Bonita Peak Mining District restoration
Meeting announcement
The Bonita Peak Mining District Natural Resource Damage Restoration Plan is open for public comment January 7 to February 6, 2026.
Please email lauren.bonura@state.co.us with comments.
The Colorado Trustees will hear from the project proponents during the NRD Trustee Meeting on February 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Law offices.
Watch the meeting recording from the March 20, 2024 meeting
Background
The Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund Site site consists of 48 historic mines or mining-related sources where ongoing releases of metal-laden water and sediments are occurring within the Mineral Creek, Cement Creek and Upper Animas River drainages in San Juan County, Colorado. Historic mining operations have contaminated soil, groundwater and surface water with heavy metals.
Settlement
Colorado settled claims for natural resource damages within the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund Site receiving approximately $7 million from multiple parties including the Sunnyside Gold Corporation, the Kinross Gold Corporation, Standard Metals, Blue Tee Corporation, and the United States. Colorado completed the final settlement in May 2023.
Restoration planning
Colorado is developing a restoration plan to identify and evaluate restoration projects. The solicitation of project proposals is one step in this process. The solicitation process starts on March 18, 2024 and provides the opportunity for the public, local governments, tribes, nonprofits and other organizations to submit projects for consideration.
Project proposals
Solicitation of Project Proposals
- San Juan County & Town of Silverton Animas River Preservation and Access Project
- Animas River Valley Bank Stabilization - San Juan Resource Conservation and Development Council
- Animas River Corridor Project Proposal - Town of Silverton
- Durango Fish Hatchery packed Columns Water Treatment - CPW
- Upper Animas Wetland and Stream Restoration Proposal - Mountain Studies Institute
Contact
Mark Rudolph
Superfund/Brownfields Project Manager
mark.rudolph@state.co.us
303-692-3311