The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to establish clearer deadlines and requirements for permits issued by the Department of Water Resources for the construction or modification of dams, dikes, and drainage activities. Key changes include the requirement for a permit for various types of dams and dikes based on their capacity and hazard level, with specific conditions for permit applications. The bill stipulates that the Department must complete an initial review of permit applications within forty-five days and make a final decision within one hundred twenty days. If the Department fails to act within this timeframe, the permit is automatically approved without conditions. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for constructing without a permit and allows for temporary permits in emergencies.

Further amendments include provisions for the drainage of water bodies, requiring permits for draining areas of eighty acres or more, with a similar timeline for the Department to refer applications to the appropriate water resource districts. The bill also clarifies the appeal process for decisions made by the board, ensuring that appeals are handled within one hundred twenty days, with automatic denial if the Department does not respond in time. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the permitting process while ensuring safety and compliance with water resource management regulations.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 61-16.1-38, 61-16.1-53.1, 61-32-03, 61-32-08