Crisis in Box Springs
Forgotten People continue battle for water state of emergency

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

BOX SPRINGS, Ariz. — Dilkon ran out of water recently and a state of emergency was declared. A well at Sanostee became contaminated with petroleum products and an emergency was declared. Black Falls and Box Springs residents have been drinking uranium-contaminated water for years. They’re still waiting for a state of emergency to be declared.

Phil Harrison, a Navajo Nation Council delegate and consultant with Killian and Davis of Grand Junction, Colo., traveled to Box Springs Aug. 8 with representatives of the law firm to do intakes for members of the Forgotten People and other residents who might qualify for compensation under the federal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

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