May 2 — MEDORA, ND — A pipeline leak reported by Cobra Oil and Gas on Sunday released approximately 420 gallons of oil, or about 10 barrels, into the environment approximately 7 miles southwest of Medora.
According to the Minnesota Rural Water Association, the spill impacted the local ecosystem, including an unspecified tributary of Garner Creek and surrounding grassland. The organization noted that even half a liter of oil can contaminate up to 1 acre of water surface.
State and federal laws mandate that operators immediately report any spills that could harm the environment. In response to this incident, experts from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality joined forces with Cobra Oil and Gas to resolve the contamination. Efforts are underway to clean up, monitor and implement corrective measures to prevent future occurrences.
For more information about how North Dakota manages environmental spills, visit