NDAC 33.1-24-02-42
Wording of the instruments
Cite as N.D. Admin. Code ยง 33.1-24-02-42
1.
Trust agreement and certification of acknowledgment.
a.
A trust agreement for a trust fund as specified in subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-36
must be worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with
the relevant information and the brackets deleted:
TRUST AGREEMENT, the "AGREEMENT" entered into as of [date] by and between
[name of the owner or operator] a [name of state] [insert "corporation" "partnership,"
"association" or "proprietorship"], the "GRANTOR," and [name of corporate trustee],
[insert "incorporated in the state of ____________" or "a national bank"], the
"TRUSTEE".
Whereas, the North Dakota department of environmental quality "DEPARTMENT" a
regulatory agency of the state of North Dakota, has established certain regulations
applicable to the GRANTOR requiring that an owner or operator of a facility regulated
under sections 33.1-24-05-01 through 33.1-24-05-190, 33.1-24-05-300 through
33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through 33.1-24-05-559 and 33.1-24-05-800 through
33.1-24-05-819 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, or satisfying the conditions of
the exclusion under subdivision y of subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-04 shall provide
assurance that funds will be available when needed for care of the facility under sections
33.1-24-05-59 through 33.1-24-05-73 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, as
applicable,
Whereas, the GRANTOR has elected to establish a trust to provide all or part of such
financial assurance for the facilities identified herein,
Whereas, the GRANTOR acting through its duly authorized officers has selected the
TRUSTEE to be the TRUSTEE under this AGREEMENT and the TRUSTEE is willing to
act as TRUSTEE,
Now, therefore, the GRANTOR and the TRUSTEE agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. As used in this AGREEMENT:
(a)
The term GRANTOR means the owner or operator who enters into this AGREEMENT
and any successors or assigns of the GRANTOR.
(b)
The term TRUSTEE means the TRUSTEE who enters into this AGREEMENT and any
successor TRUSTEE.
Section 2. Identification of Facilities and Cost Estimate. This AGREEMENT pertains to the
facilities and cost estimates identified on attached schedule A [on schedule A for each facility
list the identification number (if available), name, address, and the current cost estimates, or
portions thereof, for which financial assurance is demonstrated by this AGREEMENT].
Section 3. Establishment of FUND. The GRANTOR and the TRUSTEE hereby establish a
trust fund, the FUND, for the benefit of the DEPARTMENT in the event that the hazardous
secondary materials of the GRANTOR no longer meet the conditions of the exclusion under
subdivision y of subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-04. The GRANTOR and the TRUSTEE
intend that no third party have access to the FUND, except as herein provided. The FUND is
established initially as consisting of the property which is acceptable to the TRUSTEE and
described in schedule B attached hereto. Such property and any other property subsequently
transferred to the TRUSTEE is referred to as the FUND, together with all earnings and profits
thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the TRUSTEE pursuant to this
AGREEMENT. The FUND must be held by the TRUSTEE, IN TRUST, as herein provided. The
TRUSTEE is not responsible, nor may it undertake any responsibility for the amount or
adequacy of, nor any duty to collect from the GRANTOR any payments necessary to
discharge any liabilities of the GRANTOR established by the DEPARTMENT.
Section 4. Payments from the Fund. The TRUSTEE shall make payments from the FUND
as the DEPARTMENT shall direct, in writing, to provide for the payment of the costs of the
performance of activities required under sections 33.1-24-05-59 through 33.1-24-05-73 or
subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16 for the facilities covered by this AGREEMENT. The
TRUSTEE shall reimburse the GRANTOR or other persons as specified by the
DEPARTMENT from the FUND for expenditures for such activities in such amounts as the
DEPARTMENT shall direct in writing. In addition, the TRUSTEE shall refund to the GRANTOR
such amounts as the DEPARTMENT specifies in writing. Upon refund such funds shall no
longer constitute part of the FUND as defined herein.
Section 5. Payments Comprising the FUND. Payments made to the TRUSTEE for the
FUND must consist of cash or securities acceptable to the TRUSTEE.
Section 6. TRUSTEE Management. The TRUSTEE shall invest and reinvest the principal
and income of the FUND and keep the FUND invested as a single FUND without distinction
between principal and income in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines
which the GRANTOR may communicate in writing to the TRUSTEE from time to time, subject
however to the provisions of this Section. In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and
managing the FUND, the TRUSTEE shall discharge the TRUSTEE's duties with respect to the
trust fund solely in the interest of the beneficiary and with the care, skill, prudence, and
diligence under the circumstances then prevailing which persons of prudence, acting in a like
capacity and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like
character and with like aims; except that:
(a)
Securities or other obligations of the GRANTOR or any other owner or operator of the
facilities or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, 15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a), may not be acquired or held unless they are securities or
other obligations of a federal or state government;
(b)
The TRUSTEE is authorized to invest the FUND in time or demand deposits of the
TRUSTEE, to the extent insured by an agency of the federal or state government; and
(c)
The TRUSTEE is authorized to hold cash awaiting investment or distribution uninvested
for a reasonable time and without liability for the payment of interest thereon.
Section 7. Commingling and Investment. The TRUSTEE is expressly authorized in its
discretion:
(a)
To transfer from time to time any or all of the assets of the FUND to any common,
commingled, or collective trust fund created by the TRUSTEE in which the FUND is
eligible to participate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the
assets of other trusts participating therein; and
(b)
To purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq., including one which may be created,
managed, underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered or the shares of which
are sold by the TRUSTEE. The TRUSTEE may vote such shares in its discretion.
Section 8. Express Powers of TRUSTEE. Without, in any way, eliminating the powers and
discretions conferred upon the TRUSTEE by the other provisions of this AGREEMENT or by
law, the TRUSTEE is expressly authorized and empowered:
(a)
To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by
public or private sale. No person dealing with the TRUSTEE is bound to see the
application of the purchase money or to inquire into the validity or expediency of any
such sale or disposition;
(b)
To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and
conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to
carry out the powers herein granted;
(c)
To register any securities held in the FUND in its own name or in the name of a nominee
and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates
representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the TRUSTEE in
other fiduciary capacities, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a
qualified central depository even though, when so deposited, such securities may be
merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee of such depository with other
securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of
any securities issued by the United States Government, or any agency or instrumentality
thereof, with a federal reserve bank, but the books and records of the TRUSTEE shall at
all times show that all such securities are part of the FUND;
(d)
To deposit any cash in the FUND in interest bearing accounts maintained or savings
certificates issued by the TRUSTEE, in its separate capacity, or in any other banking
institution affiliated with the TRUSTEE to the extent insured by an agency of the federal
or state government; and
(e)
To compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the FUND.
Section 9. Taxes and Expenses. All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against
or in respect of the FUND and all brokerage commissions incurred by the FUND shall be paid
from the FUND. All other expenses incurred by the TRUSTEE in connection with the
administration of this TRUST, including fees for legal services rendered to the TRUSTEE, the
compensation of the TRUSTEE to the extent not paid directly by the GRANTOR and all other
proper charges and disbursements of the TRUSTEE, must be paid from the FUND.
Section 10. Annual Valuation. The TRUSTEE shall annually, at least thirty days prior to the
anniversary date of establishment of the FUND, furnish to the GRANTOR and to the
DEPARTMENT a statement confirming the value of the TRUST. Any securities in the FUND
must be valued at market value as of no more than sixty days prior to the anniversary date of
establishment of the FUND. The failure of the GRANTOR to object in writing to the TRUSTEE
within ninety days after the statement has been furnished to the GRANTOR and the
DEPARTMENT, constitutes a conclusively binding assent by the GRANTOR barring the
GRANTOR from asserting any claim or liability against the TRUSTEE with respect to matters
disclosed in the statement.
Section 11. Advice of Counsel. The TRUSTEE may from time to time consult with counsel,
who may be counsel to the GRANTOR, with respect to any question arising as to construction
of this AGREEMENT or any action to be taken hereunder. The TRUSTEE shall be fully
protected to the extent permitted by law in acting upon the advice of counsel.
Section 12. TRUSTEE Compensation. The TRUSTEE is entitled to reasonable
compensation for its services as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the GRANTOR.
Section 13. Successor TRUSTEE. The TRUSTEE may resign or the GRANTOR may replace
the TRUSTEE, but such resignation or replacement is not effective until the GRANTOR has
appointed a successor TRUSTEE and this successor accepts the appointment. The successor
TRUSTEE shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the TRUSTEE
hereunder. Upon the successor TRUSTEE's acceptance of the appointment, the TRUSTEE
shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor TRUSTEE the funds and properties then
constituting the FUND. If for any reason, the GRANTOR cannot or does not act in the event of
the resignation of the TRUSTEE, the TRUSTEE may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction
for the appointment of a successor TRUSTEE or for instructions. The successor TRUSTEE
shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the TRUST in a writing sent to the
GRANTOR, the DEPARTMENT, and the present TRUSTEE by certified mail ten days before
such change becomes effective. Any expenses incurred by the TRUSTEE as a result of any of
the acts contemplated by this section must be paid as provided in section 9.
