At the Gold King Mine in Colorado, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) team was conducting a cleanup of the abandoned site, which had been a source of chronic pollution. While attempting to address the ongoing issues of heavy metal runoff, workers inadvertently breached a collapsed dam that had been holding back water contaminated with various toxic metals, including lead and arsenic. The breach unleashed a torrent of approximately three million gallons of bright orange-tinted wastewater into the Animas River, creating an alarming environmental crisis.

As the contaminated water flowed downstream, it turned the Animas River a startling orange hue, prompting concerns about its effects on water quality and local ecosystems. The spill affected communities in the surrounding areas, particularly those in northern New Mexico, where residents relied on the river for drinking water, recreation, and agricultural purposes. The EPA faced significant criticism for its handling of the situation, as questions about the agency's preparedness and safety measures were raised by environmentalists, local governments, and residents alike.

In the aftermath, the EPA worked to monitor the water quality and initiate cleanup efforts to mitigate the damage caused by the spill. Communities along the Animas River were notified, and emergency protocols were put in place to ensure public safety. Legal and financial repercussions for the agency followed, leading to debates around environmental regulation and accountability for federal agencies in future incidents of pollution.