A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 61-16.1-38, subsection 1 of section 61-16.1-53.1, section 61-32-03, and subsection 1 of section 61-32-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to deadlines for permits issued by the department of water resources.
HB1385 seeks to amend several sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the permitting process for the construction and modification of water management structures, including dams and dikes. The bill establishes specific deadlines for the Department of Water Resources to review permit applications and mandates that the department must approve or deny applications within set timeframes, generally not exceeding 120 days. It also outlines the responsibilities of the water resource boards in the approval process and the penalties for constructing without a permit.
If enacted, HB1385 would streamline the permitting process for water management structures, potentially reducing delays for construction projects. It would also clarify the responsibilities of both the Department of Water Resources and local water resource boards, ensuring that applications are handled in a timely manner. The bill aims to enhance the management of water resources in North Dakota while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.
The general sentiment around HB1385 appears to be mixed, with some stakeholders supporting the need for a more efficient permitting process, while others express concerns about the implications for environmental safety and oversight. The bill ultimately failed to pass, indicating significant opposition or unresolved issues among legislators.
Notable points of contention include concerns from environmental groups regarding the potential for reduced oversight in the construction of water management structures, which could lead to safety hazards or environmental degradation. Additionally, some legislators questioned whether the expedited timelines would compromise thoroughness in the review process.