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ENLARGE
Teaming up across the aisle, Democratic Sen. Mark Udall and Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn have simultaneously introduced House and Senate measures that would clarify cleanup responsibilities for the Leadville mine tunnel.
With high spring runoff last year, local officials raised the alarm about potential risks from a tainted pool of underground water. During a teleconference Thursday afternoon, Udall and Lamborn said they hope the measure will be passed by the House and Senate this term.
“The clock ran out in the Senate last year,” Udall said. Lake County commissioners said a relief well drilled by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation last year has relieved the pressure.
“It's working well,” said commissioner Ken Olsen, adding that he doesn't believe there is an imminent threat of a catastrophic spill.
“The water level has been reduced,” Olsen said.
“We'd still like to address the fundamental issues,” Udall added.
“Hopefully we can have a resolution this year,” Lamborn added.
Two federal agencies, the EPA and the Bureau of Reclamation, have been at odds over who has the authority and responsibility for the cleanup.
The measure introduced by Udall and Lamborn would specify that the Bureau of Reclamation can remediate the problem.
With high spring runoff last year, local officials raised the alarm about potential risks from a tainted pool of underground water. During a teleconference Thursday afternoon, Udall and Lamborn said they hope the measure will be passed by the House and Senate this term.
“The clock ran out in the Senate last year,” Udall said. Lake County commissioners said a relief well drilled by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation last year has relieved the pressure.
“It's working well,” said commissioner Ken Olsen, adding that he doesn't believe there is an imminent threat of a catastrophic spill.
“The water level has been reduced,” Olsen said.
“We'd still like to address the fundamental issues,” Udall added.
“Hopefully we can have a resolution this year,” Lamborn added.
Two federal agencies, the EPA and the Bureau of Reclamation, have been at odds over who has the authority and responsibility for the cleanup.
The measure introduced by Udall and Lamborn would specify that the Bureau of Reclamation can remediate the problem.