Section 14. Instructions to the TRUSTEE. All orders, requests, and instructions by the
GRANTOR to the TRUSTEE must be in writing, signed by such persons as are designated in
the attached Exhibit A, or such other designees as the GRANTOR may designate by
amendment to Exhibit A. The TRUSTEE shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in
accordance with the GRANTOR's orders, requests, and instructions. All orders, requests, and
instructions by the DEPARTMENT to the TRUSTEE must be in writing, signed by an
authorized DEPARTMENT representative and the TRUSTEE shall act and be fully protected in
acting in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions. The TRUSTEE shall have
the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting
a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the GRANTOR or
the DEPARTMENT hereunder has occurred. The TRUSTEE shall have no duty to act in the
absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the GRANTOR or the DEPARTMENT,
or both, except as provided for herein.
Section 15. Amendment of AGREEMENT. This AGREEMENT may be amended by an
instrument in writing executed by the GRANTOR, the TRUSTEE and the DEPARTMENT, or by
the TRUSTEE and the DEPARTMENT, if the GRANTOR ceases to exist.
Section 16. Irrevocability and Termination. Subject to the right of the parties to amend this
AGREEMENT as provided in section 15, this TRUST is irrevocable and continues until
terminated at the written AGREEMENT of the GRANTOR, the TRUSTEE, and the
DEPARTMENT, or by the TRUSTEE and the DEPARTMENT, if the GRANTOR ceases to
exist. Upon termination of the TRUST, all remaining trust property, less final trust
administration expenses, must be delivered to the GRANTOR.
Section 17. Immunity and Indemnification. The TRUSTEE may not incur personal liability of
any nature in connection with any act or omission made in good faith in the administration of
this TRUST or in carrying out any directions by the GRANTOR or the DEPARTMENT issued in
accordance with this AGREEMENT. The TRUSTEE must be indemnified and saved harmless
by the GRANTOR or from the trust fund, or both, from and against any personal liability to
which the TRUSTEE may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official capacity,
including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the GRANTOR fails to
provide such defense.
Section 18. Choice of Law. This AGREEMENT must be administered, construed, and
enforced according to the laws of the state of North Dakota.
Section 19. Interpretation. As used in this AGREEMENT, words in the singular include the
plural and words in the plural include the singular. The descriptive headings for each section of
this AGREEMENT do not affect the interpretation or the legal efficacy of this AGREEMENT.
In Witness Whereof the parties have caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by their
respective officers duly authorized and their corporate seals to be hereunto fixed and attested
as of the date first above written: The parties below certify that the wording of this
AGREEMENT is identical to the wording specified in subdivision a of subsection 1 of North
Dakota Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-42 as such regulation was constituted on the
date first above written.
[Signature of GRANTOR]
[Title]
[Attest:]
[Title]
[Seal]
[Signature of TRUSTEE]
[Attest:]
[Title]
[Seal]
b.
The following is an example of the certification of acknowledgment which must
accompany the TRUST AGREEMENT for a trust fund as specified in subsection 1 of
section 33.1-24-02-36.
State of_________________________
County of_______________________
On this [date], before me personally came [owner or operator] to me known, who, being
by me duly sworn, did depose and say that she/he resides at [address], that she/he is
[title] of [corporation], the corporation described in and which executed the above
instrument; that she/he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to such
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of Directors
of said corporation, and that she/he signed her/his name thereto by like order.
[Signature of notary public]
2.
A surety bond guaranteeing payment into a trust fund as specified in subsection 2 of section
33.1-24-02-36 must be worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be
replaced with the relevant information and the brackets deleted:
FINANCIAL GUARANTEE BOND
Date bond executed:__________________
Effective date:_______________________
Principal: [legal name and business address of owner or operator]
Type of organization: [insert "individual", "joint venture", "partnership", or "corporation"]
State of incorporation:_________________
Surety(ies): [name(s) and business address(es)]
Identification number, name, address, and amount or amounts for each facility guaranteed by
this bond:_________
Total penal sum of bond: $_____________
Surety's bond number:________________
Know all persons by these presents that we the PRINCIPAL and SURETY(IES) hereto are
firmly bound to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (hereinafter called the
DEPARTMENT) in the event that the hazardous secondary materials of the GRANTOR no
longer meet the conditions of the exclusion under subdivision y of subsection 1 of section
33.1-24-02-04, in the above penal sum for the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs,
executors, administrators, successors, and assignors jointly and severally: provided that
where the SURETY(IES) are corporations acting as cosureties, we, the SURETIES, bind
ourselves in such sum "jointly and severally" only for the purpose of allowing a joint action or
actions against any or all of us, and for all other purposes each SURETY binds itself, jointly
and severally with the PRINCIPAL, for the payment of such sum only as is set forth opposite
the name of such SURETY, but if no limit of liability is indicated, the limit of liability shall be the
full amount of the penal sum.
Whereas said PRINCIPAL is required under North Dakota Century Code chapter 23.1-04 to
have a permit or interim status in order to own or operate each facility identified above, or to
meet conditions under subdivision y of subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-04, and
Whereas said PRINCIPAL is required to provide financial assurance as a condition of permit
or interim status or as a condition of an exclusion under subdivision y of subsection 1 of
section 33.1-24-02-04, and
Whereas said PRINCIPAL shall establish a standby trust fund as is required when a surety
bond is used to provide such financial assurance;
Now, therefore, the conditions of the obligation are such that if the PRINCIPAL shall faithfully,
before the beginning of final closure of each facility identified above, fund the standby trust
fund in the amounts identified above for the facility,
Or, if the PRINCIPAL shall satisfy all the conditions established for exclusion of hazardous
secondary materials from coverage as solid waste under subdivision y of subsection 1 of
section 33.1-24-02-04,
Or, if the PRINCIPAL shall fund the standby trust fund in such amounts within fifteen days
after an order to begin closure is issued by the DEPARTMENT or a state or other court of
competent jurisdiction,
Or, if the PRINCIPAL shall provide alternate financial assurance as specified in sections
33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42, as applicable, and obtain the DEPARTMENT's written
approval of such assurance within ninety days after the date of notice of cancellation is
received by both the PRINCIPAL and the DEPARTMENT from the SURETY(IES), then this
obligation shall be null and void, otherwise it is to remain in full force and effect.
The SURETY(IES) shall become liable on this bond obligation only when the PRINCIPAL has
failed to fulfill the conditions described above. Upon notification by the DEPARTMENT that the
PRINCIPAL has failed to perform as guaranteed by this bond, the SURETY(IES) shall place
funds in the amount guaranteed for the facility(ies) into the standby trust fund as directed by
the DEPARTMENT.
The liability of the SURETY(IES) shall not be discharged by any payment or any succession of
payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall amount in the
aggregate to the penal sum of the bond, but in no event shall the obligation of the
SURETY(IES) hereunder exceed the amount of said penal sum.
The SURETY(IES) may cancel the bond by sending notice of cancellation by certified mail to
the PRINCIPAL and to the DEPARTMENT, provided, however, that cancellation shall not occur
during the one hundred twenty days beginning on the date of receipt of the notice of
cancellation by both the PRINCIPAL and the DEPARTMENT as evidenced by the return
receipts.
The PRINCIPAL may terminate this bond by sending written notice to the SURETY(IES)
provided, however, that no such notice shall become effective until the SURETY(IES)
receive(s) written authorization for termination of the bond by the DEPARTMENT.
[The following paragraph is an optional rider that may be included, but is not required]
The PRINCIPAL and SURETY(IES) hereby agree to adjust the penal sum of the bond yearly
so that it guarantees a new amount, provided that the penal sum does not increase by more
than twenty percent in any one year, and no decrease in the penal sum takes place without
the written permission of the DEPARTMENT.
In witness whereof, the PRINCIPAL and SURETY(IES) have executed this financial guarantee
bond and have affixed their seals on the date set forth above.
The persons whose signatures appear below hereby certify that they are authorized to
execute this surety bond on behalf of the PRINCIPAL and SURETY(IES) and that the wording
of this surety bond is identical to the wording specified in subsection 2 of North Dakota
Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-42 as such rule was constituted on the date this bond
was executed.
PRINCIPAL
[Signature(s)]
[Name(s)]
[Title(s)]
[Corporate seal]
CORPORATE SURETY(IES)
[Name and address]
State of Incorporation:________________
Liability limit: $______________________
[Signature(s)]
[Name(s) and Title(s)]
[Corporate seal]
[For every cosurety, provide signature(s), corporate seal, and other information in the same
manner as for surety above.]
Bond premium: $____________________
3.
