BISMARCK – XTO Energy recently notified the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) of a produced water spill caused when a backhoe struck a pipeline in Williams County. The incident occurred on July 1, about 15 miles south of Tioga, according to the NDDEQ.

XTO Energy estimates about 16,800 gallons of produced water were released, impacting surrounding rangeland. Produced water is a by-product of oil and gas development.

NDDEQ reported its personnel have inspected the site and will continue to monitor the investigation and remediation.