This bill establishes a new chapter in Title 23.1 of the North Dakota Century Code to regulate aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), defining what constitutes an AST and outlining exclusions for noncommercial tanks, heating oil, and certain federal tanks. The Department of Environmental Quality is tasked with administering and enforcing regulations related to ASTs, which includes adopting rules for leak detection, monitoring, and corrective actions in case of a release. A permit fee system is introduced for the registration and operation of ASTs, with fees directed to the department's operating fund.

Additionally, the bill amends existing definitions in Section 23.1-12-02, adding terms such as "electric energy conversion facility," "midstream facility," and "release." It clarifies the department's responsibilities in regulating ASTs and establishes penalties for violations, including civil penalties for noncompliance and false statements. The bill also specifies that if a registration payment is not received within sixty days of the required date, a late fee of twenty-five dollars per tank per month will be imposed, replacing the previous reference to "July" first to align with the new rules. Overall, the bill aims to enhance environmental protection and public safety through improved management of aboveground storage tanks in North Dakota.

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