Gasoline Pipeline Leak Near Durango Doubles Initial Estimates, Threatens Animas River with 97,000 Gallons Released

Major Gasoline Spill Discovered Near Durango

A recent gasoline leak from an Enterprise Products LLC pipeline, located in La Plata County, has been assessed to have released an alarming 97,000 gallons of refined gasoline, which poses a significant threat to the surrounding environment, particularly the Animas River. This volume is more than four times the original estimate of 23,000 gallons provided by the company, as confirmed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

Details Surrounding the Spill

The incident, which occurred on December 5, 2024, is noted as being the largest refined gasoline pipeline spill in Colorado since records began in 2016. A joint news release from the health department and the Southern Ute Tribe highlighted the severity of the situation, reinforcing the need for immediate and thorough remediation efforts.

Local community members raised concerns about the leak, having reported gasoline on the ground’s surface that day. In response, a hazmat crew was deployed, leading to the evacuation of some residents from a nearby subdivision. Those affected received water filters and cisterns to mitigate contamination risks, with some individuals having to temporarily relocate to hotels.

Technical Failures and Concerns

Reports have indicated that the pipeline’s leak detection systems failed to notify Enterprise of the spill. Residents expressed skepticism regarding the initial estimate, suggesting that the leak might have persisted for an extended period before being detected. Patrick Goddard, owner of Rainbow Springs Trout Farm, shared his doubts, stating, “It doesn’t surprise me. It keeps seeming to go up.”

The impacted pipeline is part of the Mid-America Pipeline System that traverses multiple states, including Texas and New Mexico. Specifically, the leak occurred on the Four Corners Lateral Loop, affecting agricultural land and residential areas of Florida Mesa, as it runs beneath the Animas River.

Benzene and other contaminants have been identified as part of the leak, raising alarms due to their detrimental health effects. Short-term exposure can lead to symptoms such as headaches and nausea, while long-term exposure may increase the risk of leukemia, according to CDPHE findings.

Remedial Actions and Regulatory Framework

Enterprise Products has reported recovering more than 20,000 gallons of gasoline thus far. In collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the state has mandated the company to adhere to a corrective action plan aimed at ensuring comprehensive cleanup of the spill. Tribe Chairman Melvin Baker emphasized the necessity for “urgency and accountability” from Enterprise to protect the Animas River and uphold environmental standards.

In accordance with the corrective action plan, continued remediation efforts will take place until it is confirmed that contamination levels meet regulatory standards and no longer pose further risk.

Monitoring and Community Response

Despite the recovery efforts, concern remains regarding the underground plume of contaminants, which is mainly migrating southward but poses potential risks to the Animas River. Experts have indicated that if the plume continues spreading, there could be seepage affecting the river, leading to further environmental repercussions.

As of mid-August, monitoring data has suggested that the Animas River remains unimpacted, but surveillance efforts are ongoing to ensure community safety.

The spill has dramatically altered the lives of residents near the affected area, with increased presence of heavy machinery and workers seen in the neighborhoods near County Road 219 and Bardin Drive. Many residents are concerned about transparency and the long-term health implications of the spill.

Mark Pearson, executive director of the San Juan Citizens Alliance, acknowledged the efforts of the Southern Ute Tribe in seeking clarity and appropriate resolutions, adding that incidents like this expose the murky nature of regulatory processes surrounding pipelines, which often only come to light during serious incidents.

Impact Summary