Authorities in Kansas are urging people to avoid Lime Creek in the town of Herington, after it was discovered Sunday night that sulfuric acid was leaking from a rail yard.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says thousands of gallons of sulfuric acid spilled into the creek.

Residents, their livestock and pets should avoid that body of water for recreational or drinking purposes. In addition, KDHE and the Dickinson County Emergency Management agency have alerted property owners downstream who use the area for cattle watering.

The specific area is from Highway 56 North to Avenue 1000. It is estimated that almost 11,000 gallons of sulfuric acid has spilled into Lime Creek.

KDHE will continue to test the area and will send out another notice when the water is considered clear for use.