DENVER, Colo. -- The Environmental Protection Agency said some obstacles that prevented them from working on the Leadville Mine Drainage Tunnel have been removed.

One of those obstacles was both clarification and cooperation from the Bureau of Reclamation. In the past, the federal agency didn't believe they were responsible for treating the water. They obtained the rights to the tunnel, however, in 1959.

U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, of Colorado, said he has introduced legislation defining the agency's responsibility and help in resolving the blockage in the tunnel.

There is concern that the tunnel will explode and send 2 billion gallons of water into the Arkansas river after wiping out a nearby community.

"I have written a letter to the Commissioner of Reclamation and the EPA administrator telling them they need to get their act together and fix the problem," said Salazar.

Some of that pressure has worked.

The EPA said they are now part of weekly meetings aimed at coming up with solutions for the tunnel. In those meetings, progress and problems are reported and the Bureau of Reclamation is present.

Just last week, the EPA moved ahead with the installation of pump in the gaw shaft, located in lower California Gulch. The goal is to reduce seeps in the mountain that ultimately contribute to rising groundwater tables.

"We're not sure what impact that is going to have on the water build-up behind the Leadville Mine Drainage tunnel because the gaw shaft is located some distance away," said Sonya Pennock, of the EPA.

Salazar said it's a step in the right direction but through proposed bills and dialogue he said he will ensure the federal government continues to move forward.

"I think we need to continue to keep the pressure on both the Bureau of Reclamation and the EPA to make sure the right thing is done here," Salazar said.