Photo courtesy of Associated Press: In this January 12, 2015 photo, crews dig at a spill site near Blacktail Creek outside Williston, N.D.
In 2014 a New York Times investigation reported that 18.4 million gallons of oil and chemical substances had leaked into the North Dakotn air, water and soil between 2006 and October 2014. Since this investigation, two more major occurrences have taken place in the area, leaving some residents wondering how safe the air is they're breathing.
More than 4 million gallons of a mixture of fresh water, brine and oil have been pumped from the area affected by the largest saltwater spill of North Dakota's current energy boom, according to a report issued in late January by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The report provided an overall assessment on the nearly 3 million-gallon spill of saltwater generated by oil drilling that leaked from a ruptured pipeline that operator Summit Midstream Partners LLC detected on Jan. 6, 2015. The spill happened in Marmon, approximately 15 miles north of Williston.
The spill contaminated Blacktail Creek and the Little Muddy River, with high readings of contamination being found where the Little Muddy meets the Missouri River. It's being called the largest spill since the oil boom began in North Dakota
On January 17, 2015 an oil pipeline owned by Bridger Pipeline Co. spilled roughly 50,000 gallons of crude into the Yellowstone River near Glendive, MT, prompting Montana governor Bullock to declare a state of emergency. Early testing of the Glendive water indicated the presence of benzene, a cancer causing agent, and residents were put on alert to not use the water for culinary purposes.
Unfortunately these are not isolated instances. According to the Associated Press, there were 74 "saltwater" spills in North Dakota in 2013, spilling a total of 924,000 gallons. Saltwater, known as brine, is an unwanted byproduct of oil and natural gas production that is much saltier than sea water and may also contain petroleum and residue from hydraulic fracturing operations.
Air pollution poses a serious threat to our nation's health. It is imperative we all work together to create and maintain safe living and working environments.
If you have questions or concerns, contact the North Dakota Department of Health Air Quality at 701-328-5188 or you may view their website at http://www.ndhealth.gov/AQ/
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