North Dakota Century Code Title 23.1. Environmental Quality § 23.1-06-04. Power and duties of the department

a. Encourage the voluntary cooperation of persons to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

b. Determine by scientifically oriented field studies and sampling the degree of air pollution in the state and the several parts thereof.

c. Encourage and conduct studies, investigations, and research relating to air pollution and its causes, effects, prevention, abatement, and control.

d. Advise, consult, and cooperate with other public agencies and with affected groups and industries.

e. Issue orders necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter and enforce the orders by all appropriate administrative and judicial procedures.

f. Provide rules relating to the construction of any new direct or indirect air contaminant source or modification of any existing direct or indirect air contaminant source which the department determines will prevent the attainment or maintenance of any ambient air quality standard, and require that before commencing construction or modification of any such source, the owner or operator shall submit the information necessary to permit the department to make this determination.

g. Establish ambient air quality standards for the state which may vary according to appropriate areas.

h. Formulate and adopt emission control requirements for the prevention, abatement, and control of air pollution in this state including achievement of ambient air quality standards.

i. Hold hearings relating to the administration of this chapter, and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence.

j. Require the owner or operator of a regulated air contaminant source to establish and maintain records; make reports; install, use, and maintain monitoring equipment or methods; sample emissions in accordance with those methods at designated locations and intervals, and using designated procedures; and provide other information as may be required.

k. Provide by rules a procedure for handling applications for a variance for any person that owns or is in control of any plant, establishment, process, or equipment. The granting of a variance is not a right of the applicant but must be in the discretion of the department.

l. Provide by rules any procedures necessary and appropriate to develop, implement, and enforce any air pollution prevention and control program established by the federal Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.], as amended, the authorities and responsibilities of which are delegatable to the state by the United States environmental protection agency. The rules may include enforceable ambient standards, emission limitations, and other control measures, means, techniques, or economic incentives, including fees, marketable permits, and auctions of emissions rights, as provided by the Act. The department shall develop and implement the federal programs if the department determines that doing so benefits the state.

m. Provide by rules a program for implementing lead-based paint remediation training, certification, and performance requirements in accordance with title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, part 745, sections 220, 223, 225, 226, 227, and 233.