Red Dye Leaks Into Creek From Winston-Salem Plant

The spill occurred at Hanes Dye & Finishing Co. on Northwest Boulevard late Tuesday morning.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports firefighters were able to contain much of the dye in the building, but some ended up in Peters Creek. There was no immediate word on how many gallons of dye escaped, but city officials called it a major spill.

City employees working nearby noticed the creek was red and spotted some dead fish.

Dan Johnson with Hanes says the dye is biodegradable. But Marla Sink with the Department of Environmental Quality says more than 100 fish were killed, indicating there was something hazardous in the dye. Residents were warned to avoid the creek until at least Wednesday afternoon.

Hanes has hired an environmental company to clean the up spill.