This 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. The bill 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. Notably, the bill introduces new requirements for the documentation and preservation of suitable plant growth material disturbed during construction. Additionally, it allows the commission, with consent from the relevant land manager or surface owner, to waive reclamation requirements for sites and access roads after a well is plugged or a facility is decommissioned, provided that this waiver is documented with the county recorder.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that it does not require the removal of properly reclaimed reserve pits or abandoned underground gathering pipelines. It also establishes that individuals must exhaust all administrative remedies before initiating legal proceedings under this section. 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