In a letter to Gov. Bill Ritter and President Bush, Republican Senator Tom Wiens demanded swift action to avert a catastrophic blowout which could cost hundreds of lives, and the contamination of the Arkansas River.

In response, federal and state emergency response officials are preparing to make money available and to take action at the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel , following the demand from Wiens and the Lake County commissioners. 

“The situation at the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel is severe and the time has come for an immediate fix. The federal government is responsible for this property and needs to fix it,” Wiens said. “Federal funds must be made available and the United States Bureau of Reclamation authorities must be required to take immediate action to relieve the pressure inside the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel.”