Subdivision 1. Identification of wells. The commissioner of natural resources in cooperation with other state agencies must identify the location and status of wells and abandoned wells located on state property.
Subd. 2. Plan and appropriation request for well sealing. In each budget year of a biennium, the commissioner must present a plan and an appropriation request to properly seal wells on state property.
Subd. 3. Prohibition on state land purchased without well identification. The state may not purchase or sell a fee interest in real property without identifying the location of all wells on the property, whether in use, not in use, or sealed, and making provisions to have the wells not in use properly sealed at the cost of the seller as part of the contract. The deed or other instrument of conveyance evidencing the sale may not be recorded with the county recorder or registrar of titles unless this subdivision is complied with. Failure to comply with a requirement of this subdivision does not impair:
(1) the validity of a deed or other instrument of conveyance as between the parties to the deed or instrument or as to any other person who otherwise would be bound by the deed or instrument; or
(2) the record, as notice, of any deed or other instrument of conveyance accepted for filing or recording contrary to the provisions of this subdivision.
History:1989 c 326 art 3 s 17; 1990 c 597 s 37; 1991 c 355 s 29; 2008 c 277 art 1 s 7