EPA, Rio Blanco County Achieve Successful Containment of Crude Oil Spill

On Jan. 5, 2025, a tanker was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 139, spilling approximately 220 barrels (roughly 9,250 gallons) of crude oil into West Douglas Creek. The accident occurred between Rangely and Grand Junction, Colorado. 

EPA Region 8, in collaboration with the trucking company, Rio Blanco County and BLM, responded to the incident.  

Crews are currently on site with vacuum trucks to remove as much oil as possible while minimizing impact to the local ecosystem. The spill has been successfully contained within West Douglas Creek.  

The land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Currently there have been no changes to access or public land closures. The spill impacted a BLM grazing allotment. The Responsible Party is providing alternative drinking water for the cattle on the allotment. 

At this time there is no estimate when cleanup will be complete. A damage assessment will occur after initial cleanup to determine any remaining impacts to natural resources. 

EPA is committed to keeping the public informed and will provide regular updates on the response efforts through our response website: https://response.epa.gov/Highway139CrudeOilSpill