EPA Cracks Down on Gasoline Spill Cleanup Near Durango
UPDATE: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has escalated its oversight of a hazardous gasoline spill cleanup just south of Durango, Colorado, following alarming findings against Enterprise Products LLC. The Texas-based oil company has been accused of violating hazardous waste treatment laws while attempting to manage a massive 97,000-gallon gasoline leak that occurred in December 2024.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe raised “significant concerns” regarding the handling of hazardous waste from the cleanup, prompting the EPA to step in. Their investigation revealed that Enterprise was not complying with safety protocols during the remediation process. A recent news release from the tribe highlighted, “The EPA has issued a notice of non-compliance to Enterprise regarding violations and safety concerns at the site, including hazardous waste characterization, storage, and disposal.”
With hazardous waste stored dangerously close to both Reservation residents and the Animas River, the tribe emphasized the urgency of the situation. The release stated, “Continued delay puts people and the environment at unnecessary risk.” In response to these developments, the EPA has intensified its scrutiny of the cleanup efforts.
Earlier in the remediation process, Enterprise submitted a Treatment-by-Rule Request to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to treat hazardous waste on-site. However, the tribe’s Environmental Programs Department has been actively involved in oversight, expressing concern about the potential threats to tribal members and the surrounding community.
“On-site hazardous waste treatment can be done in a safe and responsible manner, but there have been issues of non-compliance with applicable hazardous waste laws,” the tribe noted. These findings have led to a joint inspection scheduled for Tuesday, where the EPA, CDPHE, and the tribe will assess whether Enterprise has rectified the identified concerns.
As this situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of both the environment and local residents. Authorities are urging the public to stay informed as the cleanup operation continues under increased scrutiny.
