated soil, groundwater and surface water with heavy metals. The site team is conducting a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (REFS) at Bonita Peak to determine the nature and extent of contamination. Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00027742-00001 As the Remedial Investigation continues, the site team -- including EPA, the Bureau of Land Management and U S. Forest Service -- will conduct short-term actions to provide immediate water quality improvements in the Animas River. Julia P. Valentine Office of Media Relations 202.564.2663 Sent from USEPA iPhone Sierra Club v. EPA 18cv3472 NDCA Tier 13 ED 002061 00027742-00002