ND pipeline spews more than 20K barrels of oil

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- The state Department of Health says an oil pipeline owned by Tesoro spewed 20,600 barrels of crude oil in a wheat field in northwestern North Dakota.

Environmental geologist Kris Roberts says the spill was discovered on Sept. 29 by a farmer harvesting wheat.

Roberts says cleanup crews have been on site since then and have recovered about 1,165 barrels of oil. A barrel is 42 gallons.

Roberts says the spill covers an area the size of about seven football fields. He says the spill has been contained and no water sources have been contaminated.

Tesoro officials did not immediately return telephone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment on Thursday.

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