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Kalispell Oil Executive Pleads Not Guilty to Environmental Violation

By Beacon Staff

DICKINSON, N.D. — A Montana oil executive has pleaded not guilty to violating oil drilling wastewater disposal rules in North Dakota.

Nathan Garber of Kalispell is accused of ordering the illegal dumping of saltwater waste into a former oil well, putting drinking water in Stark County at risk for contamination. The Dickinson Press reports that he faces up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted of the felony.

North Dakota’s Industrial Commission earlier assessed a record $1.525 million fine against Halek Operating ND LLC of Dickinson in the case.