A letter of credit as specified in subsection 3 of section 33.1-24-02-36 must be worded as
follows except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information
and the brackets deleted:
IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT
Director, North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality
Dear Sir or Madam:
We hereby establish our Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit Number __________ in your
favor, in the event that the hazardous secondary materials at the covered reclamation or
intermediary facility or facilities no longer meet the conditions of the exclusion under
subdivision y of subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-04, at the request and for the account of
[owner's or operator's name and address] up to the aggregate amount of [in words] United
States Dollars $__________, available upon presentation by you of
(1) Your sight draft bearing reference to this letter of credit Number ____________, and
(2) Your signed statement reading as follows: "I certify that the amount of the draft is payable
pursuant to regulations issued under authority of North Dakota Century Code chapter
23.1-04".
This letter of credit is effective as of [date] and shall expire on [date at least one year later], but
such expiration date shall be automatically extended for a period of [at least one year] on
[date] and on each successive expiration date, unless, at least one hundred twenty days
before the current expiration date, we notify both you and [owner's or operator's name] by
certified mail that we have decided not to extend this letter of credit beyond the current
expiration date. In the event you are so notified, any unused portion of the credit shall be
available upon presentation of your sight draft for one hundred twenty days after the date of
receipt by both you and [owner's or operator's name], as shown on the signed return receipts.
Whenever this letter of credit is drawn on under and in compliance with the terms of this credit,
we shall duly honor such draft upon presentation to us, and we shall deposit the amount of the
draft directly into the standby trust fund of [owner's or operator's name] in accordance with
your instructions.
We certify that the wording of this letter of credit is identical to the wording specified in
subsection 3 of North Dakota Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-42 as such rule was
constituted on the date shown immediately below.
[Signature(s) and Title(s) of Official(s) of issuing institution] [Date]
This credit is subject to [insert "the most recent edition of the Uniform Customs and Practice
for Documentary Credits, published and copyrighted by the International Chamber of
Commerce", or "the Uniform Commercial Code"]
4.
A certificate of insurance as specified in subsection 4 of section 33.1-24-02-36 must be
worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant
information and the brackets deleted:
CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
Name and address of insurer (hereinafter called the "INSURER"): __________
Name and address of insured (hereinafter called the "INSURED"): __________
Facilities covered: [List for each facility: the identification number (if any issued), name,
address, and amount of insurance for closure or the amount of insurance for all facilities
covered, which must total the face amount shown below.]
Face amount: _________________________
Policy Number: _________________________
Effective Date: _________________________
The INSURER hereby certifies that it has issued to the INSURED the policy of insurance
identified above to provide financial assurance so that in accordance with applicable
regulations all hazardous secondary materials can be removed from the facility or any unit at
the facility and the facility or any unit at the facility can be decontaminated at the facilities
identified above. The INSURER further warrants that such policy conforms in all respects with
the requirements of subsection 4 of North Dakota Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-36,
as applicable and as such regulations were constituted on the date shown immediately below.
It is agreed that any provision of the policy inconsistent with such rules is hereby amended to
eliminate such inconsistency.
When requested by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEPARTMENT)
the INSURER agrees to furnish to the DEPARTMENT a duplicate original of the policy listed
above, including all endorsements thereon.
I hereby certify that the wording of this certificate is identical to the wording specified in
subsection 4 of North Dakota Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-42 as such rule was
constituted on the date shown immediately below.
[Authorized signature for INSURER]
[Name of person signing]
[Title of person signing]
Signature of witness or notary:_________________________
[Date]
5.
A letter from the chief financial officer, as specified in subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-02-36,
must be worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the
relevant information and the brackets deleted:
LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
[Address to North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality].
I am the chief financial officer of [name and address of firm]. This letter is in support of this
firm's use of the financial test to demonstrate financial assurance, as specified in sections
33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42.
[Fill out the following nine paragraphs regarding facilities and associated cost estimates. If
your firm has no facilities that belong in a particular paragraph, write "None" in the space
indicated. For each facility, include its identification number (if any issued), name, address,
and current cost estimates.]
1.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following facilities for which financial assurance
is demonstrated through the financial test specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through
33.1-24-02-42. The current cost estimates covered by the test are shown for each facility:
____.
2.
This firm guarantees, through the guarantee specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through
33.1-24-02-42, the following facilities owned or operated by the guaranteed party. The
current cost estimates so guaranteed are shown for each facility: _________. The firm
identified above is [insert one or more: (1) The direct or higher-tier parent corporation of
the owner or operator; (2) owned by the same parent corporation as the parent
corporation of the owner or operator, and receiving the following value in consideration of
this guarantee _________; or (3) engaged in the following substantial business
relationship with the owner or operator _________, and receiving the following value in
consideration of this guarantee ___________]. [Attach a written description of the
business relationship or a copy of the contract establishing such relationship to this
letter.]
3.
This firm, as owner or operator or guarantor, is demonstrating financial assurance for the
following facilities through the use of the financial test specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33
through 33.1-24-02-42. The current cost estimates covered by such a test are shown for
each facility:_____.
4.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following hazardous secondary materials
management facilities for which financial assurance is not demonstrated to the
DEPARTMENT through the financial test or any other financial assurance mechanism
specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42. The current cost estimates
not covered by such financial assurance are shown for each facility: _____.
5.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following underground injection control facilities
for which financial assurance for plugging and abandonment is required under 40 CFR
part 144. The current closure cost estimates as required by 40 CFR 144.62 are shown for
each facility: __________.
6.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following facilities for which financial assurance
for closure or postclosure care is demonstrated through the financial test specified in
sections 33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16.
The current closure and/or postclosure cost estimates covered by the test are shown for
each facility: ______________.
7.
This firm guarantees, through the guarantee specified in sections 33.1-24-05-74 through
33.1-24-05-88 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, the closure or postclosure care
of the following facilities owned or operated by the guaranteed party. The current cost
estimates for the closure or postclosure care so guaranteed are shown for each
facility:_________. The firm identified above is [insert one or more: (1) the direct or
higher-tier parent corporation of the owner or operator; (2) owned by the same parent
corporation as the parent corporation of the owner or operator, and receiving the
following value in consideration of this guarantee ___________; or (3) engaged in the
following substantial business relationship with the owner or operator __________, and
receiving the following value in consideration of this guarantee ____________]. [Attach a
written description of the business relationship or a copy of the contract establishing such
relationship to this letter.]
8.
This firm, as owner or operator or guarantor, is demonstrating financial assurance for the
closure or postclosure care of the following facilities through the use of the financial test
specified in sections 33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88 or subsection 5 of section
33.1-24-06-16. The current closure and/or postclosure cost estimates covered by such a
test are shown for each facility: ____________.
9.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following hazardous waste management facilities
for which financial assurance for closure or, if a disposal facility, postclosure care, is not
demonstrated to the DEPARTMENT through the financial test or any other financial
assurance mechanism specified in sections 33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88 and
subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16. The current closure and/or postclosure estimates
not covered by such financial assurance are shown for each facility: _________.
This firm [insert "is required" or "is not required"] to file a form 10K with the securities and
exchange commission for the latest fiscal year.
The fiscal year of this firm ends on [month, day]. The figures for the following items marked
with an asterisk are derived from this firm's independently audited, year-end financial
statements for the latest completed fiscal year, ended [date].
[Fill in Alternative I if the criteria of paragraph 1 of subdivision a of subsection 5 of section
33.1-24-02-36 are used. Fill in Alternative II if the criteria of paragraph 2 of subdivision a of
subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-02-36 are used.]
Alternative I
1.
Sum of current cost estimate (total of all costs estimates shown in the nine paragraphs
above). $_________
*2.
Total liabilities (if any portion of the cost estimate is included in total liabilities, you may
deduct the amount of that portion from this line and add that amount to lines 3 and 4).
$________
*3.
Tangible net worth. $________
*4.
Net worth. $_______________
*5.
Current assets. $___________
*6.
Current liabilities. $__________
7.
Net working capital (line 5 minus line 6). $__________
*8.
The sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization. $_________
*9.
Total assets in the United States (required only if less than 90% of firm's assets are
located in the United States). $____________
Yes
No
10.
Is line 3 at least $10 million?
11.
Is line 3 at least 6 times line 1?
12.
Is line 7 at least 6 times line 1?
*13.
Are at least 90% of firm's assets located in the United States? If not, complete line 14.
14.
Is line 9 at least 6 times line 1?
15.
Is line 2 divided by line 4 less than 2.0?
16.
Is line 8 divided by line 2 greater than 0.1?
17.
Is line 5 divided by line 6 greater than 1.5?
Alternative II
1.
Sum of current cost estimates (total of all cost estimates shown in the nine paragraphs
above). $___________
2.
Current bond rating of most recent issuance of this firm and name of rating service.
$__________
3.
Date of issuance of bond. $___________
4.
Date of maturity of bond. $____________
*5.
Tangible net worth (if any portion of the cost estimates is included in "total liabilities" on
your firm's financial statements, you may add the amount of that portion to this line).
