WATFORD CITY – A bentonite spill from a pipeline drilling project occurred on Wednesday about six miles southeast of Watford City, according to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

Jomax Construction Company, Inc., estimated about 10,000 gallons of bentonite were released, impacting an unnamed dry creek bed.

Bentonite, a clay material, is used as a lubricant in horizontal pipeline drilling. The product used for this project contained no additives.

NDDEQ personnel have inspected the site and will continue to monitor the investigation and cleanup.