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Senate panel sets PHX hearing on CO mine spill

Posted at 4:35 AM, Apr 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-22 12:08:07-04

A congressional committee has planned a hearing to ask officials from the Environmental Protection Agency about a mine spill that fouled rivers in three Western states last summer.

The committee is investigating a 3 million gallon spill at Colorado's abandoned Gold King Mine that federal investigators blamed on EPA mismanagement. The Aug. 5 spill contaminated rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, as well as in the Navajo Nation and Southern Ute Reservation.

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs plans to meet at the City of Phoenix council chambers Friday morning to inquire about the spill.

U.S. Sen. John McCain requested the hearing where members will listen to EPA officials and tribal leaders concerning the EPA's responses to the mine spill and other environmental issues.