Final answer:
The Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, caught fire in 1969 due to high pollution levels from industrial waste. This incident influenced the establishment of the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Step-by-step explanation:
The river that caught fire in 1969 due to high levels of pollution is the Cuyahoga River. This unfortunate incident was a result of industrial waste being dumped into the river for many years in Cleveland, Ohio. The incident drew national attention and led to the formation of the Clean Water Act as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Learn more about Cuyahoga River