BUENOS AIRES (AP) – A stream that involves a populated area on the outskirts of Buenos Aires has become crimson in recent times, causing fears of dumping industrial chemicals, and images shared by social media residents on Friday was shown.
Sarandistream, near Viline Framable in the municipality of Averaneda, is home to tanning and other industries using chemicals to convert animal skin into leather. Images of bloody red waterways captured by residents quickly spread across social media, reminiscent of apocalyptic images.
Local resident Maria Decommules said she woke up early in the morning and caused a strong smell.
“At 5:30am, we already had a special, dangerous waste incinerator that lets out contaminants into the air,” she told The Associated Press. Shortly afterwards, she noticed the stream. “It looks like blood flowing. We’ve never seen it like this,” she said.
Officials from the city of Averaneda, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of the Argentina capital, suspect the existence of aniline, a toxic substance used in dyes and medicines.
Following collection of water samples, they filed a complaint with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Services, Buenos Aires.
Residents report that the stream has exhibited a variety of unusual colors in the past (gray, green, violet, blue, brown). They say they have been complaining against local businesses since the 1990s, but cases of suspected environmental pollution are still open.
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