State Continues To Check Into Oil & Gas Flooding Problems
FIRESTONE, Colo. (CBS4) - After a 16th significant oil spill was discovered this week in the wake of Colorado's historic flooding, state regulators are warning people to stay away from areas where spills have taken place.
Hundreds of gas pads were damaged in last month's flooding. The flood water pushed some heavy equipment off of its original location, and even exposed a main pipeline that flows out of state.
"There are large pieces of equipment out in the field that are probably not in a very steady position. They could be tipped over. They could possibly roll," Colorado Department of Natural Resources spokesman Todd Hartman said.
Despite all of the damage, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources says the oil and gas industry in the state is well on its way to recovery.
"We have a good sense that this event -- while serious and significant -- in the grand scale of this flood, it was just one more unfortunate result," Hartman said.
Contamination from the oil spills mostly washed downstream with the flooding water.
Approximately 80 percent of the areas affected by flooding have already been surveyed for damage and leaks, and Hartman says fixes are underway for problems they already know exist.
There's no timeline for when the oil and gas industry operations will be back to 100 percent.
Colorado Floods: How To Help
The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
