Well Spewing Oil Near Van Hook

- Win $529 for your child's college education

Well Spewing Oil Near Van Hook

Posted: Updated:

The blowout of an active oil well east of New Town is spewing oil into the air near Lake Sakakawea. A Slawson Exploration official says the rig failed between 6pm and 7pm Wednesday just east of Van Hook.

The official says there's no way to estimate the amount of oil being spilled, adding that determination will come after the leak is stopped. A firm specializing in oil well leaks is working on the problem.

State agencies including the North Dakota Health Department have representatives on the scene. The Slawson official says his firm has built three barriers between the well and the lake, about a half mile to the south. A southeast wind has been carrying the mist that is shooting from the well to the northwest, away from the water. But officials are monitoring liquid oil that is also spilling, trying to keep it from reaching the Missouri River.

Oil continues to mist out from an oil well site near Lake Sakakawea this afternoon.

Minot/Williston NewsMore>>
No Charges Yet in Accident
No Charges Yet in Accident
Updated: Monday, May 20 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:22:53 GMT
The investigation continues into the fatal accident on Minot's southwest edge Thursday evening. A semi plowed into several vehicles stopped at a red light along the bypass, killing one person and injuring
The investigation continues into the fatal accident on Minot's southwest edge Thursday evening. A semi plowed into several vehicles stopped at a red light along the bypass, killing one person and injuring
Rain Problems Adding Up
Rain Problems Adding Up
Updated: Monday, May 20 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:21:15 GMT
A barrage of rain for the past few days is dampening the chances of farmers likelihood of a full harvest. Minot is already over a full inch of rain higher than the May average, most of which has been
A barrage of rain for the past few days is dampening the chances of farmers likelihood of a full harvest. Minot is already over a full inch of rain higher than the May average, most of which has been
State Park Low on Water
State Park Low on Water
Updated: Monday, May 20 2013 6:19 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:19:40 GMT
The level of Lake Sakakawea has risen slightly in the past few days - as heavy rains run off into the lake. But the big lake is still about eight feet lower than it was one year ago. And that has left
The level of Lake Sakakawea has risen slightly in the past few days - as heavy rains run off into the lake. But the big lake is still about eight feet lower than it was one year ago. And that has left
Bus Fire
Bus Fire
Updated: Monday, May 20 2013 6:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:18:53 GMT
A bus traveling from Montana to Minnesota caught fire near Williston last night, forcing the passengers to scramble to safety. A company official says the Jefferson Lines bus had 20 people on board when
A bus traveling from Montana to Minnesota caught fire near Williston last night, forcing the passengers to scramble to safety. A company official says the Jefferson Lines bus had 20 people on board when
Student Spotlight: Bishop Ryan
Student Spotlight: Bishop Ryan
Updated: Monday, May 20 2013 6:18 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:18:03 GMT
Caps and gowns were the order of the day yesterday at Bishop Ryan High School. But before we send the grads off, we want to introduce you to the valedictorians of the class. Here are Abbey Steckler and
Caps and gowns were the order of the day yesterday at Bishop Ryan High School. But before we send the grads off, we want to introduce you to the valedictorians of the class. Here are Abbey Steckler and