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Today in History: EPA Accidentally Spills 3 Million Gallons of Mine Waste

8/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On August 5, 2015, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency personnel accidentally released 3 million gallons of toxic wastewater from the Gold King Mine in Silverton, Colorado. The breach occurred while attempting to drain ponded water, contaminating the Animas River watershed and prompting local authorities to seek Superfund assistance for cleanup efforts.

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Story summary

On August 5, 2015, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency personnel accidentally released 3 million gallons of toxic wastewater from the Gold King Mine in Silverton, Colorado. The breach occurred while attempting to drain ponded water, contaminating the Animas River watershed and prompting local authorities to seek Superfund assistance for cleanup efforts.