The investigation continues outside of Parachute, Colorado on drinking water thought to be contaminated with benzene. Two springs outside of a cabin are the focus of the investigation and citations against four oil and gas companies have already been issued.

The citations claim the companies, along with a fifth which was added this week, OXY USA, failed to notify authorities about the benzene contaminating the springs. According to Debbie Baldwin, the environmental manager for the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, OXY failed to report the fact that oil and gas were leaking into a drain above the springs.

Residents at Risk of Leukemia

One resident, Ned Prather, has already come forward claiming he developed health complications because of the benzene contamination. Researchers have found that benzene is linked with life-threatening cancers such as leukemia. City officials expect more locals living near the springs to come forward. The benzene contaminated water is reported to have been leaking into a pond on Prather’s property.

More testing is reportedly being conducted to determine just how much benzene has been released into the water and for how long. In the meantime, health officials are encouraging those living in the area to seek medical attention if they are experiencing any health abnormalities.

Background on Benzene

Benzene is a chemical that is typically found in synthetic rubbers, dyes and gasoline. Exposure, through ingestion or inhalation, of the chemical can cause severe health problems, especially to those who are exposed for a long duration of time.

The Environmental Protection Agency, with the help of other agencies, is committed to ensuring that harmful substances such as benzene are not released into the environment; though in certain cases, such as the problems in Parachute, they were not made aware of benzene emissions, as is legally required. 

Tags: "Benzene Exposure" "water contamination" EPA, EPA, Information-News, water contamination