Rules approved to cut North Dakota oil waste pits

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators have approved new rules to reduce the number of open pits used to dump oil drilling wastes.

The rules also require oil companies to disclose the makeup of fluid that is used in an oil drilling process called hydraulic fracturing. The chemicals used in "frack" fluids must be posted on a website two months after a well is completed.

North Dakota's Industrial Commission approved the proposals Monday. They still must be reviewed by a legislative committee that examines new state agency rules.

Department of Mineral Resources director Lynn Helms says he's hoping the regulations will be in effect in April.

They say most new oil wells that are drilled in North Dakota can't dispose of liquid drilling wastes in open pits.

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