Five environmental issues to watch in 2021 Durango, Colorado Currently Thu 50% chance of precipitation 73% chance of precipitation 5% chance of precipitation Drought, overuse of public lands, mine cleanup top list in Southwest Colorado Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 5:03 AM Updated: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 6:50 PM Kerry Guy, on-scene coordinator with the Environmental Protection Agency, stands inside the Red & Bonita Mine north of Silverton. The EPA closed the bulkhead at the mine to evaluate whether a permanent closure is a long-term option. 2020 marked the five-year anniversary of the Gold King Mine Spill, which released 3 million gallons of wastewater into the Animas River. It is expected the agency will start cleanup projects to improve water quality in 2021.