The spill, prompted by an EPA team that was investigating contamination in the area on Wednesday, has prompted a local state of emergency.
An Environmental Protection Agency team working to stop the spread of contaminated water accidentally opened an abandoned mine tunnel, spilling 3 million gallons.
The agency initially estimated the spill at 1 million gallons, then revised its number on Sunday, the Durango Herald reported.
In a public meeting on Sunday, EPA representatives said that though water was still leaking from the mine, it was being captured and treated before it reached other waterways.
"At this point, it's moving clear," regional administrator Shaun McGrath said.
Jerry Mcbride / The Durango Herald via AP
In spite of progress, McGrath noted there could be impacts for years.
As the plume moved through the river, it settled out into the riverbed.
"We do expect over the coming months and years, as there are surges in the river, that settlement can get kicked up," McGrath said.
Brent Lewis/The Denver Post via Getty Images
SOURCE: BuzzFeed
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