1. Any person applying to the commission for an exploration permit must have a certificate to conduct geophysical exploration pursuant to subsection 3 of North Dakota Century Code section 38-08.1-03.1. A person may not commence geophysical exploration activities in this state without first obtaining an exploration permit from the commission. An application for an exploration permit must be submitted to the commission at least three business days before commencing operations and include the following: a. The name, permanent address, and telephone number of the geophysical contractor and the geophysical contractor's local representative. b. The name, permanent address, and telephone number of the drilling and hole plugging contractor, if different from the seismic contractor. c. The name and address of the resident agent for service of process of the person intending to engage in geophysical exploration. d. The bond number, type, and amount for the geophysical company. e. The geophysical exploration method (i.e., shot hole, nonexplosive, 2D, or 3D). f. The number, depth, and location of the seismic holes and the size of the explosive charges, if applicable. g. The anticipated starting date of seismic and plugging operations. h. The anticipated completion date of seismic and plugging operations. i. A description of hole plugging procedures. j. A preplot map displaying the proposed seismic source points and receiver lines and specifically identifying all source points that do not comply with section 43-02-12-05. k. A fee of one hundred dollars.

2. The permit holder shall notify the commission at least twenty-four hours, excluding Saturdays and holidays, before commencing geophysical activity.

3. The permit holder shall immediately notify the commission of any revisions to an approved seismic permit.

4. An exploration permit expires one year after the date it was issued, unless geophysical exploration activities have commenced.

History: Effective December 1, 1997; amended effective September 1, 2000; May 1, 2004; April 1, 2010; April 1, 2014.

General Authority: NDCC 38-08.1

Law Implemented: NDCC 38-08.1-04.1