See a slideshow of images of Animas River contamination
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Acidic mining wastewater and sludge moving downstream in the Animas River, Thursday August 6, one day after an upstream mine blowout.
Mark Duggan
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Sediment from mining wastewater clings to the banks of the Animas River, August 6, 2015.
Mark Duggan
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The Animas River at Trimble Crossing, Thursday August 6, one day after the mine spill and before the contaminant plume had reached Durango.
Mark Duggan
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The Animas River, August 7, the morning after the contaminant plume moved through town.
Mark Duggan
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Another view of the Animas River in downtown Durango the morning of Friday August 7, 2015.
Stasia Lanier
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The Animas River in downtown Durango flowed a bright orange on the morning of Friday August 7.
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Crowds gathered on Durango's 32nd Street bridge Thursday August 6, to watch for the appearance of orange contaminated water. It would not appear at the bridge until sometime overnight.
Mark Duggan
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A closeup of wastewater sediment on the banks of the Animas River on August 7, 2015.
Mark Duggan
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Heavy sediment coating the banks of the Animas, August 7, 2015
Mark Duggan
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Greenish whitewater, Friday August 7, 2015.
Mark Duggan
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From orange to green: the Animas River just south of downtown Durango on August 7, 2015.
Mark Duggan
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Looking north up the Animas, Friday August 7, 2015.
Mark Duggan
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A view from near Fort Lewis College, looking west at the Animas River and Durango on August 7, 2015.
Mark Duggan
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La Plata County officials closed the Animas to all recreation on August 6.
Mark Duggan
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The waters of the Animas had changed to a pea green by Saturday, August 8.
Mark Duggan
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Another view of Durango and the Animas River, looking north, Saturday August 8.
Mark Duggan
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The Animas had changed colors to pea green by midday Saturday, August 8.
Mark Duggan
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Durango is no stranger to pollution in many forms. Taken Thursday August 13, 2015.
Mark Duggan
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Animas River water appears normal to the eye on the morning of Thursday August 13.
Mark Duggan
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Orange gunk is still visible on the banks of the Animas a week after a plume of contaminated wastewater swept downstream. Taken August 13.
Mark Duggan
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EPA scienists say the heavy metals concentrations in the Animas River have returned to "pre-event" conditions. But the Animas is consistently one of the most polluted rivers in Colorado, the result of runoff from upstream mines.
Mark Duggan
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La Plata County officials reopened the Animas River on August 14, but with a health advisory. Photo taken August 14.
Mark Duggan
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The Animas River boat launch area near 32nd Street was empty five hours after the river reopened to recreation. Photo taken August 14.
Mark Duggan
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A lone paddleboarder takes to the Animas hours after it reopened to recreation. Photo taken August 14.
Mark Duggan
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Five hours after the Animas River reopened to recreation, few people had ventured into the water. Photo taken August 14.
Mark Duggan