On June 23, 2023 EPA received a report (CDPHE Record ID 20230453 Incident Report Number: 2023-0453) of a release of an unknown liquid fertilizer from a tanker truck. Initial assessment estimated the release to be around 40,000 gallons. Subsequent report put the number closer to 1,000 to 2,000 gallons.
Colorado State Patrol, Brighton Fire Department and City of Brighton were on scene to coordinate response and cleanup efforts. EPA OSC and START contractors arrived on scene at approximately 1700 on June 23, 2023. Upon closer inspection and analysis with the Thermo Fisher Gemini, the product released turned out to be glyphosate, or commercially known as Round-Up. In addition, approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled as the saddle tank of the truck also suffered some damage.
Cleanup contractors for Colorado State Patrol and City of Brighton were on scene and removed visible liquid.
On June 26, 2023, City of Brighton, East Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and EPA OSC met again at the site after a weekend of deliberation and consultation with other agencies/government entities. While glyphosate has no acute toxicity, it is considered by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a probable carcinogen. EPA sets the MCLG for glyphosate to be 0.7 ppm. The drinking water aquifer for the area, the Beebe Draw, is quite shallow, at 50 feet below ground, with mostly sandy soils. There are drinking water intake wells within approximately 1.25 miles from the spill location. Links to City of Brighton Website and USGS Report below:
https://www.brightonco.gov/307/About-Our-Water
https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/wsp1658
Decisions from local, State, and EPA pointed to an expeditious removal of contaminated soils to prevent downward movement of glyphosate and risk of drinking water contamination.
