70-30-105. Appropriation of underground gas reservoir -- effect on owner's right to drill. (1) The appropriation of any sand, stratum, or formation for use as an underground natural gas storage reservoir shall be without prejudice to the rights of the owner or owners of said lands or of the oil, gas, or other mineral rights therein to drill or bore through the sand, stratum, or formation so appropriated for use as an underground natural gas storage reservoir in order to explore for, produce, process, treat, or market any oil, gas, or other minerals that might be contained in said lands above or below the sand, stratum, or formation so appropriated.
     (2) Any additional cost or expense required to be incurred in order to protect the underground gas storage reservoir against pollution and the escape of the gas therefrom by reason of such boring or drilling through of the sand, stratum, or formation used as such underground gas storage reservoir shall be paid by the persons, firm, or corporation then owning such underground gas storage reservoir.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 245, L. 1953; R.C.M. 1947, 93-9903.1.