February 20 Update
The response team continues to remove oil from West Douglas Creek. Crews removed most of the recoverable oil from the creek within the first few days following the accident. With the onset of colder temperatures, the creek froze and oil became trapped within and beneath the ice. As temperatures periodically warm and the ice melts, crews continue collection efforts within the creek. Oil has not migrated past the dam constructed within the creek. The response is focused on removing as much oil as feasible, while taking care to limit impacts on the high desert terrain and vegetation.
The work may result in travel delays on the north side of Douglas Pass and
Highway 139. Livestock should avoid drinking from the creek within the
area of impact until the cleanup is complete. An alternative drinking water
supply has been provided for cattle on the BLM allotment.
Background
At approximately 1:15 pm on Monday, January 5, 2026, a
tanker trailer carrying roughly 220 barrels (approximately 9,250 gallons) of crude oil was involved in a single-vehicle accident along Highway 139 between Rangely and
Grand Junction, Colorado. The accident resulted in a complete loss of the
contents into West Douglas Creek. The spill occurred on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The truck driver was hospitalized and received care for what appears to be
relatively minor injuries.
In coordination with their insurance, the trucking company mobilized vacuum trucks to recover
oil. In addition, representatives from the Rangely Fire Department constructed a dam approximately 0.75-mile downstream from the accident location and
as of approximately 5 pm, the trucking company reported that no oil had yet
reached the dam.
EPA deployed two On-Scene Coordinators to the scene to conduct further assessment. They arrived on scene on January 6.
The spill has been successfully contained within West Douglas Creek. There are no known impacts to drinking water. The spill impacted a BLM grazing allotment. The Responsible Party is providing alternative drinking water for the cattle on the allotment.
