A 70-foot geyser of toxic oilfield wastewater erupted from a pipeline near Loving, New Mexico, last Tuesday evening. The spill at a site operated by NGL Energy Partners sent produced water across a highway and into a drainage ditch. Witnesses and officials responded quickly to contain the release.
Jackie Onsurez, an engineer and member of the New Mexico State Emergency Response Commission, spotted the plume while driving and alerted authorities. An oilfield worker attempted to stop the flow but fled after warning of possible gas. The New Mexico fire department later secured the area, and NGL representatives shut off the water after about 30 minutes.
