North Dakota Studies Lightning Strikes in Oil Patch

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) North Dakota is considering whether to study lightning strikes at saltwater disposal sites after lightning hit state facilities at least four times since June.

The lightning strikes at saltwater facilities in the state’s oil patch have triggered fires and spills of oil and brine, a byproduct of oil production.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that people familiar with the facilities say tanks made of fiberglass can be particularly vulnerable to fires when lightning strikes.

North Dakota’s Oil and Gas Research Council decided last week to seek requests for a proposal in an effort to commission a study.

The state’s Industrial Commission, chaired by Gov. Doug Burgum, will need to grant approval before the council can proceed.

Industrial Commission executive director Karlene Fine says the authorization could happen at a meeting Aug. 28th, 2019.