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

More from Local News

Two Bicyclists Killed on N36 in alleged DWI Crash

The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.
One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.
First Native American President Named at Fort Lewis College

As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
Arrest Made after Durango Rec Center Damaged by Gunfire

The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
Police Arrest Woman for Husband's Fatal Stabbing 5 years ago

After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.