$____________
*6.
Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90% of firm's assets are
located in the United States). $_____________
Yes
No
7.
Is line 5 at least $10 million?
8.
Is line 5 at least 6 times line 1?
*9.
Are at least 90% of firm's assets located in the United States? If not, complete line 10.
10.
Is line 6 at least 6 times line 1?
I hereby certify that the wording of this letter is identical to the wording specified in
subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-02-42 as such regulations were constituted on the date
shown immediately below.
[Signature]
[Name]
[Title]
[Date]
6.
A letter from the chief financial officer, as specified in subsection 6 of section 33.1-24-02-40,
must be worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the
relevant information and the brackets deleted:
LETTER FROM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
[Address to North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.]
I am the chief financial officer of [firm's name and address]. This letter is in support of the use
of the financial test to demonstrate financial responsibility for liability coverage under section
33.1-24-02-40 [insert "and costs assured subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-02-36" if applicable]
as specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42.
[Fill out the following paragraphs regarding facilities and liability coverage. If there are no
facilities that belong in a particular paragraph, write "None" in the space indicated. For each
facility, include its identification number (if any issued), name, and address.]
The firm identified above is the owner or operator of the following facilities for which liability
coverage for [insert "sudden" or "nonsudden" or "both sudden and nonsudden"] accidental
occurrence is being demonstrated through the financial test specified in sections
33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42:
The firm identified above guarantees, through the guarantee specified in sections
33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42, liability coverage for [insert "sudden" or "nonsudden" or
"both sudden and nonsudden"] accidental occurrences at the following facilities owned or
operated by the following: _________. The firm identified above is [insert one or more: (1) the
direct or higher-tier parent corporation of the owner or operator; (2) owned by the same parent
corporation as the parent corporation of the owner or operator, and receiving the following
value in consideration of this guarantee; or (3) engaged in the following substantial business
relationship with the owner or operator _________, and receiving the following value in
consideration of this guarantee _________]. [Attach a written description of the business
relationship or a copy of the contract establishing such relationship to this letter.]
The firm identified above is the owner or operator of the following facilities for which liability
coverage for [insert "sudden" or "nonsudden" or "both sudden and nonsudden"] accidental
occurrences is being demonstrated through the financial test specified in sections
33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16.
The firm identified above guarantees, through the guarantee specified in sections
33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, liability
coverage for [insert "sudden" or "nonsudden" or "both sudden and nonsudden"] accidental
occurrences at the following facilities owned or operated by the following: _________. The
firm identified above is [insert one or more: (1) the direct or higher-tier parent corporation of
the owner or operator; (2) owned by the same parent corporation as the parent corporation of
the owner or operator, and receiving the following value in consideration of this guarantee
__________; or (3) engaged in the following substantial business relationship with the owner
operator ________, and receiving the following value in consideration of this guarantee
________]. [Attach a written description of the business relationship or a copy of the contract
establishing such relationship to this letter.]
[If you are using the financial test to demonstrate coverage of both liability and costs assured
under subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-02-36 or closure or postclosure case costs under
sections 33.1-24-05-77 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, fill in the following nine
paragraphs regarding facilities and associated cost estimates. If there are no facilities that
belong in a particular paragraph, write "None" in the space indicated. For each facility, include
its identification number (if any issued), name, address, and current cost estimates.]
1.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following facilities for which financial assurance
is demonstrated through the financial test specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through
33.1-24-02-42. The current cost estimates covered by the test are shown for each facility
_____.
2.
This firm guarantees, through the guarantee specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through
33.1-24-02-42, the following facilities owned or operated by the guaranteed party. The
current cost estimates so guaranteed are shown for each facility: ____. The firm
identified above is [insert one or more: (1) the direct or higher-tier parent corporation of
the owner or operator; (2) owned by the same parent corporation as the parent
corporation of the owner or operator, and receiving the following value in consideration of
this guarantee _______; or (3) engaged in the following substantial business relationship
with the owner or operator _______, and receiving the following value in consideration of
this guarantee ________]. [Attach a written description of the business relationship or a
copy of the contract establishing such relationship to this letter.]
3.
This firm, as owner or operator or guarantor, is demonstrating financial assurance for the
following facilities through the use of the financial test specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33
through 33.1-24-02-42. The current cost estimates covered by such a test are shown for
each facility: _____.
4.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following hazardous secondary materials
management facilities for which financial assurance is not demonstrated to the
DEPARTMENT through the financial test or any other financial assurance mechanism
specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42. The current cost estimates
not covered by such financial assurance are shown for each facility:_____.
5.
This firm is the owner or operator or guarantor of the following underground injection
control facilities for which financial assurance for plugging and abandonment is required
under 40 CFR part 144. The current closure cost estimates as required by 40 CFR
144.62 are shown for each facility:_______.
6.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following facilities for which financial assurance
for closure or postclosure care is demonstrated through the financial test specified in
sections 33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88 and subsection 5 of section
33.1-24-06-16. The current closure and/or postclosure cost estimates covered by the test
are shown for each facility: _________.
7.
This firm guarantees, through the guarantee specified in sections 33.1-24-05-74 through
33.1-24-05-88 and subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, the closure or postclosure care
of the following facilities owned or operated by the guaranteed party. The current cost
estimates for the closure or postclosure care so guaranteed are shown for each facility:
_________. The firm identified above is the [insert one or more: (1) the direct or
higher-tier parent corporation of the owner or operator; (2) owned by the same parent
corporation as the parent corporation of the owner or operator, and receiving the
following value in consideration of this guarantee: _________; or (3) engaged in the
following substantial business relationship with the owner or operator: _________, and
receiving the following value in consideration of this guarantee: _________]. [Attach a
written description of the business relationship or a copy of the contract establishing such
a relationship to this letter.]
8.
This firm, as owner or operator or guarantor, is demonstrating financial assurance for the
closure or postclosure care of the following facilities through the use the financial test
specified in sections 33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88. The current closure and/or
postclosure cost estimates covered by such a test are shown for each facility:
_________.
9.
This firm is the owner or operator of the following hazardous waste management facilities
for which financial assurance for closure or, if a disposal facility, postclosure care, is not
demonstrated to the DEPARTMENT through the financial test or any other financial
assurance mechanism specified in sections 33.1-24-05-74 through 33.1-24-05-88 or
subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16. The current closure and/or postclosure cost
estimates not covered by such financial assurance are shown for each facility:
_________.
This firm [insert "is required" or "is not required"] to file a form 10K with the securities and
exchange commission for the latest fiscal year.
The fiscal year of this firm ends on [month, day]. The figures for the following items
marked with an asterisk are derived from this firm's independently audited, year-end
financial statements for the latest completed fiscal year, ended [date].
Part A. Liability Coverage for Accidental Occurrences
[Fill in Alternative I if the criteria of paragraph 1 of subdivision a of subsection 6 of section
33.1-24-02-40 are used. Fill in Alternative II if the criteria of paragraph 2 of subdivision a
of subsection 6 of section 33.1-24-02-40 are used.]
Alternative I
1.
Amount of annual aggregate liability coverage to be demonstrated. $_________
*2.
Current assets. $___________
*3.
Current liabilities. $__________
4.
Net working capital (line 2 minus line 3). $__________
*5.
Tangible net worth. $________
*6.
If less than 90% of assets are located in the United States, give total United States
assets. $_________
Yes
No
7.
Is line 5 at least $10 million?
8.
Is line 4 at least 6 times line 1?
9.
Is line 5 at last 6 times line 1?
*10.
Are at least 90% of assets located in the United States?
If not, complete line 11.
11.
Is line 6 at least 6 times line 1?
Alternative II
1.
Amount of annual aggregate liability coverage to be demonstrated. $________
2.
Current bond rating of most recent issuance and name of rating service.
3.
Date of issuance of bond.
4.
Date of maturity of bond.
*5.
Tangible net worth. $_______
*6.
Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90% of assets are located in
the United States). $______
Yes
No
7.
Is line 5 at least $10 million?
8.
Is line 5 at least 6 times line 1?
9.
Are at least 90% of assets located in the United States?
If not, complete line 10.
10.
Is line 6 at least 6 times line 1?
[Fill in part B if you are using the financial test to demonstrate assurance of both liability
coverage and costs assured under subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-02-36 or closure or
postclosure care costs under section 33.1-24-05-77 or subsection 5 of section
33.1-24-06-16.]
Part B. Facility Care and Liability Coverage
[Fill in Alternative I if the criteria of paragraph 1 of subdivision a of subsection 5 of section
33.1-24-02-36 and paragraph 1 of subdivision a of subsection 6 of section 33.1-24-02-40
are used. Fill in Alternative II if the criteria of paragraph 2 of subdivision a of subsection 5
of section 33.1-24-02-36 and paragraph 2 of subdivision a of subsection 6 of section
33.1-24-02-40 are used.]
