82-10-304. Certificate of board required prior to use of eminent domain. (1) A natural gas public utility desiring to exercise the right of eminent domain as to any property for use for underground storage of natural gas shall, as a condition precedent to the filing of its complaint in the district court, apply for and obtain from the board a certificate setting out the findings of the board:
     (a) that the underground sand, stratum, or formation sought to be acquired is suitable for an underground reservoir for the storage of natural gas and that its use for such purposes is in the public interest;
     (b) the amount of native gas, if any, remaining therein and the portion thereof recoverable; and
     (c) that the applicant has in good faith sought to acquire the rights sought under this part.
     (2) The board may not issue the certificate until after a public hearing is had on the application, pursuant to notice given to all persons known to have an interest in the property proposed to be acquired in the manner provided by the laws of the state for service of process in a civil action.

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 259, L. 1955; amd. Sec. 86, Ch. 253, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 60-804.