Environmental Quality FAQ

How can I obtain an air quality permit?

Please visit the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/permitting/ for air permitting details. 

Where can I find a state air compliance consultant list?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has a list of air quality permit and modeling consultants at https://deq.nd.gov/aq/permitting/.

What is the process for following up on an air quality complaint, such as excessive dust from a manufacturing facility?

In situations like this, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality will generally contact a facility, conduct an inspection, and work to resolve any compliance issues. You can report these types of violations at airquality@nd.gov.

Where can I find air quality monitoring data in North Dakota?

You can view ambient air monitoring data on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/monitoring/.

Where can I find a list of Air Toxics & Hazardous Pollutants?

You can find a list of Air Toxics & Hazardous Pollutants on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/aq/permitting/HAPs.aspx.

How can I obtain an aerial application of pesticide?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality must approve pesticide application over a community. Find more information at https://deq.nd.gov/aq/permitting/AerialSpraying.aspx.

How can I get access to CERIS?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality manages the CERIS-ND or Combined Environmental Regulatory Information System. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/ceris-ND/.

Where can I find more information about erionite in North Dakota?

Erionite is a naturally occurring, microscopic, fibrous mineral. Like asbestos, erionite may pose health risks to those who breathe in the fibers. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality monitors erionite research. Learn more about erionite at https://deq.nd.gov/erionite/.

Do gas stations in ND require an air permit?

No state (or EPA) air quality permit is needed to operate a gas station. However, there are air capture requirements for the facility that are also required for automobiles. Learn more about air quality permitting at the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/permitting/. 

Where can I find more information about oil and gas well registrations?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information about oil and gas well registration at https://deq.nd.gov/aq/oilgas/OilGasRegistration.aspx.

Where can I find more information about open burning or how to obtain a burn variance?

Open burning may be restricted by local ordinances and by fire emergency officials especially in the case of dry conditions. In addition, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regulates open burning in the state. For more information, visit https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/permitting/OpenBurning.aspx.

Who can I contact about a horrible smell in my neighborhood?

Residents with odor complaints may contact the Air Quality Division at the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality at 701-328-5188 or airquality@nd.gov. Please specify the time of day, address and any other details.

Where can I find more information about new source performance standards for crude oil and natural gas, 0000/0000a/OOOOb (or Quad-O) in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regulates air emissions from oil wells. Find more information at https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/oilgas/. 

How can I find out more about wildfire smoke’s impact on local air quality?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality monitors wildfire smoke and its impact on air quality in North Dakota. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/aq/monitoring/wildfire.aspx.

What kind of services does the Chemistry Lab provide?

The Chemistry Laboratory provides testing and laboratory certification services. More information about the state Chemistry Laboratory is found on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/chemistry/.

Does North Dakota offer laboratory certification?

Laboratories that analyze water samples from North Dakota public water systems to determine compliance with requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act must be certified by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/chemistry/labcert.aspx.

How can I renew our lab certification? 

Lab certification and renewal information is available on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/chemistry/labcert.aspx. You may also contact the Chemistry Lab at 701-328-6119 with additional recertification questions.

How can I get my water tested?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Chemistry Laboratory provides water testing. Learn more about sampling procedures and costs at https://deq.nd.gov/chemistry/WaterSampleFees.pdf.

Where can I get information about the Boiler Inspection Program?

The Boiler Inspection Program operates within the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and provides initial and periodic inspections of boilers of all sizes, types and pressures. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/Director/BIP/.

How can I apply for environmental jobs within state government?

Please visit https://deq.nd.gov/jobs/ for current openings.

Where can I find more information about Environmental Justice?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information about Environmental Justice at https://deq.nd.gov/non-discrimination.aspx.

Where can I find more information about the Environmental Review Advisory Council?

Please visit the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/Director/ERAC/.

Who can I talk to about scheduling a media interview on an environmental topic?

Contact the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Public Information Officer at deq@nd.gov or 701-328-5226 to be connected with a subject matter expert. Leave your name, phone number, email address and details about the topic you wish to cover. 

Where can I find more information about the Petroleum Tank Release Compensation Fund (PTRCF), including registration and renewal?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality manages the PTRCF. You can find more information about the fund at https://www.deq.nd.gov/Director/PTRCF/.

Where can I view North Dakota’s Priority Climate Action Plan or PCAP?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality manages the state’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program. More information about the CPRG, including the state’s PCAP is located at https://deq.nd.gov/sustainability/.

