WATFORD CITY – A pipeline leak resulted in a produced water and oil spill about 4 miles west of Watford City on Aug. 30. The cause of the pipeline leak is currently unknown.

Produced water is a by-product of oil and gas development.

Initial estimates indicate about 200 barrels of produced water were released from the pipeline, impacting pastureland.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) was notified about the spill on Aug. 31. The pipeline is operated by Henry Hill Oil Services LLC.

Personnel from the NDDEQ are inspecting the site and will continue to monitor the investigation and remediation.