Williston, N.D. (AP) The North Dakota Department of Health says 1,000 barrels of brine leaked from a corroded pipe at a well in McKenzie county.
Health Department Environmental Geologist Kris Roberts says "a significant amount'' of the spilled brine was recovered onsite at the oasis petroleum well. The department says an unknown amount of brine made its way into a nearby stream.
Roberts says the health department was notified of the spill on Tuesday. He adds that the leak occurred at a point where two pipes met at a 90 degree angle.
Brine is also called saltwater. It is an unwanted byproduct of oil production and is considered an environmental hazard by the state. It is many times saltier than sea water and can easily kill vegetation exposed to it.