A pipeline failure in northwest North Dakota released approximately 73,000 barrels—about 3.1 million gallons—of brine into Williams County, the Department of Environmental Quality confirmed this week. The spill occurred near Williston and was discovered Monday by Continental Resources staff, who alerted state regulators.
Brine is a toxic byproduct of oil extraction and can severely damage land and ecosystems. According to Marty Haroldson of the Division of Water Quality, the spill contaminated grassland and reached a small tributary connected to Stony Creek. However, it did not enter the creek itself and has not affected any known drinking water sources.
Crews quickly responded by removing fluids, blocking culverts, and building berms to contain the spread. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, and excavation work is underway to repair the damaged pipeline.
The cause of the spill remains under investigation. Officials from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Mineral Resources are monitoring the site and directing cleanup operations.
Continental Resources has not issued a public statement. This incident marks one of the larger brine spills in recent state history.
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