The Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado has ordered an investigation into a chemical spill on its land.

The tribe said it wasn't immediately told of the April 17 spill at a BP gas well. The state and the Environmental Protection Agency weren't immediately informed either.

The state lacks jurisdiction in Indian Country but the EPA is investigating the spill. At issue is whether the spill exceeded tribal or federal guidelines for notification.

The incident wasn't made public until a nurse became very sick after treating a worker who cleaned up the spill. The nurse told The Durango Herald about her illness.

Get the Story:
S. Utes not told of frac spill (The Durango Herald 8/2)

Related Stories:
EPA investigates spill on Southern Ute land (8/1)
Colorado to exempt tribal lands from energy rules (7/18)
Colorado's oil and gas rules run into opposition (6/6)