North Dakota Administrative Code
Title 43 - Industrial Commission
Article 43-02 - Mineral Exploration and Development
Chapter 43-02-02.2 - In Situ Leach Mining Rules
Section 43-02-02.2-25 - Well location and protection

1. The top of the casing must end at least twelve inches [30.48 centimeters] above grade. The top of the casing must end at least twenty-four inches [60.96 centimeters] above any known high water conditions of flooding from runoff or ponded water, and the immediate area around the well's collar must slope away from the well to direct surface runoff away from the well;

2. Installing wells in the channels and floodplains of perennial drainages is prohibited;

3. Wells installed in an ephemeral or intermittent drainage may not be located in the channel of the drainage. During well construction and use, steps must be taken to minimize the potential for damage to the channel, to protect the well from damage due to erosion, and to prevent surface water runoff from entering the well;

4. The well opening must be closed with a cover to prevent introducing undesirable material into the well. This cover must be locked unless access to the well opening is controlled through another method;

5. If a well is to be constructed near buildings or power lines, the well must be located at a distance from the buildings and power lines to provide access for repairs, maintenance, sampling, and similar work. A well must clear any projection from any building by three feet [.91 meter] and clear any power line by ten feet [3.05 meters]; and

6. No injection or production well shall be drilled less than five hundred feet [152.40 meters] from an occupied dwelling unless agreed to in writing by the surface owner or authorized by order of the commission.