Health Department Investigates Sewage Disposal | Video

Jennifer Joas | 7/13/2012

Western North Dakota is dealing with a smelly situation. Sewage is being dumped in parts of the oil patch, and the state health department is investigating.

The Health Department filed a notice of violation against Hurley Enterprises Incorporated and Mon-Dak Water and Septic Service. The Health Department says the sewage is most likely coming from crew camps or portable toilets at drilling rigs.

Witnesses say Hurley dumped sewage nearly 100 times and Mon-Dak about 30 times.

Many cities in western North Dakota are turning companies away because they are at maximum capacity, which the department says could be a contributing factor.

"Just the increase in population that`s putting stress on the infrastructure. That`s part of it. The other part is some of these facilities are located a distance away from disposal areas. And just transporting it, I think that all kind of plays into why this did happen," said Department of Health Chief Dave Glatt.

The penalty could be a fine up to $5,000 per day, per violation, sanctions, or the company`s license could be suspended or revoked.

The Health Department is investigating other allegations, and is urging the public to report any illegal wastewater disposal.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY