Highway 23 reopens after tank battery explosion in McKenzie County

MCKENZIE COUNTY, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Highway 23 in McKenzie County has reopened following a tank battery explosion and fire that forced the roadway’s closure.

The incident occurred December 29 at Select Water Solutions’ Rink SWD 2 site, located about 15 miles east of Watford City, according to the North Dakota Oil and Gas Division. The explosion released 4,000 barrels of produced water onto the site, Select Water Solutions reported to state regulators.

The highway had been closed between Johnson’s Corner and mile marker 13 as emergency crews worked at the scene. Earlier reports indicated the fire had been contained to one tank, though officials warned at the time that four additional tanks remained at risk for explosion.

Officials say state oil and gas inspectors are monitoring the site and overseeing cleanup efforts.