North Dakota Century Code Title 38. Mining and Gas and Oil Production § 38-08.1-04.1. Exploration permit

1. Upon filing a complete application for permit to explore pursuant to section 38-08.1-04, the commission may issue to any person desiring to engage in geophysical exploration a “geophysical exploration permit”. A person may not engage in geophysical exploration activities in this state without having first obtained a geophysical exploration permit from the commission.

2. The permit must show, at a minimum:

3. The permit must be signed by the director of the commission's oil and gas division or the director's designee. The permit is valid for one year.

4. Within seven days of initial contact between the permitting agent and the operator of the land, the permitting agent shall provide the operator of the land and each landowner owning land within one-half mile [.80 kilometer] of the land on which geophysical exploration activities are to be conducted a written copy of section 38-08.1-04.1 and chapter 38-11.1.

5. The permitting agent shall notify the operator of the land at least seven days before the commencement of any geophysical exploration activity, unless waived by mutual agreement of both parties. The notice must include the approximate time schedule and the location of the planned activity.

6. The permit or a photostatic copy thereof must be carried at all times by a member of the crew during the period of geophysical exploration and must be exhibited upon demand of the landowner or tenant operator or county or state official.

7. The permitholder shall notify the county auditor or the auditor's designee at least twenty-four hours, excluding Saturdays and holidays, before the permitholder commences geophysical exploration in the county. Notice must include the approximate time schedule and location of the planned activity.