New North Dakota Oil and Gas Rules Would Require Pipeline Bonds

North Dakota regulators are proposing new rules aimed at the oil industry.

A slate of proposed rules were unveiled on Feb. 16, including a requirement that would require bonding for all crude and saltwater pipelines.

Another new rule would require berms of at least a foot high to be built around a well site.

Department of Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms says public hearings on the proposals will be done in several cities in April. He says October is the earliest the rules could be in place.

North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness says his group has not had a chance to study the proposals. He says subjecting the oil industry to more rules adds costs to companies that already are dealing with depressed crude prices.