Pipeline spill of oilfield wastewater affecting more cropland than first reported

A pipeline spill of oilfield wastewater in northwestern North Dakota has affected more cropland than originally reported.

State environmental scientist Bill Suess said regulators were notified earlier this month of the 8,400 gallon pipeline leak in Renville County.

The pipeline operator initially said about 1,000 square feet of cropland was affected. But the owner of the cropland said it may have contaminated as much as 400,000 square feet of soil.

Suess said that estimate could be accurate but the official number is not yet known.