Million Gallons of Mustard-Hued Wastewater Spilled Into a Colorado River

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday said that they accidently spilled about a million gallons of mustard-hued wastewater containing heavy metals into a Colorado River while they were investigating a leak at a mine.

Officials said in a statement that the spill contains contained cadmium, aluminum, copper and calcium, in addition to lead and arsenic. So far officials are not aware about the concentrations of these heavy metals.

Joan Card, an adviser to Environmental Protection Agency Regional Director Shaun McGrath stated that no health hazard has been detected so far, but the test will continue.

The wastewater flowed down Cement Creek and into the scenic Animas River, which is popular with boaters and anglers, said Federal officials.

The EPA warned that people that they must stay out of the river to keep domestic animals from drinking from it. At least two of the heavy metals can be lethal for humans in long-term exposure, they said.

The agency affirmed that arsenic at high levels can cause blindness, paralysis and cancer, whereas lead poisoning can create muscle and vision problems for adults. Lead can even harm development in fetuses and lead to kidney disease, developmental problems and sometimes death in children, the agency said.

Water samples were also tested in New Mexico, but no results had been released. Officials said the contamination would likely settle into sediment in Lake Powell. But New Mexico officials were angry they were not told of the spill until Thursday, nearly a day after the accident.

Joan Card, an adviser to EPA's Regional Director Shaun McGrath apologized for the EPA's response and for previously sounding cavalier about the concerns for public health and the environment.