Where can we find professionals to speak on environmental topics?

Contact the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality at deq@nd.gov with the speaking dates, times, places, and topics. Leave your name, phone number, and email address.

Where can I find information about Risk-based Corrective Action?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has more information about Risk-based Corrective Action at https://deq.nd.gov/NDRBCA/.

Where can I find more information about arsenic in drinking water?

Naturally occurring arsenic is common in North Dakota groundwater. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has more information about this at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/1_GW/Arsenic/GW_ArsenicDrinkingWater_FactSheetFinal.pdf. 

How is arsenic regulated in North Dakota drinking water?

All community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems must comply with arsenic requirements. More information about this is available at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/dwp/Arsenic.aspx.

How can I find more information on backflow prevention cross connection control?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information about North Dakota’s required backflow containment program and voluntary comprehensive program. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/BPCCC/.

Where can I find more information about Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans?

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund program is run through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Municipal Facilities Division. You can learn more about that program at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/CWSRF/. 

Where can I find more information about Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loans?

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program is run through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Municipal Facilities Division. You can learn more about that program at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/DWSRF/. 

Where can I get more information about Consumer Confidence Reports or the CCR Rule?

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule requires all community water systems to prepare and distribute a brief general annual water quality report summarizing information regarding source water, detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information. Get more information on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/mf/DWP/CCR.aspx.

How is North Dakota working to protect children in schools and childcare facilities from exposure to lead in drinking water?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is committed to healthy drinking water in schools and childcare facilities. Learn more about these efforts at https://deq.nd.gov/LeadinSchools/default.aspx.

What are North Dakota’s requirements for potable water storage in tanks in elevated towers, ground reservoirs, and underground steel or concrete tanks?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality uses the Ten States Standards as the basis for drinking water construction design standards. More information is at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/PlanSpec/.

Where can I find information on drinking water in North Dakota public water systems?

The North Dakota Drinking Water program works with all public water systems in North Dakota to ensure that they provide safe drinking water and are meeting the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This is accomplished by monitoring contaminants, providing operator certification and training, conducting inspections, and providing technical assistance. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/mf/DWP/

Where can I find more information about lead in household water systems? 

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information about lead in drinking water including how it impacts human health, how it is regulated, and what you can do if you have lead in your drinking water. Go to https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/1_GW/Lead/GW_Lead_HshldWaterSystems_FactSheetFinal.pdf for details.

Where can I find more information about how the state is working toward lead service line replacement?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is working with public water systems as they replace lead service lines. You can learn more about this process and the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/DWP/LCRR/.

How can our city apply for a state revolving loan to be used for things like water meters?

If your city is interested in applying for a state revolving fund loan, the first step would be to submit a questionnaire so the project could be included on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Project Priority List at https://deq.nd.gov/Forms/MF/CWSRFUpdateQuestionnaire.pdf. 

What can I do if I have high levels of manganese in my drinking water?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information on manganese regulation and control at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/1_GW/Manganese/Manganese_factsheet_final.pdf.

Where can I learn more about PFAS/PFOA testing in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information on PFAS testing and ongoing PFAS education at https://deq.nd.gov/mf/pfas/.

Where can I get guidance on the new Plan and Specifications submittal application process for water system projects?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Municipal Facilities, is responsible for approval of all water supply and wastewater projects in North Dakota for Public Water Systems. You can find more information about these requirements at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/PlanSpec/.

Where can I find information about state revolving funds, CWSRF, DWSRF, or SRFs?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality manages and distributes state revolving funds. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/. 

Are there any special conditions for temporary housing in North Dakota?

North Dakota does have some parameters for temporary modular housing, such as those used in the oil patch, often referred to as “man camps.” You can find that information on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/Publications/OilPatchHousing.pdf

Where can I find more information about uranium in drinking water?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information about this at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/1_GW/Uranium/GW_UraniumDrinkingWater_FactSheetFinal.pdf.

Where can I find information on water and wastewater operator training?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality provides certification and classroom training for water and wastewater operators in North Dakota. Find more information at https://deq.nd.gov/MF/DWP/default.aspx#OpCert.

Where can I send our city water reports?

Monthly city water reports can be sent to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality at deq@nd.gov.

Where can I find more information about the abandoned vehicle program in North Dakota?

