The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is cautioning the public to avoid a two-mile stretch of the Cannonball River in Hettinger County after a chemical spill occurred last week. A tractor and sprayer fell into the river near New England, releasing about 200 gallons of diluted herbicides and 15 gallons of diesel. Officials believe the accident happened when the riverbank gave way. As a precaution, residents are being advised to avoid fishing, swimming, or other recreation in a one-mile radius around the spill until water test results are available next week.
Crews have worked to contain the spill, and officials expect little to no long-term environmental impact. Importantly, the Cannonball River is not used for drinking water, and there is no risk of downstream effects.
Photo Credit: World Map
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