Colorado’s Largest Gasoline Spill Hits 97,000 Gallons Near Durango, Threatening Animas River

Major Gasoline Spill Near Durango Increases to 97,000 Gallons

A significant environmental incident has unfolded in La Plata County, Colorado, where a pipeline leak has escalated into the largest refined gasoline spill recorded in the state since official tracking began in 2016. Initially assessed at 23,000 gallons, the leak was later confirmed to have released a staggering 97,000 gallons of gasoline, as stated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. This alarming discovery draws attention to a potential ecological crisis that could jeopardize the nearby Animas River.

Incident Overview

The spill occurred on December 5, 2024, on Florida Mesa, situated southeast of Durango and within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Reservation. Reports from locals on that day indicated gasoline on the ground’s surface, which prompted an emergency response from hazardous materials teams. As a safety precaution, several families were evacuated from their homes in a nearby subdivision, receiving temporary accommodations and water filtration systems.

Leak Detection and Community Concerns

Questions have arisen regarding the effectiveness of the pipeline’s leak detection systems, which failed to alert Enterprise Products LLC about the spill. Community members expressed skepticism over the initial volume estimates, suspecting that the pipeline may have been leaking for an extended period before being discovered. Local resident Patrick Goddard, who owns Rainbow Springs Trout Farm, stated, “It keeps seeming to go up,” reflecting the growing unease surrounding the accuracy of reported figures.

Health Impact and Environmental Risks

The leaked gasoline contained harmful substances such as benzene, a toxic component of crude oil that poses immediate health risks, including headaches and nausea, along with longer-term dangers like leukemia after prolonged exposure. According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the cause of the leak was attributed to a “material failure” of the pipeline or welding, although further investigation details remain scarce.

Response and Clean-Up Efforts

In response to the spill, Enterprise claims to have recovered over 20,000 gallons of gasoline thus far. The Southern Ute Tribe has urged the company to act swiftly and responsibly to remediate the situation. “The Tribe expects timely action and robust safeguards to protect the Animas River and our Tribal Membership,” stated Tribal Chairman Melvin Baker. CDPHE has also mandated that Enterprise adhere to a corrective action plan, ensuring comprehensive clean-up until contamination levels are deemed safe.

Concern for Animas River

While officials maintain that the Animas River currently remains protected, they continue to monitor the situation closely. Experts warn that there is still a risk of contaminants affecting the river through underground pathways, stressing the importance of ongoing vigilance.

Community Impact and Reactions

The repercussions of the spill have altered the daily lives of residents in the vicinity. Once peaceful neighborhoods have been invaded by heavy machinery and workers as recovery efforts unfold. Community members are increasingly frustrated by the lack of transparency from Enterprise, fearing potential long-term implications on property values and their health. Mark Pearson, executive director of the San Juan Citizens Alliance, voiced appreciation for the Southern Ute Tribe’s commitment to transparency and effective resolution of the incident.

The ongoing situation calls for strengthened monitoring protocols and open lines of communication between the community, tribal authorities, and Enterprise Products to safeguard not only the environment but the health and well-being of all affected residents.