In a recent government meeting, commissioners discussed the gradual draining of the Twin Lakes Reservoir, which is set to begin today. The Twin Lakes Canal Company will initiate the process at a rate of four cubic feet per second, with plans to potentially increase the flow to eight cubic feet per second, contingent on initial results. This operation raises concerns regarding the presence of heavy metals in the water and sediment, prompting discussions about public safety and environmental monitoring.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of public communication regarding the draining process. They confirmed that updates would be disseminated through the county's emergency management system and a forthcoming press release, which will include a dedicated website for ongoing updates from the contractor involved in the work.

A significant topic of discussion was the potential for extracting valuable metals from the water, particularly rare earth metals. Diane Knight, a researcher from the University of Colorado, has been exploring methods to recover these metals, which could provide both environmental benefits and economic opportunities. The conversation highlighted the possibility of mining operations in the area, with some jokingly suggesting that copper extraction could also be viable, given the substantial amounts detected in previous EPA reports.

As the meeting progressed, commissioners expressed interest in site visits to better understand the ongoing projects and their implications for the community. The session concluded with a brief break before transitioning to a financial audit report, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the commissioners' responsibilities.