The district’s use of the permanent easement property is restricted solely to the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities authorized by law. The district may not rent, sell, or assign the rights to a permanent easement, except may reserve the right to assign the permanent easement to the state of North Dakota if necessary for the operation and maintenance of a public water pipeline. If the district ceases operation, all permanent     easements must be transferred to the public water system receiving a beneficial use from the water pipelines and other facilities. If no public water system exists, all permanent easements must transfer to the state. The state or public water system shall assume full responsibility for all easement activities and responsibilities, including any environmental remediation obligations.