The Abandoned Motor Vehicle Program aids in the collection of abandoned motor vehicles and other scrap metals to reduce health hazards, improve the appearance of the landscape and recycle metals. The program also provides technical assistance to communities in cleaning up stockpiles of major appliances and other scrap metal. Learn more about this program on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/AbandonedMotorVehicle/.

How can I dispose of alkaline solutions?

Verify the pH is not above 12.5 – the regulatory limit of hazardous waste. This information can be found on the SDS. If the pH is above 12.5, the material is considered a regulated hazardous waste. Please email hazardouswaste@nd.gov and staff from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality can walk you through the appropriate disposal practices.

How do I properly dispose of batteries and LED lights?

Batteries and LED bulbs are usually considered universal waste – wastes that may be hazardous but are extremely common. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality recommends recycling these products whenever possible. There is a list of recycling options at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Recycling/.

Where can I obtain information about underground storage tanks (USTs)?

Information about fuel storage tanks is on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/wm/UndergroundStorageTankProgram/.

Where can I find compliance data about coal combustion residuals?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regulates coal combustion residuals. Compliance data is located at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/SolidWasteProgram/CCR/.

Where can I find information about composting?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has a guide for home composting at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Recycling/CompostingInYourBackyard.aspx.

Where can I find a list of composting facilities in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has a list composting facilities at https://deq.nd.gov/FOIA/SolidWaste/ActiveLandfillsComposting.aspx.

Who do I need to notify about potential residential or business building renovations or demolitions?

Federal and state regulations require that all affected parts of a facility being renovated or demolished must be inspected by a state-certified inspector for the presence of asbestos before beginning the project. A notification of Demolition and Renovation must also be submitted at least 10 days prior to beginning the project, if applicable. More information is available on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/asbestos/.

Do ethanol gas pumps have to be labeled in North Dakota?

All gas pumps must bear a proper label with ethanol being specified in those pumps that contain it. More information about this is located on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality at https://deq.nd.gov/Publications/WM/FuelProductPostingRules.pdf

How do I submit a hazardous waste episodic event application?

Complete an RCRA Subtitle C Site Identification Form. More information is available on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Risk-based Corrective Action webpage at https://deq.nd.gov/NDRBCA/.

How can a facility request a 30-day extension for a hazardous waste shipment?

When requesting an extension, please send the following information to hazardouswaste@nd.gov at the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality:

1. The name, EPA ID number, and address of the facility.
2. A description of the approximate volume and type of hazardous waste needing the extension.
3. The reason an extension is needed.
4. An expected timeframe for disposal.

Where can I find information on how to avoid flood damage or address flood cleanup?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information on how to safely clean up after a disaster, such as a flood or fire at https://deq.nd.gov/Flood/.

Where can I find requirements and laws surrounding junk or salvage yards in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Program has guidelines for environmentally friendly auto and metal salvage facilities at https://deq.nd.gov/Publications/WM/Guideline37EnvironmentallyFriendlyAutoAndMetalSalvageFacilities.pdf

My neighbor has a junkyard that is impacting our neighborhood. How do I report this issue? 

We recommend you first contact your Local Public Health Unit and ask that they address it. If they are unable to assist, then you can reach out to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality at solidwaste@nd.gov.

Who is responsible for repairing a capped landfill once it is breached?

When a landfill is closed, it is constructed to minimize the chance that solid waste will be exposed. If the final cover is damaged so that waste is exposed, the facility owner is responsible for repair.

Where can I find information about landfill financial assurance.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Program has information about financial assurance at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Solidwasteprogram/FinancialAssurance.

What can I do if I suspect our home may contain lead-based paint?

Lead poisoning has significant effects on the health of children and adults. Learn more about lead exposure, lead rules, guidance, where to find certified contractors and more at the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Lead/.

Is licensing required for anyone testing or removing lead-based paint from residential or commercial buildings

There are two main types of certifications for contractors in North Dakota who address lead-based paint (LBP) in residences and child-occupied facilities. North Dakota requires licenses for companies and certifications for individuals who do testing and abatement. The EPA requires certification for firms that conduct renovation work. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has more information about these requirements at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Lead/.

How can I get my home tested for mold?

Contact your Local Health Unit. and ask to speak with their environmental coordinator. There are also resources on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/indoor/mold.aspx

What can I do if I have mold?

Learn more about general mold cleanup on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/indoor/mold.aspx. You can also address any questions regarding mold to your Local Health Unit or the Indoor Air Quality Program at (701) 328-5166.

