Pipeline Leak in Divide County Results in Water Spill

BISMARCK, N.D. – A pipeline leak reported by Continental Resources, Inc. on Jan. 27 has resulted in a spill of produced water in Divide County, according to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ). The incident occurred roughly eight miles north of Wildrose, affecting a rangeland drainage that leads to a nearby waterbody.

Produced water, a by-product of oil and gas extraction, was released when a piping connection failed. Continental Resources estimates the spill at approximately 140 barrels (5,880 gallons), with 10 barrels (420 gallons) escaping beyond the well pad.

NDDEQ personnel have inspected the site and are overseeing the ongoing investigation and cleanup efforts. Produced water spills are subject to strict reporting requirements under federal and state law to protect water, air, and soil quality.
For more details about North Dakota’s Unified Spill Reporting System and updates on this incident, visit spill.nd.gov.