The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accidentally caused a major spill in the Animas River near Durango, Colorado,turning its colour to orange. (Picture Courtesy: Instagram)
Onlookers posted numerous pictures and videos of the spill on different social media networks.
The effects of the spill has not yet been made public.
The orange colours mars the amazing view of the river.
From the pictures it is evident that marine life in the river must be heavily effected.
Farmers have been asked to stop any irrigation from the river to avoid contamination.
One can't anticipate the effect of pollutants found in the wastewater may have on the health of locals.
The spill carried heavy metals, mainly iron, zinc and copper from the mine into the river creek.
The Animas River serves as a secondary water source and as a place for aquatic recreation like kayaking and fishing for the city of Durango in Colorado.
Social media was inundated with shocking pictures of the orange river.
The accident took place when working on a project to stop historic leakage of waste water from the mine.
The view of the river before the leakage is breathtaking.
Released toxins caused the Animus River to turn into an opaque orange colour.
1 million gallons of mining waste was accidentally released into a creek, according to reports.
The night view of the orange river before the pollutants entered the clean water.
Toxic sludge turns river bright orange in Colorado