Are there registration requirements for solid waste generators in North Dakota?

Registration is not required for solid waste generators (non-hazardous waste) in North Dakota however, all solid wastes must be disposed of properly at a permitted landfill. A list of permitted landfills is located on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at  https://deq.nd.gov/foia/SolidWaste/ActiveSWLandfills.aspx.

Where can I get a radon test kit?

When available, North Dakota residents can request a kit on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Radon/. Kits can also be purchased at hardware stores, big box stores, or online. Look for test kits that are EPA-approved.

What types of recycling facilities are near me?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has a list of recycling facilities at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Recycling/.

Are there places that recycle non-working appliances in North Dakota?

Many scrap metal dealers will accept non-working appliances. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has a list of recyclers online at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Recycling/. 

Where can I find more information about TENORM rules in North Dakota?

Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material or TENORM is regulated by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. Find more information at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/Radiation/TENORM.aspx

Where can I find more information about tire disposal?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has guidelines for scrap tire management at https://deq.nd.gov/Publications/WM/Guideline21ScrapTireManagement.pdf.

How can I learn if a place has been condemned as toxic?

Information regarding contaminated properties can be obtained by submitting an Open Records Request to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. 

Am I allowed to transport used oil?

The basic requirements are notification and receiving an EPA ID number and obtaining a waste transporter permit from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste Program. If you store used oil on-site for more than 24 hours, you would be considered a used oil transfer facility, and you’ll fall into a different set of regulations. Contact solidwaste@nd.gov with any questions.

What kind of regulations are there for storing used oil?

Used oil storage from individuals for home use is not regulated by the state. However, commercial facilities that generate and store used oil on-site must meet some basic requirements. Those requirements include keeping it in areas where it's not going to cause contamination, proper marking as used oil, and certain amounts are subject to federal spill prevention and control requirements. These facilities are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Hazardous Waste Program and you can find more information at https://deq.nd.gov/Publications/WM/ManagementOfUsedOilCollectionCenters.pdf

What agency regulates waste management in the state?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regulates waste management, including hazardous waste and solid waste. Details are at https://deq.nd.gov/wm/. 

How can I dispose of a water and gas mixture?

Water and gasoline mixture may exhibit hazardous characteristics based on benzene and other volatile organic compounds. A hazardous waste management company can help you manage that material appropriately. Contact the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality if you have any related questions at HazardousWaste@nd.gov. 

Where can I find more information about how to register x-ray machines and service providers in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality enforces North Dakota X-ray machine standards. Find more information at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/radiation/x-ray.aspx.

Where can I learn about mammography and mammography service locations in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality enforces the federal mammography quality standards. Find more information at https://deq.nd.gov/WM/radiation/mammography.aspx.

Where can I obtain a list of North Dakota’s 303(d) impaired waters or TMDLs?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has reports addressing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), otherwise known as impaired waters, information at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/3_Watershed_Mgmt/2_TMDLS/TMDLs.aspx 

Where can I find more information about Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) ordinances?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regulates Animal Feeding Operations in the state. CAFO zoning ordinances, rules, and information regarding the permitting process can be found at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/1_AFO_CAFO/countyzoning/default/.

What agency regulates the Clean Water Act in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality enforces groundwater protections, water discharge, watershed health, and other protections surrounding the waters of the United States within North Dakota boundaries. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/wq/. 

Where can I find more information about erosion control?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information on erosion control including perimeter controls, sediment traps, inlet protection and more at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/2_NDPDES/Stormwater/Construction/NDPDES_Homebuilder_FactSheetFinal.pdf.

Our organization had an environmental assessment done and the report indicated historical contamination on the property. How would we obtain a No Further Action or NSF to transfer the property?

Any contamination not previously reported, must be entered into the Unified Spill Reporting System located at https://www.spill.nd.gov/. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality will investigate the findings and move forward with remediation recommendations or provide your organization with an NSF.

Are there any fishing advisories in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information about Mercury in fish and safe consumption rates at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/3_WM/Fish/FishAdvisory.pdf.

Where can I find groundwater monitoring data for pesticides?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has fact sheets for every aquifer in the state at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/1_Groundwater/5_GMP.aspx.

Where can I find information on groundwater monitoring and protection in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality protects and monitors groundwater quality and works towards restoration of groundwater that has been impacted by contaminants. You can find more information about this at https://deq.nd.gov/wQ/1_Groundwater/.

