Oil, produced water spill onto pastureland in western North Dakota

STANLEY, N.D. — Thousands of gallons of crude oil and produced water spilled when tanks overflowed Friday, June 9, in Mountrail County, according to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

The tanks were roughly 10 miles southeast of Stanley, North Dakota, on a well pad operated by Stephens Williston LLC, doing business as Seg Williston LLC, state officials said in a news release. Phone messages left for company representatives were not immediately returned Tuesday.

The spill was reported to state officials the same day it occurred.

It is estimated that about 170 barrels (7,140 gallons) of produced water and 170 barrels (7,140 gallons) of oil spilled as a result of the tank overflows, state officials said.

About 140 barrels (5,880 gallons) of produced water and oil impacted pastureland surrounding the site.

Produced water, or brine, is a mixture of saltwater, oil and sometimes drilling fluids that is created during oil and gas production.

Environmental Quality staff are inspecting the site and will continue to monitor the investigation and remediation of the spill, state officials said.

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