A spill of cyanide solution into the Dolores River above Rico on Sunday morning was being investigated this week after it killed a large number of fish and caused some concern among officials of both Dolores and Montezuma Counties when discovered Sunday morning. Wayne Sheperek, Dolores County Deputy Sheriff in Rico, first reported the dead fish and took water samples as well as fish specimens for examination. He promptly contacted Montezuma County Sheriff Bob Hampton who took action to stop water intake to the towns of Dolores and Cortez and warned cattlemen to keep their stock away from the river until the reason could be determined. State officials indicate they will seek compensation for the loss from the company which is now Crystal Oil Co., following recent acquisition of the Rico Argentine properties in Rico. In the past, the company has had problems of a similar nature when operating the acid plant at the site.
On the 11th of August, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., a blowout on the side of a leaching process pile went into the river. Lost was approximately 100 to 200 gallons of a solution containing some cyanide which in turn killed the fish by a resultant loss of oxygen to them from the action of the chemical in the waters. The kill was about 100 percent for four miles, about 75 percent for the second four-mile stretch of river, 50 percent over the next four miles and about 25 percent the next three miles to about where Bear Creek joins the Dolores River.
Gardeners in the area are expected to come to Dolores with their flowers, vegetables and flower arrangements on Wednesday, August 21, for the annual flower show this year which follows the theme of "Flower Fulfillment."
There is a lot of stir and activity in the old mining cap of Rico and thereabouts these days and right in the thick of its is Raye Benham who has considerable interest in mining and the Puzzler Mines as well as his other business interests in the town. Last week Benham took note of the many firms engaged in exploration and investigation of mining potential around the Rico-Dunton area and came up with the following list: Ophir - M. M. Douglas Petroleum, Matterhorn - Hamilton resources Inc, Dunton - Prewit Exploration and the Ray Lee Mine Development Resources. Around Rico there are a large gathering including the Crystal Oil Co. which recently acquired the Rico Argentine interests, Exxon Co., Silver Bell, Myron Jones, independent miner, Puzzler Mines Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hamilton and their cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Bristow from Bouse, Arizona drove to Ophir and Norwood and back by Groundhog Sunday.
Visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hamilton a few days last week, was their grandson from Ignacio, Gene Brubeck.
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Brown, from Alamosa were here visiting Minnie Rush and other friends Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Carrigan went to Ignacio Friday to attend family day of the YCC as a final event of the organization
Mr. and Mrs. Corky McClain and family went to Collbran last weekend to visit Mr. and Mrs. Ryan. While there they attended a Doxol Gas Company meeting at the Holiday Inn in Grand Junction.