FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Marvin Pinnecoose, Vice Chairman – 970.563.2402
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 31, 2025
Monitoring Underway After Pipeline Spill Near Riverview Ranch Road
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On December 5, 2024, a pipeline owned and operated by Enterprise Products, out of Houston, Texas, experienced a fracture resulting in a gasoline spill on County Road 219 near Riverview Ranch Road. The spill occurred on fee land within the exterior boundaries of the Reservation. As of today, January 31, 2025, it is estimated that 22,000 gallons of gasoline were released. Groundwater has been impacted. The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) is the lead agency and is working with Enterprise to mitigate risks and damage to surrounding private property.
Because this spill occurred within the Reservation boundaries, the Tribe immediately reached out to CDPHE to ensure it was consulted. Since that time, the Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department has been heavily engaged and is proactively monitoring the spill to ensure the continued protection of Tribal Members, Tribal resources and community health.
Executive Officer Lindsay J. Box shared, “We deeply value our strong and robust relationship with CDPHE and La Plata County. Their commitment to keeping the Tribe involved throughout this process, even while the Tribe remains currently unaffected, is invaluable to ensure a comprehensive response should the need arise.”
This incident is NOT currently impacting Tribal Member homes, Tribal Trust, or Tribally-owned fee land. Should the Tribe become aware of any changes to the situation, notifications will be provided promptly through multiple channels, including social media, local news outlets, and direct communication with affected individuals if needed. The Tribe will continue to work closely with local and state authorities to coordinate response efforts and protect community members from any further harm. For more information or questions, Tribal Members may contact the Executive Office at 970-563-2314.
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