DENVER -- Gov. Bill Ritter is asking President George W. Bush for quick action in dealing with the threat of a catastrophic blowout of 1 billion gallons of contaminated water trapped in a mine drainage tunnel near Leadville.

Lake County officials this week declared an emergency over fears that above-average snowpack melting this spring could add more water and lead to a huge blowout that could kill residents and pollute the Arkansas River with heavy metals.

In a letter sent to Bush Friday, Ritter is asking for the president's help in speeding up the drilling of wells to pump out water trapped behind the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel.

"When spring arrives, large quantities of additional water will infiltrate into the mine, increasing the underground lake's elevation and head, and raising the risk of a catastrophic event," Ritter said.

The tunnel is a mile north of Leadville and adjacent to a trailer park.

State, county and federal officials are studying what to do about the growing pool caused by the partial collapse of the 2.1 mile long tunnel.

"I am dismayed that the federal agencies evidently did not act with greater coordination and before this became a crisis. But now we need to step up to resolve the problem, and I will work with the rest of the delegation to help get that done," said Rep. Mark Udall.