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  • Hot Topics
    Animas River Spill
    On August 5, 2015, the Gold King mine near Silverton, Colorado unleashed an estimated 3 million gallons of toxic mine wastewater into the headwaters of the Animas River. The ugly orange plume moved down the watershed over the next few days impacting three communities four states and several tribes.  Thankfully there was no massive fish kill, but the long-term impacts are yet to be seen.   Read more ...
    Photo Credit: Jerry McBride/Durango Herald
  • Hot Topics
    Let’s Fix the Problem Together
    Long-abandoned hardrock mines in southwest Colorado leach toxic heavy metals into our streams and rivers, killing fish and contaminating miles of water. Support our legislative solution now.
  • Hot Topics
    Support Outdoor Recreation
    The San Juan Mountains provide an abundance of outdoor activities from rafting and fly fishing to hiking, camping and wildlife viewing—all of which depend on healthy, clean water.            
  • Hot Topics
    Save Our Trout Waters
    The fabled trout waters of the San Juan Mountains offer fly fishing experiences of a lifetime. Cold, clean water is required for productive trout rivers, but acid mine drainage is polluting vital headwaters.        
  • Hot Topics
    Help Keep Our Water Clean
    The quality of our local drinking water is directly connected to the health of our rivers and watersheds. We risk a safe, dependable water supply if we don’t improve the water quality in our headwaters.        
  • Hot Topics
    Stand Up for Local Agriculture
    Agriculture is deeply rooted in our heritage in southwest Colorado and remains a staple of our local economy. Clean, healthy rivers are vital to our farms, ranches and food supply.    
  • Hot Topics
    Preserve Our Quality of Life
    Having access to wild, unspoiled backcountry is the reason most people live here in southwest Colorado. Help us preserve our outdoor quality of life by advocating for clean water.        

The Problem

Acid mine drainage from abandoned mines is contaminating America’s rivers – and the Animas is the poster child.  EPA estimates there are over 500,000 abandoned mines in the west, contaminating 40% of headwater streams.  Join us!  Together, we can find solutions and build healthy watersheds. 

Who We Are

The San Juan Clean Water coalition is a unified voice for the health of the Animas River, and watersheds west-wide.  We are a voluntary coalition of businesses, organizations and individuals in support of a comprehensive five point plan to protect and restore the health of the Animas River watershed while supporting much-needed mining reform legislation to assist with mine cleanup efforts across the nation.

Citizen Superfund Workgroup!!!

Visit the ‘Meetings’ tab above to learn about our upcoming goal-setting workgroup meetings. Be informed, help ensure your voice is heard.  

Click the ‘take action’ tab to sign up for email updates and announcements.