A tanker truck carrying oil-based drilling fluids overturned early Sunday on Texaco Hill near Mancos, spilling 80 to 120 barrels, which prompted a large-scale clean up response.
The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. Monday, according to a news release from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The driver was taken to a local medical facility and is in stable condition. The driver was working as an independent subcontractor for a nontribal operator and is not associated with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund.
The spill is not expected to impact surface water, groundwater, agricultural areas, wildlife or known cultural resources, according to initial assessments, the release said.
At about 6 a.m., emergency crews began mitigation and containment and mobilized roughly 75 personnel from operating companies and subcontractors. Work was focused on securing the site, containing the spill and cleanup efforts.
The tribe did not immediately respond to questions Tuesday about the responsible party and other details of the overturn.
Tribal officials said they plan to hold the responsible party accountable and ensure a timely and thorough remediation.
Monitoring and cleanup efforts remain ongoing, and additional updates are expected as more information becomes available.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