Alternative I
1.
Sum of current cost estimates (total of all cost estimates listed above). $_______
2.
Amount of annual aggregate liability coverage to be demonstrated. $________
3.
Sum of lines 1 and 2. $________
*4.
Total liabilities (if any portion of your closure or postclosure cost estimates is included
in your total liabilities, you may deduct that portion from this line and add that amount
to lines 5 and 6). $__________
*5.
Tangible net worth. $_________
*6.
Net worth. $____________
*7.
Current assets. $________
*8.
Current liabilities. $_______
9.
Net working capital (line 7 minus line 8). $_________
*10.
The sum of net income plus depreciation, depletion, and amortization. $_________
*11.
Total assets in United States (required only if less than 90% of assets are located in
the United States). $________
Yes
No
12.
Is line 5 at least $10 million?
13.
Is line 5 at least 6 times line 3?
14.
Is line 9 at least 6 times line 3?
*15.
Are at least 90% of assets located in the United States?
If not, complete line 16.
16.
Is line 11 at least 6 times line 3?
17.
Is line 4 divided by line 6 less than 2.0?
18.
Is line 10 divided by line 4 greater than 0.1?
19.
Is line 7 divided by line 8 greater than 1.5?
Alternative II
1.
Sum of current cost estimate (total of all cost estimates listed above). $________
2.
Amount of annual aggregate liability coverage to be demonstrated. $________
3.
Sum of lines 1 and 2. $_______
4.
Current bond rating of most recent issuance and name of rating service.
*5.
Date of issuance of bond.
*6.
Date of maturity of bond.
*7.
Tangible net worth (if any portion of the cost estimates is included in "total liabilities" on
your financial statements you may add that portion to this line). $_______
*8.
Total assets in the United States (required only if less than 90% of assets are located
in the United States). $_______
Yes
No
9.
Is line 7 at least $10 million?
10.
Is line 7 at least 6 times line 3?
*11.
Are at least 90% of assets located in the United States?
If not, complete line 12.
12.
Is line 8 at least 6 times line 3?
I hereby certify that the wording of this letter is identical to the wording specified in
subsection 6 of section 33.1-24-02-42 as such regulations were constituted on the date
shown immediately below.
[Signature]
[Name]
[Title]
[Date]
7.
Corporate guarantee for facility care.
a.
A corporate guarantee, as specified in subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-02-36, must be
worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the
relevant information and the brackets deleted:
CORPORATE GUARANTEE FOR FACILITY CARE
Guarantee made this [date] by [name of guaranteeing entity], a business corporation
organized under the laws of the state of [insert name of state], herein referred to as
guarantor. This guarantee is made on behalf of the [owner or operator] of [business
address], which is [one of the following: "our subsidiary"; "a subsidiary of [name and
address of common parent corporation], of which guarantor is a subsidiary"; or "an entity
with which guarantor has a substantial business relationship, as defined in subsection 8
of section 33.1-24-05-75"] to the DEPARTMENT.
Recitals
1.
Guarantor meets or exceeds the financial test criteria and agrees to comply with the
reporting requirements for guarantors as specified in subsection 5 of section
33.1-24-02-36.
2.
[Owner or operator] owns or operates the following facility(ies) covered by this
guarantee: [List for each facility: identification number (if any issued), name, and
address.]
3.
"Closure plans" as used below refer to the plans maintained as required by sections
33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42 for the care of facilities as identified above.
4.
For value received from [owner or operator], guarantor guarantees that in the event
of a determination by the department that the hazardous secondary materials at the
owner's or operator's facility covered by this guarantee do not meet the conditions of
the exclusion under subdivision y of subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-04, the
guarantor shall dispose of any hazardous secondary material as hazardous waste,
and close the facility in accordance with closure requirements found in sections
33.1-24-05-01 through 33.1-24-05-190, 33.1-24-05-300 through 33.1-24-05-524,
33.1-24-05-550 through 33.1-24-05-559 and 33.1-24-05-800 through
33.1-24-05-819 or subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, as applicable, or establish
a trust fund as specified in subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-36 in the name of the
owner or operator in the amount of the current cost estimate.
5.
Guarantor agrees that if, at the end of any fiscal year before termination of this
guarantee, the guarantor fails to meet the financial test criteria, guarantor shall send
within ninety days, by certified mail, notice to the DEPARTMENT and to [owner or
operator] that the guarantor intends to provide alternate financial assurance as
specified in sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42, as applicable, in the
name of [owner or operator]. Within one hundred twenty days after the end of such
fiscal year, the guarantor shall establish such financial assurance unless [owner or
operator] has done so.
6.
The guarantor agrees to notify the DEPARTMENT by certified mail, of a voluntary or
involuntary proceeding under title 11 (bankruptcy), United States Code, naming
guarantor as debtor, within ten days after commencement of the proceeding.
7.
Guarantor agrees that within thirty days after being notified by the DEPARTMENT of
a determination that guarantor no longer meets the financial test criteria or that the
guarantor is disallowed from continuing as a guarantor, the guarantor shall establish
alternate financial assurance as specified in sections 33.1-24-05-01 through
33.1-24-05-190, 33.1-24-05-300 through 33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through
33.1-24-05-559, and 33.1-24-05-800 through 33.1-24-05-819, subsection 5 of
section 33.1-24-06-16, or sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42, as
applicable, in the name of [owner or operator] unless [owner or operator] has done
so.
8.
Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee notwithstanding any or all
of the following: amendment or modification of the closure plan, the extension or
reduction of the time of performance, or any other modification or alteration of an
obligation of the owner or operator pursuant to sections 33.1-24-05-01 through
33.1-24-05-190, 33.1-24-05-300 through 33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through
33.1-24-05-559 and 33.1-24-05-800 through 33.1-24-05-819, subsection 5 of
section 33.1-24-06-16, or sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42.
9.
Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee for as long as [owner or
operator] must comply with the applicable financial assurance requirements of
sections 33.1-24-05-01 through 33.1-24-05-190, 33.1-24-05-300 through
33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through 33.1-24-05-559 and 33.1-24-05-800
through 33.1-24-05-819 and subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16 or the financial
assurance condition of subparagraph f of paragraph 6 of subdivision y of
subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-04 for the above listed facilities, except as
provided in paragraph 10 of this AGREEMENT.
10.
[Insert the following language if the guarantor is (a) a direct or higher-tier corporate
parent, or (b) a firm whose parent corporation is also the parent corporation of the
owner or operator]:
Guarantor may terminate this guarantee by sending notice by certified mail to the
DEPARTMENT and to [owner or operator], provided that this guarantee may not be
terminated unless and until [the owner or operator] obtains, and the DEPARTMENT
approves, alternate coverage complying with section 33.1-24-02-36.
[Insert the following language if the guarantor is a firm qualifying as a guarantor due
to its "substantial business relationship" with its owner or operator.]
Guarantor may terminate this guarantee one hundred twenty days following the
receipt of notification, through certified mail, by the DEPARTMENT and by [the
owner or operator].
11.
Guarantor agrees that if [owner or operator] fails to provide alternate financial
assurance as specified in sections 33.1-24-05-01 through 33.1-24-05-190,
33.1-24-05-300 through 33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through 33.1-24-05-559
and 33.1-24-05-800 through 33.1-24-05-819, subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16,
or sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42, as applicable, and obtain written
approval of such assurance from the DEPARTMENT within ninety days after a
notice of cancellation by the guarantor is received by the DEPARTMENT from
guarantor, guarantor shall provide such alternate financial assurance in the name of
[owner or operator].
12.
Guarantor expressly waives notice of acceptance of this guarantee by the
DEPARTMENT or by [owner or operator]. Guarantor also expressly waives notice of
amendments or modifications of the closure plan and of amendments or
modifications of the applicable requirements of sections 33.1-24-05-01 through
33.1-24-05-190, 33.1-24-05-300 through 33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through
33.1-24-05-559 and 33.1-24-05-800 through 33.1-24-05-819, subsection 5 of
section 33.1-24-06-16, or sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42.
I hereby certify that the wording of this guarantee is identical to the wording specified in
subdivision a of subsection 7 of section 33.1-24-02-42 as such regulations were
constituted on the date first above written.
Effective date:
[Name of guarantor]
[Authorized signature for guarantor]
[Name of person signing]
[Title of person signing]
Signature of witness or notary:
b.
A guarantee, as specified in subsection 7 of section 33.1-24-02-40, must be worded as
follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant
information and the brackets deleted:
GUARANTEE FOR LIABILITY COVERAGE
Guarantee made this [date] by [name of guaranteeing entity], a business corporation
organized under the laws of [if incorporated within the United States insert "the state of "
and insert name of state; if incorporated outside the United States insert the name of the
country in which incorporated, the principal place of business within the United States,
and the name and address of the registered agent in the state of the principal place of
business], herein referred to as guarantor. This guarantee is made on behalf of [owner or
operator] of [business address], which is one of the following: "our subsidiary";
"a subsidiary of [name and address of common parent corporation], of which guarantor is
a subsidiary"; or "an entity with which guarantor has a substantial business relationship,
as defined in subsection 8 of section 33.1-24-05-75", to any and all third parties who
have sustained or may sustain bodily injury or property damage caused by [sudden
and/or nonsudden] accidental occurrences arising from operation of the facility(ies)
covered by this guarantee.
