Washington, Feb 26, 2008 -

 LAMBORN DEMANDS ANSWERS
Lamborn questions Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner on LMDT situation during Natural Resources’ subcommittee hearing

Today, Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05) questioned Robert Johnson, Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, during a hearing of the Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Congressman Lamborn pressed the Commissioner for answers on where the burden of responsibility lays with a potential blowout of the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel (LMDT) and what short-term and long-term solutions the Bureau of Reclamation has to address the LMDT situation.

"Loudspeakers and a side road are not adequate tools to safeguard the lives of my constituents. It is imperative that action is taken now to remedy this situation and prevent a catastrophe. This isn’t a problem that developed overnight. Cave-ins and blockages in this tunnel have been evident since the 1960’s. The Bureau of Reclamation’s blatant disregard to own-up to their neglect over the years is unacceptable. Now we must work together to find an immediate way to alleviate the pressure of almost a billion gallons of contaminated water and to find a sound, permanent solution to the LMDT situation." – Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Congressman Lamborn has been actively engaged with Lake County officials on the LMDT situation and has focused on trying to get the problem solved. Last week, Congressman Lamborn met with Mike Collins, Eastern Colorado Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation, and Don Moomaw, the Asst. Regional Director for the Great Plains Region at the Bureau of Reclamation. Additionally, he met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials Bill Murray, EPA Superfund Region 8 Director, and Stan Christensen, EPA California Gulch Site Project Manager. During the meetings, Congressman Lamborn received briefings from these federal authorities and discussed solutions regarding toxic seepage from mines in the Leadville area.

Following those meetings, Congressman Lamborn called on President George W. Bush to intervene and to resolve the disputes between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Environmental Protection Agency that led to years of inaction on blockages in the LMDT and insist on a long term solution to protect lives and environmental integrity in the region.

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