The bill amends section 38-08-04.12 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the reclamation of land disturbed by oil and gas activities. It mandates that any land affected by the construction of well sites, treating plants, saltwater handling facilities, access roads, and underground gathering pipelines must be reclaimed to its original condition as closely as possible. New provisions require that suitable plant growth material disturbed during construction must be documented and preserved. Additionally, the bill allows the commission, with consent from the relevant government land manager or surface owner, to waive reclamation requirements for sites and access roads after a well is plugged or a facility is decommissioned, with the waiver documented in the county records.

The bill also clarifies that it does not require the removal of properly reclaimed reserve pits or abandoned underground gathering pipelines. Furthermore, it establishes that individuals cannot initiate legal proceedings under this section unless they have first exhausted all administrative remedies. These changes aim to enhance the reclamation process while providing flexibility in certain circumstances.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 38-08-04.12
Adopted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: 38-08-04.12
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 38-08-04.12