Recitals
1.
Guarantor meets or exceeds the financial test criteria and agrees to comply with the
reporting requirements for guarantors as specified in subsection 7 of section
33.1-24-02-40.
2.
[Owner or operator] owns or operates the following facility(ies) covered by this
guarantee: [List for each facility: identification number (if any issued), name, and
address; and if guarantor is incorporated outside the United States list the name
and address of the guarantor's registered agent in each state.] This corporate
guarantee satisfies Resource Conservation and Recovery Act third-party liability
requirements for [insert "sudden" or "nonsudden" or "both sudden and nonsudden"]
accidental occurrences in above-named owner or operator facilities for coverage in
the amount of [insert dollar amount] for each occurrence and [insert dollar amount]
annual aggregate.
3.
For value received from [owner or operator], guarantor guarantees to any and all
third parties who have sustained or may sustain bodily injury or property damage
caused by [sudden and/or nonsudden] accidental occurrences arising from
operations of the facility(ies) covered by this guarantee that in the event that [owner
or operator] fails to satisfy a judgment or award based on a determination of liability
for bodily injury or property damage to third parties caused by [sudden and/or
nonsudden] accidental occurrences, arising from the operation of the above-named
facilities, or fails to pay an amount agreed to in settlement of a claim arising from or
alleged to arise from such injury or damage, the guarantor will satisfy such
judgment(s), award(s), or settlement agreement(s) up to the limits of coverage
identified above.
4.
Such obligation does not apply to any of the following:
(a)
Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert owner or operator] is
obligated to pay damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract
or agreement. This exclusion does not apply to liability for damages that [insert
owner or operator] would be obligated to pay in the absence of the contract or
agreement.
(b)
Any obligation of [insert owner or operator] under a workers' compensation,
disability benefits, or unemployment compensation law or any similar law.
(c)
Bodily injury to:
(1)
An employee of [insert owner or operator] arising from, and in the course
of, employment by [insert owner or operator]; or
(2)
The spouse, child, parent, brother, or sister of that employee as a
consequence of, or arising from, and in the course of employment by
[insert owner or operator]. This exclusion applies:
(A)
Whether [insert owner or operator] may be liable as an employer or
in any other capacity; and
(B)
To any obligation to share damages with or repay another person
who must pay damages because of the injury to persons identified in
paragraphs (1) and (2).
(d)
Bodily injury or property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance,
use, or entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft.
(e)
Property damage to:
(1)
Any property owned, rented, or occupied by [insert owner or operator];
(2)
Premises that are sold, given away, or abandoned by [insert owner or
operator] if the property damage arises out of any part of those premises;
(3)
Property loaned to [insert owner or operator];
(4)
Personal property in the care, custody, or control of [insert owner or
operator]; or
(5)
That particular part of real property on which [insert owner or operator] or
any contractors or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on behalf
of [insert owner or operator] are performing operations, if the property
damage arises out of these operations.
5.
Guarantor agrees that if, at the end of any fiscal year before termination of this
guarantee, the guarantor fails to meet the financial test criteria, guarantor shall send
within ninety days, by certified mail, notice to the DEPARTMENT and to [owner or
operator] that the guarantor intends to provide alternate liability coverage as
specified in section 33.1-24-02-40, as applicable, in the name of [owner or
operator]. Within one hundred twenty days after the end of such fiscal year, the
guarantor shall establish such liability coverage unless [owner or operator] has done
so.
6.
The guarantor agrees to notify the DEPARTMENT by certified mail of a voluntary or
involuntary proceeding under title 11 (bankruptcy), United States Code, naming
guarantor as debtor, within ten days after commencement of the proceeding.
Guarantor agrees that within thirty days after being notified by the DEPARTMENT of
a determination that guarantor no longer meets the financial test criteria or that the
guarantor is disallowed from continuing as a guarantor, the guarantor shall establish
alternate liability coverage as specified in section 33.1-24-02-40 in the name of
[owner or operator], unless [owner or operator] has done so.
7.
Guarantor reserves the right to modify this AGREEMENT to take into account
amendment or modification of the liability requirements set by section
33.1-24-02-40, provided that such modification shall become effective only if the
DEPARTMENT does not disapprove the modification within thirty days of receipt of
notification of the modification.
8.
Guarantor agrees to remain bound under this guarantee for so long as [owner or
operator] must comply with the applicable requirements of section 33.1-24-02-40 for
the above-listed facility(ies), except as provided in paragraph 10 of this
AGREEMENT.
9.
[Insert the following language if the guarantor is (a) a direct or higher-tier corporate
parent, or (b) a firm whose parent corporation is also the parent corporation of the
owner or operator]:
10.
Guarantor may terminate this guarantee by sending notice by certified mail to the
DEPARTMENT and to [owner or operator], provided that this guarantee may not be
terminated unless and until [the owner or operator] obtains, and the DEPARTMENT
approves, alternate liability coverage complying with section 33.1-24-02-40.
[Insert the following language if the guarantor is a firm qualifying as a guarantor due
to its "substantial business relationship" with the owner or operator]:
Guarantor may terminate this guarantee one hundred twenty days following receipt
of notification, through certified mail, by the DEPARTMENT and by [the owner or
operator].
11.
Guarantor hereby expressly waives notice of acceptance of this guarantee by any
party.
12.
Guarantor agrees that this guarantee is in addition to and does not affect any other
responsibility or liability of the guarantor with respect to the covered facilities.
13.
The guarantor shall satisfy a third-party liability claim only on receipt of one of the
following documents:
(a)
Certification from the principal and the third-party claimant(s) that the liability
claim should be paid. The certification must be worded as follows, except that
instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the
brackets deleted:
CERTIFICATION OF VALID CLAIM
The undersigned, as parties [insert principal] and [insert name and address of
third-party claimant(s)], hereby certify that the claim of bodily injury and/or
property damage caused by a [sudden or nonsudden] accidental occurrence
arising from operating [principal's] facility should be paid in the amount of $ __.
[Signatures]
Principal
(Notary) Date
[Signatures]
Claimant(s)
(Notary) Date
(b)
A valid final court order establishing a judgment against the principal for bodily
injury or property damage caused by sudden or nonsudden accidental
occurrences arising from the operation of the principal's facility or group of
facilities.
14.
In the event of combination of this guarantee with another mechanism to meet
liability requirements, this guarantee will be considered [insert "primary" or "excess"]
coverage.
I hereby certify that the wording of the guarantee is identical to the wording specified
in subdivision b of subsection 7 of section 33.1-24-02-42 as such regulations were
constituted on the date shown immediately below.
Effective date: ____________________
[Name of guarantor] ____________________
[Authorized signature for guarantor] ____________________
[Name of person signing] ____________________
[Title of person signing] ____________________
Signature of witness or notary: ____________________
8.
A hazardous waste facility liability endorsement as required in section 33.1-24-02-40 must be
worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant
information and the brackets deleted:
HAZARDOUS SECONDARY MATERIAL RECLAMATION/INTERMEDIATE FACILITY
LIABILITY ENDORSEMENT
1.
This endorsement certifies that the policy to which the endorsement is attached provides
liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage in connection with the
insured's obligation to demonstrate financial responsibility under North Dakota
Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-40. The coverage applies at [list identification
number (if any issued), name, and address for each facility] for [insert "sudden accidental
occurrences", "nonsudden accidental occurrences", or "sudden and nonsudden
accidental occurrences"; if coverage is for multiple facilities and the coverage is different
for different facilities, indicate which facilities are insured for sudden accidental
occurrences, which are insured for nonsudden accidental occurrences and which are
insured for both]. The limits of liability are [insert the dollar amount of the "each
occurrence" and "annual aggregate" limits of the insurer's liability], exclusive of legal
defense costs.
2.
The insurance afforded with respect to such occurrences is subject to all of the terms and
conditions of the policy; provided, however, that any provisions of the policy inconsistent
with subsections (a) through (e) of this paragraph 2 are hereby amended to conform with
subsections (a) through (e):
(a)
Bankruptcy or insolvency of the insured shall not relieve the insurer of its obligations
under the policy to which this endorsement is attached.
(b)
The insurer is liable for the payment of amounts within any deductible applicable to
this policy, with a right of reimbursement by the insured for any such payment made
by the insurer. This provision does not apply with respect to that amount of any
deductible for which coverage is demonstrated as specified in subsection 6 of North
Dakota Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-40.
