Colorado Flooding Sparks 18,000-Gallon Oil Leak

10 oil and gas releases being monitored in the state, officials say

Over 18,000 gallons of oil have leaked into Colorado's South Platte and St. Vrain Rivers as historic flooding continues to wreak havoc upon the state.

One 5,250-gallon spill happened near Milliken, while a second, 13,500-gallon release happened near Platteville.

The leaking tanks are owned by Anadarko, which stated on Thursday that "there were no impacts to the environment due to our drilling or hydraulic fracturing activities."

In addition to the oil leaks, Noble Energy reported "natural gas releases" from three of its wells, with one of those releases still not contained.

The Denver Post reports on Thursday that there are a total of 10 oil and gas releases being monitored in the state, with 8 of the releases classified as "minor."

Officials are also warning about sewage and household and industrial chemicals that may be in the floodwaters, posing public health risks.

The flooding, which many have linked to climate change, has left 200 people still unaccounted for, six dead, pet and livestock victims, and communities and businesses struggling in the aftermath of the multi-billion dollar disaster.

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