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For Immediate Release: CDPHE and Southern Ute Indian Tribe Announce Updated Enterprise Pipeline Spill Estimate, Reaffirm Commitment to Transparency

August 27, 2025 / August 27, 2025 by sbegay

La Plata County, Colo. (8/26/25): The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) are providing this update on the gasoline pipeline release that occurred in December 2024 on private fee land within the exterior boundaries of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The state is leading remediation oversight in coordination with the Tribe and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Enterprise Products LLC, which owns and operates the pipeline that failed, has revised its estimate of the release. After questions from the state and the Tribe regarding the accuracy of the original estimate, Enterprise determined it had underestimated the size of the spill and increased its estimate from approximately 23,000 gallons to nearly 97,000 gallons of refined gasoline. This figure remains an estimate and may be revised further. The updated estimate underscores the seriousness of the incident, which is now estimated to be the largest refined gasoline pipeline spill in Colorado since CDPHE began tracking such releases in 2016. The state, in collaboration with the Tribe, is requiring Enterprise to follow a corrective action plan that includes additional steps to ensure a comprehensive and protective cleanup. These requirements include: “As the original caretakers and conservationists, the […]

Election Board: Statement of Intention

August 27, 2025 / August 27, 2025 by sbegay

Interested in Serving on Tribal Council? Stop by the Election Board office to pick up your Statement of Intention packet today! Deadline: Monday, September 8, 2025, by 5:00 PM Location: Election Board Office, 285 Lakin Street, Ignacio, CO If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the Election Board: 📞 970-563-0100 (Extensions: 2303, 2305, 2729, or 2730) 📧 Email: election@southernute-nsn.gov Thank you for taking part in this important process!

SU Tribal Office Closure 09/01/2025

August 25, 2025 / August 25, 2025 by sbegay

In observance of Labor Day, the Permanent Fund, Growth Fund, and SUSS offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Clarifies Position on ICE Facility Reports

August 19, 2025 / August 19, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTMelvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2025 Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Tribe) is aware of recent media coverage regarding the expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities across the country, including in the State of Colorado. We recognize that these reports have placed the Tribe at the center of a highly polarizing national issue, and we want to be clear: the Tribe has not entered into any agreement with ICE regarding detention operations. The Tribe was surprised to learn of its inclusion in a planning document referenced by the Washington Post, which listed potential ICE facility sites. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), confirmed to the Washington Post that the document was created by ICE but is outdated and unapproved. The relationship between the Tribe and ICE has been mischaracterized. The Tribe was not notified nor consulted prior to the release of this information. It is important to note, there have been no discussions between Tribal Council and federal authorities on this matter. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe remains committed to protecting the Tribal Membership […]

SUDEP: August 2025 Microsoft Training Schedule

August 18, 2025 / August 18, 2025 by sbegay

The Southern Ute Digital Equity Program (SUDEP) is excited to offer a series of engaging trainings for interested Tribal Members and First Descendants. The trainings will be from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Topics include Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel 💻. This will be held at the Growth Fund and will be facilitated by instructors from San Juan College. To register, please contact SUDEP at 970-563-5555 or visit https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/sudep/sudep-august-2025-trainings/. Sign up today as seats are limited!

Road Closure Notice: Highway 172

August 8, 2025 / August 13, 2025 by sbegay

August 8, 2025 4:00 PM Highway 172 is currently closed at County Roads 515 and 311 due to fire activity. Please seek alternate routes and avoid the area for your safety. Updates will be provided as conditions change.

SU BIA Agency | For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation to initiate Stage II Fire Restrictions

August 6, 2025 / September 2, 2025 by sbegay

For Immediate Release: Southern Ute Reservation to initiate Stage II Fire Restrictions Due to the continued drought, extremely dry fuel conditions and the occurrence of recent large wildland fires, Stage II fire restrictions will be implemented for all trust lands throughout the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Everyone on reservation land is asked to be very cautious and use common sense with fire this time of year. Stage II Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Reservation. The following acts are prohibited for the general public on reservation lands: STAGE I General Public: Prohibited acts: STAGE II Commercial Operators (logging, thinning, firewood gathering, etc.): Industrial restrictions are attached and also can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517. Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code. The Restrictions will become effective at 0600 on August 8, 2025, and will remain until conditions improve.

Safely Located | Clement J. Frost

August 1, 2025 / August 1, 2025 by sbegay

Update 12:00 PM August 1, 2025 The Justice & Regulatory Department has confirmed former Chairman Clement J. Frost has been safely located. Thank you for your assistance during this time! – Summer Begay, Communication Specialist

SU BIA Agency Fire Notice – Rim Road Fire Update 07/31/2025

July 31, 2025 / August 6, 2025 by sbegay

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571Summer Begay, PIO – 970.553.0052 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2025 Rim Road Fire Update Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Firefighters are making strong headway, with containment expected to reach 75% by the end of the day. The fire remains at 114 acres, with no new growth reported. Crews are actively securing containment lines and conducting mop-up operations across the fire area. Infrared technology is being used to detect and eliminate hidden hot spots, helping ensure the fire stays within control lines. A total of 106 personnel remain assigned to the incident. While fire activity has stayed moderate, crews and resources will remain in the area to respond quickly and proactively to any new fire starts. Public and firefighter safety remain the top priority. Further updates will be shared as conditions evolve. The safety of the community and fire personnel remains the top priority as suppression efforts continue. Smoke may be visible to the local communities. For information related to air quality, please go to: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health or https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/…/ambient-monitoring/. To report fires contact: DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DISPATCH (970) 563-4401

SUPD: 911 Restored

July 31, 2025 / July 31, 2025 by sbegay

🚨 911 Restored 🚨 July 31, 2025 | 4:15 PMOur local 911 system has been fully restored and is now operational. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Category: Veterans