Update: Tests Show No Impact from Spill

Monday, November 5, 2018 at 1:12 PM

San Juan County Officials, The City of Farmington, and Emergency Management met with BP America to discuss the results of sampling from the Animas River spill. No traces of Hydrocarbons were found. All samples from the Animas river met EPA Standards.

From San Juan County:

November 12, 2018

After concerns of a spill of produced water into the Animas River, testing has indicated river water is safe to resume using.

San Juan County Officials, The City of Farmington, and Emergency Management met with BP America to discuss the results of sampling from the Animas River spill. No traces of Hydrocarbons were found. All samples from the Animas river met EPA Standards.

The City of Farmington also reported that water quality sensors, first installed during the Gold King Mine incident, did not detect readings of concern after the initial reports of a produced water spill.

Water users have been informed of the testing results and may resume normal use of the river. The City of Aztec, NMSU Extension Agent and State Engineers office have also been informed of the test results.

November 5, 2018

Information coming from La Plata County Colorado has identified a spill of possibly petroleum-laced water into the Animas River, north of the state line.

According to La Plata County, an unknown amount of produced water, possibly containing petroleum in some state, was spilled some time over the weekend. As of Monday morning, the water has reached the Animas River. Produced water refers to water that is pumped from a well as a byproduct of oil and gas also being produced.

The spill originated in High Flume Canyon, near the intersection of CR 213 and Rancho Durango Road. This location is west of US Highway 550 and the Animas River, and south of Durango. It is almost seven miles from the state line. The spill was first reported due to a petroleum smell coming from a nearby irrigation ditch. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission are investigating.

San Juan County Office of Emergency Management has informed local water users of the incident.

As more information is gathered, it will be made available through press release and social media.

From the City of Farmington:

November 5, 2018

The City of Farmington has been notified of a produced water spill from a wellsite near the Colorado border. In an abundance of caution, intake pumps to Lake Farmington have been shut down. Our citizens can rest assured that Farmington City water remains safe to consume.

More information to follow

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