North Dakota Companies Face More Fines Over Sewage Disposal

Two companies fined more than half a million dollars by the state for improperly dumping sewage in the western North Dakota oil patch have reached an agreement with federal prosecutors on more fines.

Fairview, Mont.-based Hurley Enterprises and Stanley-based MonDak Water and Septic Service each have agreed to pay $50,000 in fines to resolve federal charges of illegally disposing of domestic sewage.

The companies’ attorney, Thomas Kelly, says they decided to “take the high road” and settle the case. As part of the settlements with the state that were announced earlier, Hurley is developing a training program for septic waste haulers and MonDak is developing wastewater treatment lagoons.

Hurley spokesman Dave Gorham says no one was prepared for the rapid growth of sewage volume in the booming oil patch.