Generally effective, too

When it was discovered that the Transportation Security Administration had hired some employees with terrorist ties for security at airports, the official response was that the government’s hiring policy was “generally effective.”

It will be interesting to hear what the Environmental Protection Agency has to say about the pollution of the Animas River in Colorado.

The EPA was attempting to stem a small leak in a long deserted gold mine. The repair crew accidentally breached a retaining wall. An estimated three million gallons of toxic sludge was released, turning the pristine river for miles a bright yellow.

The released liquids contained lead, iron, copper and arsenic. Lead in the river is now 12,000 times EPA acceptable levels.

The hazardous contamination has flowed down stream into New Mexico. It is feared that it may affect five states, ultimately reaching the Colorado River.

Information about the spill has been slow in coming. That may be in part because the EPA is responsible. Had a private concern caused the toxic release, action, information and recriminations would have been immediate.

Fish, wildlife, livestock, water for irrigation and perhaps even well water may be threatened. Since most of the contaminants are heavier than water, they are settling out on the river bed and may poise a danger for years to come. The long-term impact is of concern.

The repair work that caused the spill was surely an accident, albeit a very serious one.

On the positive side, the small tickle of hazardous contaminants was eliminated.

Maybe the EPA can claim its work on that little leak was “generally effective,” too.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher