EPA: Sediment accidently released in western Colorado creek

The Environmental Protection Agency says a contractor inadvertently released about 2,000 gallons of sediment-bearing water into a creek from a pond at a western Colorado Superfund site.

EPA spokeswoman Laura Jenkins said Thursday the water had been treated but she didn’t yet know whether any contaminants remained.

The pond is at the inactive Standard Mine.

The water was released Tuesday into a tributary of Coal Creek, which supplies water to the town of Crested Butte. Mayor Aaron Huckstep says he doesn’t believe Crested Butte’s water is threatened but officials are monitoring it.

Jenkins says the pond contains water that flows continuously from the mine as well as water used in drilling operations involved in the cleanup.

Jenkins says the contractor accidently drew up sediment while transferring water into the creek.