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August 21 First News: N.M. Concerned With Long-Term Effects Of Spill; Feds Downplay Them (Listen)

More than two weeks after a mine spill fouled waterways in several Western states, officials are expressing concern over the long-term effects of contaminated river bottoms as the federal agency that triggered the accident downplayed the dangers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency workers released more than 3 million gallons of contaminated water Aug. 5 while working at an inactive mine site near Silverton, Colorado. Poisons including lead and thallium have been detected in sediment samples collected from the Animas River. The river travels from Colorado into northern New Mexico, joining the San Juan River before emptying into Utah's Lake Powell. The EPA has said the contamination is returning to pre-spill levels as the plume passes. But officials in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah cite potential harm to private drinking wells and river life.

The last time New Mexico’s drought levels were this low was in January 2011, more than four years ago. The U.S. Drought Monitor report released Thursday shows severe drought has disappeared from the state, leaving behind lesser levels of dryness in the western half of New Mexico. Just one year ago, severe and extreme drought conditions covered more than two-fifths of the state. Forecasters with the National Weather Forecast say isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop Friday afternoon along and west of the central mountain chain. The chance for more rain will increase Sunday thanks to a backdoor cold front entering the state.

Federal officials say the quality of San Juan River water on the Navajo Nation has returned to what it was before a spill at a Colorado gold mine sent toxic sludge into the waterway. The U.S. Environmental Protection agency says that's based on a review of data collected over a week near Hogback, New Mexico. Tribal spokesman MihioManus said Thursday that President Russell Begaye is considering lifting the tribe's advisory against using river water for irrigation on Saturday. The EPA says it will provide technical assistance. Manus says the tribe has completed its own testing of the San Juan River but did not immediately release the results.

Health officials say two women from Dona Ana County and a Valencia County man have been diagnosed with the West Nile virus. The New Mexico Department of Health says all three are hospitalized with neuro-invasive disease, which is the more serious form of the illness. A horse from Valencia County also has been diagnosed with West Nile and is recovering. Health officials say August and September are typically when the highest number of West Nile cases are reported in both people and horses around New Mexico. They say the mosquito populations are very high this year because of the extensive rainfall in many areas of the state. In April, a 12-year-old girl from Valencia County was diagnosed with West Nile virus infection. She was hospitalized with neuro-invasive disease, but recovered.

The New Mexico Supreme Court says any district judge who fills a midterm vacancy must stand for a nonpartisan retention election in the sixth year of what would have been the predecessor's term. The court issued its opinion Thursday, saying its finding is consistent with the intent of the state Constitution. The question stems from the case of former District Judge Sheri Raphaelson, who was ordered by the court to step down last year after losing a retention election. Raphaelson was first elected in 2010 to complete another judge's term. She did not garner the votes necessary for retention in 2014. Raphaelson had unsuccessfully challenged the election results by saying she didn't have to stand for retention in the first place because she was initially elected to fill a midterm vacancy.

Two months into his job, Albuquerque Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Jason Martinez has submitted a letter of resignation. Martinez cited personal and family commitments as reasons for quitting. However, The Albuquerque Journal reports that Martinez is resigning after emails came to light showing him embroiled in a heated argument over authority with APS chief financial officer Don Moya.

Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today with the high, 88, and a 10-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, some of which may produce gusty winds. Tonight: Partly cloudy with the overnight low, 59, with a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms. Tomorrow: Mostly sunny with a 20-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms after noon, tomorrow’s high, 86.