County Declares Disaster Emergency

Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Colorado

An imminent toxic mine pool blowout may force evacuation of residents and destroy the Arkansas River Basin.

Full text of Lake County Resolution

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

COUNTY OF LAKE AND STATE OF COLORADO

RESOLUTION NO. 08-05

A RESOLUTION DECLARING A DISASTER EMERGENCY EXISTS IN LAKE COUNTY, COLORADO

WHEREAS, groundwater levels in the Lake County Mining District are at historic highs and contain heavy metal and acid mine drainage; and

WHEREAS, blockages in tunnels have contributed to this elevated mine pool water estimated to be over 1 billion gallons; and

WHEREAS, the snowpack level is currently 168% of normal and spring runoff will add to the already existing elevated groundwater level; and

WHEREAS, this elevated ground water level is an imminent threat to citizens of Lake County Colorado, public and private property, local domestic water supply, local wastewater treatment plant and the water quality of the Arkansas River Basin; and

WHEREAS, immediate attention is required to protect public health, reduce environmental damage, insure public safety and render emergency relief; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Lake County, Colorado, do find that the aforementioned conditions constitute a threat to the safety and welfare of the county, and create an emergency disaster situation within the meaning of §24-32-2103(1.5), C.R.S.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, COLORADO:

Section 1. The Board of County Commissioners, acting under the power vested under §24-32-2109, C.R.S. do hereby declare Lake County to be a disaster area, entitled to aid, relief and assistance and do hereby direct the implementation of the Lake County Emergency Operations Plan and activation of the Lake County Emergency Operations Center.

Section 2. This Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption.

ADOPTED this 13th day of February, 2008.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, COLORADO

Michael J. Hickman, Chair

Kenneth L. Olsen, Commissioner

Carl F. Schaefer, Commissioner

[SEAL OF LAKE COUNTY - STATE OF COLORADO]

ATTEST:

Patricia A. Berger, Clerk and Recorder
Lake County Colorado; ex-officio clerk
to said Board