RAY – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality was notified by Hess Corporation that about 40,986 barrels of fresh water was released from a tank on a well pad about three miles southeast of Ray on Tuesday, according to information from NDDEQ.

A tank liner tear caused the release, which flowed off location, potentially impacting a wetland area. Fresh water used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is typically sourced from permitted locations, such as nearby wetlands or municipal water supplies.

Personnel from the NDDEQ are working with the responsible party on cleanup and will continue to monitor the investigation and remediation.