Bismarck, N.D. (AP) The state's top oil regulator has reduced to $20,000 an original $800,000 fine against a company linked to the illegal dumping of radioactive oil waste in rural North Dakota.
Department of Natural Resource Director Lynn Helms has signed the agreement with Zenith produced water LLC. The operator has been linked to the dumping of oil filter socks in an abandoned gas station found in February in Noonan.
Helms didn't immediately return calls for comment Wednesday from the Associated Press. It's unclear why the fine was drastically reduced.
Oil filter socks are tubular nets that strain liquids during the oil production process.
U.S. Attorney Tim Purdon says there is still an open federal investigation into the incident that involves his office, the environmental protection agency and the department of justice.