30 years ago – April 13, 1990
The City of Black Hawk might seek an injunction against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to protect the city’s water and sewage systems. The EPA wants to install a ditch around the top of the tailings pile at the National Mine in order to divert run-on water around the pile instead of over it in an attempt to reduce the amount of acidic water that enters North Clear Creek. The EPA’s choices for the project include installing a culvert underneath Main Street near the sewer plant. Among the EPA’s suggested plans for the project is installation of a culvert under Main Street and beneath City Park to carry water from the National to the creek. There are two ways this could be accomplished, neither of which leave the city fathers with a good feeling. Originally, the EPA wanted to bury the culvert several feet down. This, however, would remove a foot and a half of insulating earth from above the city’s water and sewer lines, increasing the chance of a freeze up of the system. The city balked. Still pursuing the idea of crossing Main Street with a culvert, the EPA proposed to place the culvert near the surface and cover it with earth in order to protect the underground water and sewer lines. Once completed, the culvert would create a three-foot hump the width of the street. Not acceptable, said the aldermen. There are several other solutions to the problem, according to Alderman Bill Lovingier, who has been working with the EPA. All, however, cost a few thousand dollars more than the two preferred by the EPA. EPA officials will be in town Friday, April 13, for a site visit. Several aldermen plan on touring the site to discuss their concerns with the EPA. Although the city has not yet approved any of the EPA’s plans, the agency has awarded a contract on the project. Since the EPA refuses to guarantee that its project will not cause the city’s water and sewer systems to freeze, the city is prepared to seek a court injunction blocking the EPA from going ahead with work unless the agency comes up with a plan acceptable to the aldermen.
Gilpin County residents are cordially invited to a free tour of the Thomas House on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The house is located at 209 Eureka Street, Central City, just west of the county courthouse. The guides will be the present owners Darlene and Mike Leslie. The event is being held in conjunction with the Gilpin County Historical Society. The organization is pursuing purchase of the house through grants and donations. Everyone is welcome to preview the historic home.
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