To: Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the US EPA

Hold EPA Accountable: Help Navajo Nation

Demand the EPA stop the distribution of forms to Navajo citizens impacted by the Animas River spill that would effectively waive an individual’s rights to sue the agency for any future damages caused by contaminated water.

Why is this important?

The EPA is responsible for spilling millions of gallons of toxins into the Animas River in Colorado, affecting members of the Navajo Nation who live along the river and depend on it for survival. There are 27,000 acres of farmland now without water. Farmers and ranchers on the nation’s largest reservation are working on emergency plans to keep their crops and livestock alive.

The EPA is currently distributing waivers to members of the Navajo Nation, many of whom do not speak English. A signature would effectively waive an individual’s rights to sue the agency for any future damages caused by contaminated water released from the abandoned mine. Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye told the EPA to stop handing out the waivers. From journalist Tristan Ahtone's report:

“My interpretation as president of the Navajo Nation is the EPA is trying to minimize the amount of compensation that the people deserve,” said Begaye. “They want to close these cases and they don’t want more compensation to come later.”

The EPA did not return requests for comment.

“I haven’t heard that this is going on in any other communities outside Navajo Nation,” Ahtone said, adding he thinks this makes it “suspect.”