Bakken Sparks Statewide Interest | Video

Jennifer Joas | 2/23/2012

Williston has become like Disney World. Everyone wants to visit and see what all the fuss is about. That`s just what business leaders from Fargo did today. They not only toured the city and spoke with local leaders, but they witnessed a hydraulic fracturing job in progress.

Cheri Schoenfish, Director of Microsoft, was one of the tour members from Fargo interested in learning all about the Bakken oil play. Schoenfish is originally from Dickinson and says she can`t believe the changes in the area.

"I played a lot of basketball games in Williston and it`s so different than back in the 80`s, which is when I spent time here. It`s great to see all of the activity that`s going on,” she said.

There have been many oil plays throughout the world, but companies say the Bakken poses its own challenges.

"The difference here is the extreme amount of water and extreme amount of oil that`s being trucked. Once pipelines get in, it will help. But the infrastructure every day is being tested because of line of work," said Don Carlson, Completion Superintendent for an oil well.

They were able to tour a frac control van which is the epicenter for the company`s operations. Tour members say they were blown away by the level of technology and development in this area.

"To be able to manage and run such an operation is amazing. It`s not all rough necks. It`s not all pulling pipe and stuff. It`s the technology and it`s fascinating where they`re at and where it`s going to go for years to come," said Justin Pearson, Vice President of the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation.

"Watching the fracking going on here was fascinating. And to learn how it`s actually done. You know they say that a picture is worth a thousand words. But I think coming here and visiting is worth a thousand pictures," said Brad Schlossman, CEO of West Acres Development.

Tour members say they were also impressed by the leadership in the area.

"The impression that we got was that they were behind it. I don`t see that at all. I see that they`re doing what they can and they`re doing a great job of getting ahead of it and preparing this community for the years to come," said Pearson.

The tour ended at the Target Logistics man camp north of Williston.

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