The cofferdam currently in place is a re-design of the originally planned structure, and was intended to de-water areas needed for the construction of Durango’s intake structure.
While the cofferdam was originally expected to be removed before the beginning of this year’s spring run off season, the delay had knock-on effects for the construction schedule, meaning that it will have to remain for longer than planned.
The US Bureau of Reclamation said the structure posed no danger to users of the river, and that a range of safety measures suggested following meetings with the Animas river taskforce were being put in place.