Navajo Farmers Air Frustrations To EPA Over Wastewater Spill
Navajo farmers met with EPA emergency responders Wednesday to air their frustrations. Last week the EPA unintentionally spilled 3 million gallons of yellow mine waste into the Animas and San Juan Rivers, a main water source for the Navajo.
The Navajo Farming Authority has shut off water to more than 750 Navajo farmers and ranchers. Many families are driving great distances to haul water from an alternate source to keep their crops and livestock alive.
The Navajo president has told the EPA to stop handing out forms to the Navajo people that would essentially waive their rights to sue the federal government for future damages.
Navajo Council Delegate Amber Crotty said this isn’t the first time the federal government has wronged the tribe.
"This hurts us to the core," Crotty said. "They need to come here and say, ‘I’m sorry. How can I help you? How can I restore you?’ Because when your livestock is going toward the river you know they’re thirsty and they’re desperate."
And it’s not just their livelihood. Many farmers spoke of the Navajo’s spiritual connection to the land.
The EPA failed to notify the tribe right away, but has since apologized and has spent $500,000 to haul water to the communities.
More Gold King Mine Coverage
- EPA Addresses Wastewater Spill With Community In Farmington, New Mexico
- Arizona Agencies Prepare To Test Incoming Contaminated Water, Consider Long-Term Effects
- ADEQ: Waste From Abandoned Arizona Mines Less Likely To Cause Big Problems
- Scientists Worry, Wait As Contaminated Water Approaches Glen Canyon Area
- Navajo Farmers Watch Crops Dry Up In Wake Of Mine Wastewater Spill
- Navajo President Threatens To Sue EPA Over Mine Spill
- CAP Official: Mine Contaminants Likely Won't Affect Arizona Water Supply
- Officials: Impact Of Contaminated Wastewater On Lake Powell, Colorado River Unknown
- Contaminated Water From Colorado Mine Headed For Lake Powell
- EPA Releases Mine Waste Into Colorado's Animas River
