North Dakota Code 54-17.4-02 – Survey – Responsibilities
There is created a North Dakota geological survey. The survey has the following responsibilities:
Terms Used In North Dakota Code 54-17.4-02
- following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute means the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
- State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
1. Serve as the primary source of geological information in the state.
2. Investigate, describe, and interpret the geological setting of the state with special reference to the economic products, geological hazards, and energy resources of the state’s geology.
3. Conduct investigations designed to promote public understanding of the state’s natural setting and natural resources.
4. Conduct research relative to the exploration, production, and regulation of oil, gas, coal, and other mineral resources of the state.
5. Conduct investigations and review externally prepared reports pertaining to geological aspects of the health and safety of the citizens and environment of the state.
6. Provide geological information contributing to the development of public health policies and to the use and management of natural resources.
7. Publish bulletins, circulars, maps, and other related materials that make available the results of the geological research and technical studies.
8. Provide educational information about the geology of the state to the public.
9. Operate and maintain a public repository for books, reports, maps, and other publications regarding the geology and mineral resources of the state.
10. Operate and maintain a public repository for fossil and rock specimens, rock cores, well cuttings, and associated data.
11. Provide technical advice and assistance concerning the geology of the state to local, state, and federal governmental agencies and to state educational institutions.
12. Aid in the regulation of the state’s natural resources by providing the resource assessment and evaluation information necessary to create and maintain effective regulatory policy.
13. Investigate the kind, amount, and availability of the various mineral substances contained in state-owned lands, so as to contribute to the most effective and beneficial administration of these lands for the state.
14. Consider such other scientific and economic questions in the field of geology as in the judgment of the state geologist is deemed of value to the people of the state.
15. Carry out any other responsibilities assigned to it by the legislative assembly.