(c)
When requested by the DEPARTMENT, the insurer agrees to furnish to the
DEPARTMENT a signed duplicate original of the policy and all endorsements.
(d)
Cancellation of this endorsement, whether by the insurer, the insured, a parent
corporation providing insurance coverage for its subsidiary, or by a firm having an
insurable interest in and obtaining liability insurance on behalf of the owner or
operator of the facility, will be effective only upon written notice and only after the
expiration of sixty days after a copy of such written notice is received by the
DEPARTMENT.
(e)
Any other termination of this endorsement will be effective only upon written notice
and only after the expiration of thirty days after a copy of such written notice is
received by the DEPARTMENT, as evidenced by the return receipt.
Attached to and forming part of policy number ___ issued by [name of insurer],
herein called the insurer of [address of insurer] to [name of insured] of [address] this
___ day of ___, 20__. The effective date of said policy is ___ day of ___, 20__.
I hereby certify that the wording of this endorsement is identical to the wording
specified in subsection 8 of North Dakota Administrative Code section
33.1-24-02-42 as such rule was constituted on the date first above written, and that
the insurer is licensed to transact the business of insurance in the state of North
Dakota or eligible to provide insurance as an excess or surplus lines insurer in one
or more states.
[Signature of authorized representative of insurer]
[Type name]
[Title], authorized representative of [name of insurer]
[Address of representative]
9.
A certificate of liability insurance as required in section 33.1-24-02-40 must be worded as
follows, except that the instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant
information and the brackets deleted:
HAZARDOUS SECONDARY MATERIAL RECLAMATION/INTERMEDIATE FACILITY
CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY INSURANCE
1.
[Name of insurer], (the "insurer") of [address of insurer] hereby certifies that it has issued
liability insurance covering bodily injury and property damage to [name of insured], (the
"insured"), of [address of insured] in connection with the insured's obligation to
demonstrate financial responsibility under sections 33.1-24-05-01 through
33.1-24-05-190, 33.1-24-05-300 through 33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through
33.1-24-05-559, 33.1-24-05-800 through 33.1-24-05-819, subsection 5 of section
33.1-24-06-16, and the financial assurance condition of subparagraph f of paragraph 6 of
subdivision y of subsection 1 of section 33.1-24-02-04. The coverage applies at [list
identification number (if any issued), name, and address for each facility] for [insert
"sudden accidental occurrences", "nonsudden accidental occurrences", or "sudden and
nonsudden accidental occurrences"; if coverage is for multiple facilities and the coverage
is different for different facilities, indicate which facilities are insured for sudden accidental
occurrences, which are insured for nonsudden accidental occurrences, and which are
insured for both]. The limits of liability are [insert the dollar amount of the "each
occurrence" and "annual aggregate" limits of the insurer's liability], exclusive of legal
defense costs. The coverage is provided under policy number____, issued on [date]. The
effective date of said policy is [date].
2.
The insurer further certifies the following with respect to the insurance described in
paragraph 1:
(a)
Bankruptcy or insolvency of the insured shall not relieve the insurer of its obligations
under the policy.
(b)
The insurer is liable for the payment of amounts within any deductible applicable to
the policy, with a right of reimbursement by the insured for any such payment made
by the insurer. This provision does not apply with respect to that amount of any
deductible for which coverage is demonstrated as specified in North Dakota
Administrative Code section 33.1-24-02-40.
(c)
When requested by the DEPARTMENT, the insurer agrees to furnish to the
DEPARTMENT a signed duplicate original of the policy and all endorsements.
(d)
Cancellation of the insurance, whether by the insurer, the insured, a parent
corporation providing insurance coverage for its subsidiary, or by a firm having an
insurable interest in and obtaining liability insurance on behalf of the owner or
operator of the hazardous waste management facility, will be effective only upon
written notice, and only after the expiration of sixty days after a copy of such written
notice is received by the DEPARTMENT.
(e)
Any other termination of the insurance will be effective only upon written notice, and
only after the expiration of thirty days after a copy of such written notice is received
by the DEPARTMENT, as evidenced by the return receipt.
I hereby certify that the wording of this instrument is identical to the wording
specified in subsection 9 of North Dakota Administrative Code section
33.1-24-02-42, as such regulation was constituted on the date first above written,
and that the insurer is licensed to transact the business of insurance, in the state of
North Dakota or eligible to provide insurance as an excess or surplus lines insurer in
one or more states.
[Signature of authorized representative of insurer]
[Type name]
[Title], authorized representative of [name of insurer]
[Address of representative]
10.
A letter of credit, as specified in subsection 8 of section 33.1-24-02-40, must be worded as
follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information
and the brackets deleted:
IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT
[Name and Address of Issuing Institution]
North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality
Dear Sir or Madam:
We hereby establish our Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No.____ in the favor of ["any and
all third-party liability claimants" or insert name of TRUSTEE of the standby trust fund], at the
request and for the account of [owner's or operator's name and address] for third-party liability
awards or settlements up to [in words] United States dollars $ _______ per occurrence and
the annual aggregate amount of [in words] United States dollars $ _______, for sudden
accidental occurrences and/or for third-party liability awards or settlements up to the amount
of [in words] United States dollars $ _______ per occurrence, and the annual aggregate
amount of [in words] United States dollars $ ______, for nonsudden accidental occurrences
available upon presentation of a sight draft bearing reference to this letter of credit No.
______, and [insert the following language if the letter of credit is being used without a
standby trust fund]: (1) a signed certificate reading as follows:
CERTIFICATE OF VALID CLAIM
The undersigned, as parties [insert principal] and [insert name and address of third-party
claimant(s)], hereby certify that the claim of bodily injury and/or property damage caused by a
[sudden or nonsudden] accidental occurrence arising from operations of [principal's] facility
should be paid in the amount of $[___]. We hereby certify that the claim does not apply to any
of the following:
(a)
Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert principal] is obligated to pay damages
by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement. This exclusion does
not apply to liability for damages that [insert principal] would be obligated to pay in the
absence of the contract or agreement.
(b)
Any obligation of [insert principal] under a workers' compensation, disability benefits, or
unemployment compensation law or any similar law.
(c)
Bodily injury to:
(1)
An employee of [insert principal] arising from, and in the course of, employment by
[insert principal]; or
(2)
The spouse, child, parent, brother, or sister of that employee as a consequence of,
or arising from, and in the course of employment by [insert principal].
This exclusion applies:
(A)
Whether [insert principal] may be liable as an employer or in any other
capacity; and
(B)
To any obligation to share damages with or repay another person who must
pay damages because of the injury to persons identified in paragraphs 1
and 2.
(d)
Bodily injury or property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, or
entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft.
(e)
Property damage to:
(1)
Any property owned, rented, or occupied by [insert principal];
(2)
Premises that are sold, given away, or abandoned by [insert principal] if the property
damage arises out of any part of those premises;
(3)
Property loaned to [insert principal];
(4)
Personal property in the care, custody, or control of [insert principal]; or
(5)
That particular part of real property on which [insert principal] or any contractors or
subcontractors working directly or indirectly on behalf of [insert principal] are
performing operations, if the property damage arises out of these operations.
[Signatures]
GRANTOR
[Signatures]
Claimant(s)
or (2) a valid final court order establishing a judgment against the GRANTOR for
bodily injury or property damage caused by sudden or nonsudden accidental
occurrences arising from the operation of the GRANTOR's facility or group of
facilities.]
This letter of credit is effective as of [date] and shall expire on [date at least one
year later], but such expiration date shall be automatically extended for a period of
[at least one year] on [date] and on each successive expiration date, unless, at least
one hundred twenty days before the current expiration date, we notify you, the
DEPARTMENT, and [owner's or operator's name] by certified mail that we have
decided not to extend this letter of credit beyond the current expiration date.
Whenever this letter of credit is drawn on under and in compliance with the terms of
this credit, we shall duly honor such draft upon presentation to us.
[Insert the following language if a standby trust fund is not being used: "In the event
that this letter of credit is used in combination with another mechanism for liability
coverage, this letter of credit shall be considered [insert "primary" or "excess"]
coverage.
We certify that the wording of this letter of credit is identical to the wording specified
in subsection 10 of section 33.1-24-02-42 as such regulations were constituted on
the date shown immediately below.
[Signature(s) and
title(s) of official(s) of issuing institution]
[Date].
This credit is subject to [insert "the most recent edition of the Uniform Customs and
Practice for Documentary Credits published and copyrighted by the International
Chamber of Commerce" or "the Uniform Commercial Code"].
11.
A surety bond, as specified in subsection 9 of section 33.1-24-02-40, must be worded as
follows: except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information
and the brackets deleted:
PAYMENT BOND
Surety Bond No. [Insert number]
Parties [insert name and address of owner or operator], principal, incorporated in [insert state
of incorporation] of [insert city and state of principal place of business] and [insert name and
address of surety company(ies)], surety company(ies), of [insert surety(ies) place of business].
