During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical environmental and infrastructure issues, focusing on the health of Lincoln Creek and the need for repairs at the local airport.

Lisa Tasker from the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Program presented an urgent request regarding Lincoln Creek, a tributary to the upper Roaring Fork. Tasker highlighted deteriorating water quality, exacerbated by heavy metal contamination linked to the Ruby Mine and adjacent mineralized tributary. This contamination has resulted in significant fish kills, prompting the EPA to conduct sampling and issue a report last November. The report indicated that water quality standards for several heavy metals, including copper and aluminum, were exceeded.

In response, a working group has been formed to address these concerns, with funding support from various organizations, including the Healthy Rivers Board. The group has initiated a phase one study, hiring LRE Water as a consultant to evaluate the existing EPA report and develop future mitigation strategies. Tasker emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it aims to restore the watershed's health.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure needs, particularly at the airport. Jamie Wall reported on the deteriorating condition of the retaining wall at the airport operations center, which poses risks to electrical systems and pedestrian safety. Following an evaluation by engineering firm Kimberly Horn, the advisory board recommended replacing the wall with large concrete blocks, which are both aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective. A budget adjustment of $267,000 was proposed to facilitate these repairs before winter.

These discussions underscore the government's commitment to environmental stewardship and infrastructure maintenance, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term sustainability.