North Dakota Administrative Code
Title 43 - Industrial Commission
Article 43-02 - Mineral Exploration and Development
Chapter 43-02-12 - Geophysical Exploration Requirements
Section 43-02-12-07 - Drilling and plugging requirements

1. Prior to commencement of any drilling or plugging operations, the director may require a field meeting with the geophysical contractor and subcontractors.

2. Except in those circumstances in which the director allows otherwise, all seismic shot holes must be plugged the same day as they were drilled and loaded. Any blown out shot holes must be plugged as soon as reasonably practicable, unless, upon application, the director grants an extension which may not exceed ninety days. All seismic shot holes must be temporarily capped until final plugging.

3. If the number of drilling rigs on a proposed project exceeds the director's capacity to provide appropriate inspection, the director may limit the number of drilling rigs.

4. Bentonite materials used in seismic hole plugging must be derived from naturally occurring untreated, high swelling sodium bentonite which consists principally of the mineral montmorillonite.

5. A durable nonmetallic plug, designed to fit the hole, must be set at a depth of approximately three feet [91.44 centimeters] below the surface of every shot hole.

6. Unless the contractor can prove to the satisfaction of the commission that another method will provide better protection to ground water and long-term land stability, seismic shot hole plugging shall be conducted in the following manner: