North Dakota expecting $10M through settlement for largest spill in state history

[TexasTowelie]

North Dakota is expected to collect $10 million through a settlement with Summit Midstream, the operator of a pipeline that leaked 29 million gallons of produced water north of Williston in 2014 and 2015.

The incident occurred over the course of five months and was the largest oil patch spill in North Dakota history. It was also the largest inland spill in U.S. history of produced water, a byproduct of oil production that can contaminate land and water.

The 29 million gallon volume, revealed in criminal charges and a lawsuit filed against Summit this week, is 10 times greater than previously thought.

The federal and state governments are involved in the legal battle against Summit, and several settlements totaling $35 million filed simultaneously with the charges and suit would resolve those cases. The settlement related to the lawsuit requires a 30-day public comment period and court approval.

Read more: https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/north-dakota-expecting-10m-through-settlement-for-largest-spill-in-state-history/article_b8357447-8217-54d7-8c06-0eae3541af86.html

[harumph]

1. That settlement seems absurdly low.

So, roughly 3 cents/gallon of oil spilled. What monies have already been spent on the cleanup?

[TexasTowelie]

2. Actually it's nearly 35 cents a gallon and that is only the state's share.

The feds will also get their own cut which looks like about 85 cents per gallon. Considering that crude oil runs about $1.50 to $1.60 a gallon, paying $1.20 in fines for what is "diluted" oil seems substantial.