New Member – Thanks to the new Petroleum Council member Fredrickson & Byron Law Firm.

Petroleum Council Annual Meeting – There is still time to register for the 26th Petroleum Council Annual Meeting in Medora, North Dakota on September 18 – 20.  The agenda, registration, golf, sponsorship, and hotel information is available at http://www.ndoil.org/content/view/72/93/.

Oil & Gas Division’s Administrative Rules - The Department of Mineral Resources is proposing changes to their administrative rules regulating oil and gas activity in North Dakota.  The agency will hold a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on September 4 in Bismarck.  Written comments will be accepted through September 14.  The rules can be viewed at https://www.dmr.nd.gov/oilgas/.

State Discourages use of Dunn County Erionite for Roads and Well Pads - The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are investigating naturally-occurring erionite deposits located in rural areas near the Killdeer Mountains.  Like asbestos, erionite may pose health risks to those who breathe in the fibers.  EPA and the state are working to collect data to assess the extent of the erionite in the Dunn County area and what, if any, health effects there may be.  They don't know the extent of the exposures in the Dunn County area, but given the inherently toxic nature of the material, they are recommending reducing exposures.  That could take various forms, such as finding an alternative source of gravel, dust suppression, or reducing exposures to workers.  Questions should be directed to Scott A. Radig, ND Dept. of Health, Division of Waste Management at (701) 328-5158
 
Rocky Mountain Crude Oil Market Dynamics Summit – The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) Chairman, Governor John Hoeven, is hosting a summit on the crude oil bottleneck in the Rocky Mountain Region September 4–5 in Denver, CO.  The agenda, registration, and sponsorship information is available at http://www.iogcc.state.ok.us/events.html.

Williston Service Rig Training Program – Final details for the rig training program are being put in place and the rig, equipment, and supplies all donated by industry are nearly ready to roll.  The service rig training program will begin on October 1 with new hires attending the safety course (pre-requisite for individuals) the week of September 24.  Dennis Knudson has been hired as the Service Rig Trainer and bids are being taken for construction of the safety training facility.

For more information on any of these issues, contact the North Dakota Petroleum Council at (701) 223-6380.