Who monitors Harmful Algal Blooms and where can I find more information about that?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality monitors HABs. You can report a suspected bloom, view a list of tested waterbodies, and more at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/3_Watershed_Mgmt/8_HABS/Habs.aspx

Where can I find historical environmental incident reports?

Environmental Incident reports before 2021, are available at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/4_Spill_Investigations/Reports.aspx. Reports addressing environmental incidents from 2021 are available on the Unified Spill Reporting system at https://northdakota.hazconnect.com/ListIncidentPublic.aspx.

Do you have any tips for how I can maintain my lawn while improving water quality?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has tips for lawn care proper fertilizing and pesticide use while supporting our environment at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/3_WM/NPS/UrbanBMPs/1_LawnCare_FactsheetFinal.pdf.

What determines who the lead agency is involving an oilfield incident?

If the incident remains on the well pad, generally the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources will lead the investigation. If the incident leaves the well pad, or in more involved spills that may otherwise impact air quality and water quality in the state, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality will lead the investigation. These agencies often work in tandem.

How do I access environmental review records or place an open records request for an environmental topic?

You can submit an environmental open records request through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality at https://deq.nd.gov/OpenRecords.aspx.

What is the NPS Pollution Management Program and who administers it?

Section 319 of the Clean Water Act defines the scope of the NPS Pollution Management Program. You can learn more about the NPS Program and Section 319 grants at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/3_WM/NPS/Program/1_NPSprogram_FactSheetFinal.pdf.

Are there any special considerations for applying pesticides near public waters?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Permits Program recommends notification of all aquatic pesticide and herbicide applications with the potential to enter Waters of the State. This notification does not apply to applications, which do not have the potential to enter Waters of the State. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/4_PesticideApp/PApp.aspx.

What are the requirements for a license to dismantle cars for scrap?

Businesses primarily involved with dismantling cars to sell as parts or for scrap must obtain a stormwater permit from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. Information about the permit requirements and obtaining coverage can be found at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/7_Stormwater/stw.aspx.

Where is the appropriate place to apply for Section 401 water quality certification?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Special Projects Program addresses Section 401 water quality certification. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/5_Special_Projects/default.aspx

Where can I obtain a septic pumper permit? 

Information about septic pumper permits, rules for septic pumpers, and other related information can be found on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/6_SepticPumper/sp.aspx.

How do I report a spill?

Federal and state laws require that operators report the spillage of any materials that may pollute water, air or soil. Visit spill.nd.gov for more information about North Dakota’s Unified Spill Reporting System notifications and the public access tool.

Where can I find North Dakota rules and regulations regarding soil vapor contamination?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality provides general guidance for assessing potential petroleum vapor impacts as part of the North Dakota Risk Based Corrective Action (NDRBCA) process. You can find that information at https://deq.nd.gov/NDRBCA/docs/PVIGuidance_202403.pdf?v=1.

How can I obtain a water discharge permit?

The North Dakota Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NDPDES) Program administers municipal/industrial wastewater, stormwater, pretreatment, concentrated animal feeding operations and septic pumper permits. Learn more on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/2_NDPDES_Permits/.

Where can I learn more about watershed protection?

Learn more about how you can help protect your watershed on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/3_WM/NPS/InfoEd/1_WatershedBasics_FactSheetFinal.pdf. 

Where can I view North Dakota’s watershed management plans?

Watershed management plans are available on the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality website at https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/3_Watershed_Mgmt/.

How can we find information on how to maintain and test our private water well?

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality has information on private well testing and maintenance at https://deq.nd.gov/publications/WQ/1_GW/PrivateWells/PrivateWellSampling.pdf.

Does North Dakota have regulations regarding composting toilets?

North Dakota does not have regulations for composting toilet installation and usage or specific permitting or certification requirements that I am aware of.  It is my understanding that the solids are considered biosolids which are regulated by EPA.  Additional information can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/biosolids.

I would like to make a noise complaint. Are there any state noise ordinances?

North Dakota no longer has a noise ordinance in place. Local (city or county) ordinances may address these issues. Chapter 42-01 of the North Dakota Century Code (https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t42c01.pdf#nameddest=42-01-01) also addresses nuisances.

Where can I find information about saltwater injection wells in North Dakota?

Saltwater disposal wells are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. Learn more at https://www.dmr.nd.gov/dmr/oilgas/programs/ClassII.