Nearly 1,200 oil and gas spills were reported in Colorado last year, a significant increase from previous years, according to data from the state Energy and Carbon Management Commission. The spike in reported spills is attributed to stricter spill reporting requirements that were implemented in 2021.
In 2023, a total of 1,192 spills and releases were reported, up from 1,106 in 2022 and 854 in 2021. The majority of these spills, 867 in total, occurred in Weld County, which is known for its oil-rich environment and high concentration of active wells. Other counties such as Garfield, Rio Blanco, and Mesa also reported spills, with varying numbers compared to the previous year.
The new reporting thresholds require companies to report spills of a barrel or more outside containment areas, and five barrels or more even when contained. Additionally, spills of any size that pose a threat to water sources, public systems, homes, wildlife, and roads must be reported. Companies are also required to submit remediation plans for closing wells and related production facilities to document historical releases found during closure work.
The Energy and Carbon Management Commission acknowledges that the increase in reported spills is a result of better oversight during well plugging and abandonment activities. This increase in reporting, despite historical releases being found long after they occur, is seen as a positive step towards environmental protection and groundwater preservation.
While the number of reported spills has risen, the Center for Western Priorities notes that the amount of drilling-related liquid spilled annually in Colorado has actually decreased slightly since 1999, indicating that stricter regulations have been effective in curbing spills without hindering production. The center emphasizes the importance of increasing compliance with reporting requirements to ensure the safety and protection of water sources, inhabited areas, and surface water in the state.
