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Published February 23, 2011, 02:42 PM

N.D. House approves change to farm drainage permits

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — With more North Dakota farmers using tiling to drain water from their fields, the state House has approved a bill to quicken the process for getting a permit.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — With more North Dakota farmers using tiling to drain water from their fields, the state House has approved a bill to quicken the process for getting a permit.

The measure says local water boards should handle permit applications. Farmers who want to install tiling on more than 80 acres of land now must apply to the state Water Commission. Legislators say the process can take months to get approval.

Tiling drains water from below the surface of farm land. Farmers install perforated plastic tubing under the soil that diverts water to ditches and ponds.

The bill was approved 79-14 on Wednesday. Fargo Rep. Wes Belter says tiling helps improve crop yields while reducing soil erosion and flooding.

The bill now goes to the Senate. It is HB1459.

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