TX Oilfield Company Appeals $2.6M Fine in ND

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — A Texas company is appealing a $2.6 million fine for allegedly illegal temporary housing for its workers in the western North Dakota oil patch.

Williams County late last year fined Houston-based Stallion Oilfield Services for failing to follow conditions of a permit. Zoning officials say Stallion was originally approved for 25 units in 2011 but placed more than twice that amount at a site.

Stallion attorney Joel Gilbertson says the company and the county differ in how units should be counted. The company considers several units connected together to be one unit, a method the county disagrees with.

Stallion attorney Robert Ryan says he also takes issue with the "massive" fine amount.

The Williston Herald reports the commission plans to decide on Tuesday whether to uphold the fine.