Oil spill stopped from reaching tributary on Navajo Nation
Aug 17, 2022, 4:54 PM
File photo (KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Crews have stopped an oil spill from reaching a tributary to the San Juan River and clean-up work continues at Standing Redrock Creek, Navajo Nation officials said Wednesday.
They said the Capitol Operating Group had a release from a corroded pipeline between the saltwater tank and an injection well located in Red Valley on Aug. 7. The incident released up to 80 barrels of brine water.
Tribal officials said the brine water contained oil, brine, and saltwater and the release traveled over three miles through an unnamed drainage to the Standing Redrock Creek.
“We continue to monitor the situation together and we will continue to hold the responsible party, the Capital Group, accountable and ensure that they provide the highest level of remediation as a result of the spill that occurred,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a statement.
Navajo Nation EPA continues working with the federal EPA to address the Capitol Operating Group oil spill pic.twitter.com/rTNljPDgKW
— Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (@NNPrezNez) August 17, 2022
Tribal officials said the remediation is expected to continue into next week and includes replacing the pipeline, treating the release site and unnamed drainage, and collecting the contaminated soil in the creek bed.
They said berms and additional absorbent pads have been placed throughout the creek to collect any runoff from monsoon rains.
