Quantification of Dine activity patterns with the San Juan River in the wake of the Gold King Mine Spill

摘要

In August 2015, 3 million gallons of acid mine drainage was released from the Gold King Mine, eventually reaching the San Juan River. The river was reopened following a recreational risk assessment. However, this does not reflect the reality of the Dine (Navajo), who have a deep spiritual connection to the natural environment and rely heavily on the San Juan River for agricultural, spiritual and cultural practices. Investigating the impact of the Spill on the Dine's interaction with the River is crucial to understating the potential long-term health impacts. No activity pattern data exist for Dine that could be used to conduct a comprehensive residential risk assessment. Focus groups were used to identify 42 unique activities between the Dine and the River. The activities were grouped into one of four distinct categories: livelihood, recreational, spiritual and ceremonial, and arts and crafts activities. The activities were included in a questionnaire to collect pre- and post- Spill frequency and duration activity data. Within one year of the Spill, Navajo Community Health Representatives administered the questionnaire to adults living on the Navajo Nation. The 59 adults reported engaging in a combined total of 409 activities, with each individual engaging in an average of 7 (Range: 0- 29) activities before the Spill. After the Spill the 59 individuals reported engaging in a combined total of 177 activities, with each individual engaging in an average of 3 (Range: 0-23) activities. There was a 48.5 % decrease in livelihood activities, a 64.7% decrease in recreational activities, a 64.7% decrease in spiritual and ceremonial activities, and a 13.4% decrease in arts and crafts activities. Whether or not environmental contamination from the Spill persist in the River, the Spill has clearly impacted the Dine interactions with the River. There is likely to be long-term social-mental impacts from the trauma of the Spill.