The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe have announced a significant update regarding the gasoline pipeline spill that took place in December 2024. The incident occurred on private land within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, with state officials leading remediation oversight in coordination with the Tribe and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Enterprise Products LLC, owner and operator of the affected pipeline, has revised its initial estimate of the volume released during the incident. Following questions from both state and tribal representatives about the accuracy of its earlier assessment, Enterprise raised its estimate from approximately 23,000 gallons to nearly 97,000 gallons of refined gasoline. This makes it the largest refined gasoline pipeline spill recorded in Colorado since CDPHE began tracking such events in 2016. The current figure is still considered an estimate and may change as more information becomes available.
State authorities, working together with tribal leaders, are requiring Enterprise to implement a corrective action plan designed to ensure thorough cleanup efforts. The plan calls for expanded monitoring of groundwater and soil to assess contamination spread; installation of additional treatment systems for both groundwater and soil; enhanced protections for residents through water deliveries, cisterns, and point-of-entry treatment systems in homes; measures to safeguard natural resources by monitoring seeps and springs near Florida Mesa to prevent impacts on the Animas River; and transparent reporting practices so local leaders and community members receive timely updates.
“As the original caretakers and conservationists, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe calls upon Enterprise and CDPHE to act with urgency and accountability in fully remediating the spill. The Tribe expects timely action and robust safeguards to protect the Animas River and our Tribal Membership. Anything less would be a failure to uphold the standards our community and environment deserve,” said Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
“CDPHE is honored to work alongside the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in responding to this spill,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of CDPHE. “We share their commitment to protecting community health and safeguarding the environment, and will continue to support strong measures to ensure Enterprise meets its obligations.”
According to reports from Enterprise, over 20,000 gallons of gasoline have already been recovered from below ground using soil vapor extraction technology. Remediation activities will continue under regulatory oversight until all standards are met and contamination no longer poses risks.
The Tribe and CDPHE maintain ongoing communication with local residents, La Plata County officials, as well as state leadership. Weekly meetings involving Enterprise staff help guide next steps based on current data reviews. Both agencies have committed to providing regular public updates as more details become available.
For further information about ongoing response efforts or environmental monitoring related to this incident, visit:
Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department webpage
CDPHE’s La Plata County gasoline spill incident webpage
