Summary | What’s in the Water?

Test results showed high levels of iron and aluminum while Lincoln Creek and Roaring Fork rivers were at orange levels

In September 2022, Aspen Journalism reported on an investigation by local, state and federal agencies into contamination of Lincoln Creek waters. By November 2023, findings indicated elevated levels of naturally occurring heavy metals, and in May, scientists determined that thawing permafrost in the basin above, caused by climate change, was creating a “phenomenal conduit” for the release of new contaminants. That’s one reason alarm bells rang in the river community on July 16, when Lincoln Creek and the Roaring Fork River appeared bright orange from sediment releases caused by the draining of Grizzly Reservoir.

Water Desk Editor-in-Chief Heather Sackett answers the most important question on everyone’s mind this week: What metals and how much of them ended up in Aspen’s rivers? In short: extremely high amounts of aluminum and iron. While aluminum levels had already exceeded chronic water quality standards for aquatic life just below the dam on June 4 and 25, the data showed rapidly rising concentrations of aluminum and iron in the acute risk range, especially just below the dam, although sediment traps placed 50 yards away filtered out about half of the detectable particles. The strength of the release dropped off sharply by the time it reached the mouth of the Roaring Fork, according to the data, but that didn’t stop the river as far downstream as Woody Creek from turning a ghoulish, glowing orange. The good news, such as it is, from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife official is that the temporary event likely did no harm to fish or aquatic life, thanks to the relatively lower strength of copper minerals in the released sediment. See Sackett’s story on the aftermath of the event and water quality test results from six sites in the watershed, visualized with a handy data mapping tool created by Laurine Lassalle of AJ. Also below is a summary of our previous coverage of Lincoln Creek.

Save peaches by eliminating invasive species

This week, Sackett also talks about how Grand Valley irrigators are working to stave off a zebra mussel invasion that could be devastating to farms, vineyards, orchards and Colorado’s famous Palisade peach trees. The rapidly reproducing mussels, which are native to Eastern Europe, can clog water infrastructure and are “nearly impossible” to eradicate once they’ve established themselves. With adult mussels already entering a reservoir northwest of Fruita and larvae detected in the Government Highline Canal and in the Colorado River itself, water managers are seeking $4 million in federal funding for a liquid ionic copper solution that would be applied to kill the larvae throughout the valley’s vast irrigation system. The Palisade Irrigation District isn’t waiting for federal funding and plans to begin applying the treatment, which is considered “very safe for humans and food,” to its 5,000-acre infrastructure this fall.

Aspen Journalism was there to provide in-depth coverage of these complex issues, analyze findings, and participate in meetings. Thank you, dear readers and supporters, for making this nonprofit newsroom possible.

Grand Valley Water Managers Have Plan to Eliminate Invasive Species

Palisade Irrigation District plans to begin copper treatment in fall

By Heather Sackett | September 4, 2024

If these aquatic invasive species become established, it could have devastating consequences for the region’s farms, vineyards and orchards, as well as Colorado’s famous Palisade peaches.

Lincoln Creek sediments contained high concentrations of aluminum and iron.

Minimal impact on aquatic life

By Heather Sackett | August 30, 2024

Local officials, residents and environmental groups have long been concerned about water quality in Lincoln Creek, and the release of the data on July 16 comes at a time of heightened scrutiny.

Previous articles on Lincoln Creek contamination

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