Companies face more fines over sewage disposal

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Two companies fined more than half a million dollars
by the state for improperly dumping sewage in the western North Dakota oil patch
have reached an agreement with federal prosecutors on more fines.
   Fairview, Mont.-based Hurley Enterprises and Stanley-based MonDak Water and
Septic Service each have agreed to pay $50,000 in fines to resolve federal charges
 of illegally disposing of domestic sewage.
   The companies' attorney, Thomas Kelly, says they decided to "take the high
road" and settle the case. As part of the settlements with the state that were
announced earlier, Hurley is developing a training program for septic waste haulers
 and MonDak is developing wastewater treatment lagoons.
   Hurley spokesman Dave Gorham says no one was prepared for the rapid growth of
 sewage volume in the booming oil patch.
   AP-WF-01-30-13 1616GMT