This bill proposes the establishment of a new chapter in Title 23.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the regulation of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). It includes comprehensive definitions related to ASTs and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Quality, which will oversee the administration and enforcement of regulations. The department is mandated to adopt rules concerning leak detection, record-keeping, reporting of releases, and corrective actions, as well as to implement a permit fee system for the ownership, installation, or operation of ASTs. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "electric energy conversion facility" and "midstream facility," while clarifying exemptions for certain tanks.

Additionally, the bill amends the registration payment process for tank owners or operators, instituting a late fee of twenty-five dollars per tank per month if registration payments are not received within sixty days of the required date. This change replaces the previous deadline of July first, aligning the payment timeline with the newly established rules. The legislation aims to enhance the regulatory framework for ASTs, thereby protecting public health and the environment through stricter compliance measures and penalties for violations.

Statutes affected:
Adopted by the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 23.1-12-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 23.1-12-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Beard: 23.1-12-02, 23.1-12-17
Enrollment: 23.1-12-02, 23.1-12-17