A gasoline spill measuring 23,000 gallons is endangering the Animas River as benzene leaks are reportedly detected in areas near tribal lands. Southern Ute leaders are voicing concerns over the slow pace of cleanup activities by both state authorities and the pipeline owner, Enterprise Products. The spill occurred on December 5 and has resulted in contamination of private wells and a considerable threat to aquatic ecosystems and agriculture. The tribe is undertaking its own efforts to monitor the situation, reflecting their stewardship commitment to the land and community health.
Benzene from a major gasoline spill threatens the Animas River and Southern Ute tribal territories, with concerns about slow cleanup efforts and long-term health risks.
"The tribe is being proactive, because we don't think they move fast enough, so we've initiated our own attempt to locate seeps and get a baseline sample before the irrigation system comes up," Dorsk said.
"The tribe point of view is a little different, because we're stewards of this land, and this is the Southern Ute peoples' land. Damages to wildlife and vegetation..."
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment states this pipeline spill is the sixth-largest handled in recent years, underlining the urgency of the situation.
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