Identification number (if any issued), name, and address for each facility guaranteed by this
bond:
Sudden Accidental
Occurrences
Nonsudden Accidental
Occurrences
Penal sum per occurrence
[insert amount]
[insert amount]
Annual aggregate
[insert amount]
[insert amount]
Purpose: this is an AGREEMENT between the surety(ies) and the principal under which the
surety(ies), its(their) successors and assignees, agree to be responsible for the payment of
claims against the principal for bodily injury and/or property damage to third parties caused by
["sudden" and/or "nonsudden"] accidental occurrences arising from operations of the facility or
group of facilities in the sums prescribed herein; subject to the governing provisions and the
following conditions.
Governing Provisions
(1)
Section 3004 of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended.
(2)
Rules and regulations of the United States environmental protection agency (EPA),
particularly 40 CFR parts 264, 265, and Subpart H of 40 CFR part 261 (if applicable).
(3)
Rules and regulations of the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality
(DEPARTMENT), particularly sections 33.1-24-05-01 through 33.1-24-05-190,
33.1-24-05-300 through 33.1-24-05-524, 33.1-24-05-550 through 33.1-24-05-559,
33.1-24-05-800 through 33.1-24-05-819, subsection 5 of section 33.1-24-06-16, and
sections 33.1-24-02-33 through 33.1-24-02-42 of the North Dakota Administrative Code
(if applicable).
Conditions
(1)
The principal is subject to the applicable governing provisions that require the principal to
have and maintain liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage to third parties
caused by ["sudden" and/or "nonsudden"] accidental occurrences arising from operations
of the facility or group of facilities. Such obligation does not apply to any of the following:
(a)
Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert principal] is obligated to pay
damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement. This
exclusion does not apply to liability for damages that [insert principal] would be
obligated to pay in the absence of the contract or agreement.
(b)
Any obligation of [insert principal] under a workers' compensation, disability
benefits, or unemployment compensation law or similar law.
(c)
Bodily injury to:
(1)
An employee of [insert principal] arising from, and in the course of,
employment by [insert principal]; or
(2)
The spouse, child, parent, brother, or sister of that employee as a
consequence of, or arising from, and in the course of employment by [insert
principal]. This exclusion applies:
(A)
Whether [insert principal] may be liable as an employer or in any other
capacity; and
(B)
To any obligation to share damages with or repay another person who
must pay damages because of the injury to persons identified in
paragraphs (1) and (2).
(d)
Bodily injury or property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, or
entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft.
(e)
Property damage to:
(1)
Any property owned, rented, or occupied by [insert principal];
(2)
Premises that are sold, given away, or abandoned by [insert principal] if the
property damage arises out of any part of those premises;
(3)
Property loaned to [insert principal];
(4)
Personal property in the care, custody, or control of [insert principal]; or
(5)
That particular part of real property on which [insert principal] or any
contractors or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on behalf of [insert
principal] are performing operations, if the property damage arises out of these
operations.
(2)
This bond assures that the principal will satisfy valid third-party liability claims, as
described in condition 1.
(3)
If the principal fails to satisfy a valid third-party liability claim, as described above, the
surety(ies) becomes liable on this bond obligation.
(4)
The surety(ies) shall satisfy a third-party liability claim only upon the receipt of one of the
following documents:
(a)
Certification from the principal and the third-party claimant(s) that the liability claim
should be paid. The certification must be worded as follows, except that instructions
in brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the brackets
deleted:
CERTIFICATION OF VALID CLAIM
The undersigned, as parties [insert name of principal] and [insert name and address
of third-party claimant(s)], hereby certify that the claim of bodily injury and/or
property damage caused by a [sudden or nonsudden] accidental occurrence arising
from operating [principal's] facility should be paid in the amount of $[_____].
[Signature]
Principal
[Notary] Date
[Signature(s)]
Claimant(s)
[Notary] Date
(b)
A valid final court order establishing a judgment against the principal for bodily injury
or property damage caused by sudden or nonsudden accidental occurrences arising
from the operation of the principal's facility or group of facilities.
(5)
In the event of combination of this bond with another mechanism for liability coverage,
this bond will be considered [insert "primary" or "excess"] coverage.
(6)
The liability of the surety(ies) shall not be discharged by any payment or succession of
payments hereunder, unless and until such payment or payments shall amount in the
aggregate to the penal sum of the bond. In no event shall the obligation of the surety(ies)
hereunder exceed the amount of said annual aggregate penal sum, provided that the
surety(ies) furnish(es) notice to the DEPARTMENT forthwith of all claims filed and
payments made by the surety(ies) under this bond.
(7)
The surety(ies) may cancel the bond by sending notice of cancellation by certified mail to
the principal and the DEPARTMENT provided, however, the cancellation shall not occur
during the one hundred twenty days beginning on the date of receipt of the notice of
cancellation by the principal and the DEPARTMENT, as evidenced by the return receipt.
(8)
The principal may terminate this bond by sending written notice to the surety(ies) and to
the DEPARTMENT.
(9)
The surety(ies) hereby waive(s) notification of amendments to applicable laws, statutes,
rules, and regulations and agree(s) that no such amendment shall in any way alleviate its
(their) obligation on this bond.
(10)
This bond is effective from [insert date] (12:01 a.m., standard time, at the address of the
principal as stated herein) and shall continue in force until terminated as described
above.
In Witness Whereof, the principal and surety(ies) have executed this bond and have
affixed their seals on the date set forth above.
The persons whose signatures appear below hereby certify that they are authorized to
execute this surety bond on behalf of the principal and surety(ies) and that the wording of
this surety bond is identical to the wording specified in subsection 11 of section
33.1-24-02-42, as such regulations were constituted on the date this bond was executed.
PRINCIPAL
[Signature(s)]
[Name(s)]
[Title(s)]
[Corporate seal]
CORPORATE SURETY(IES)
[Name and address]
State of incorporation: ________________
Liability limit: $_____________________
[Signature(s)]
[Name(s) and title(s)]
[Corporate seal]
[For every co-surety, provide signature(s), corporate seal, and other information in the
same manner as for surety above.]
Bond premium: $___________________
12.
Trust agreement.
a.
A trust agreement, as specified in subsection 10 of section 33.1-24-02-40, must be
worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the
relevant information and the brackets deleted:
TRUST AGREEMENT
TRUST AGREEMENT, the "AGREEMENT," entered into as of [date] by and between
[name of the owner or operator] a [name of state] [insert "corporation", "partnership",
"association", or "proprietorship"], the "GRANTOR", and [name of corporate TRUSTEE],
[insert, "incorporated in the state of __________" or "a national bank"], the "TRUSTEE".
Whereas, the DEPARTMENT has established certain regulations applicable to the
GRANTOR, requiring that an owner or operator must demonstrate financial responsibility
for bodily injury and property damage to third parties caused by sudden accidental and/or
nonsudden accidental occurrences arising from operations of the facility or group of
facilities.
Whereas, the GRANTOR has elected to establish a trust to assure all or part of such
financial responsibility for the facilities identified herein.
Whereas, the GRANTOR, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the
TRUSTEE to be the TRUSTEE under this AGREEMENT, and the TRUSTEE is willing to
act as TRUSTEE.
Now, therefore, the GRANTOR and the TRUSTEE agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. As used in this AGREEMENT:
(a)
The term "GRANTOR" means the owner or operator who enters into this AGREEMENT
and any successors or assigns of the GRANTOR.
(b)
The term "TRUSTEE" means the TRUSTEE who enters into this AGREEMENT and any
successor TRUSTEE.
Section 2. Identification of Facilities. This AGREEMENT pertains to the facilities identified
on attached schedule A [on schedule A, for each facility list the identification number (if any
issued), name, and address of the facility(ies) and the amount of liability coverage, or portions
thereof, if more than one instrument affords combined coverage as demonstrated by this
AGREEMENT].
Section 3. Establishment of FUND. The GRANTOR and the TRUSTEE hereby establish a
trust fund, hereinafter the "FUND", for the benefit of any and all third parties injured or
damaged by [sudden or nonsudden, or both] accidental occurrences arising from operation of
the facility(ies) covered by this guarantee, in the amount of $__________ [up to $1 million] per
occurrence and $__________ [up to $2 million] annual aggregate for sudden accidental
occurrences and $__________ [up to $3 million] per occurrence and $__________ [up to
$6 million] annual aggregate for nonsudden occurrences, except that the FUND is not
established for the benefit of third parties for the following:
(a)
Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert GRANTOR] is obligated to pay
damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement. This
exclusion does not apply to liability for damages that [insert GRANTOR] would be
obligated to pay in the absence of the contract or agreement.
(b)
Any obligation of [insert GRANTOR] under a workers' compensation, disability benefits,
or unemployment compensation law or any similar law.
(c)
Bodily injury to:
(1)
An employee of [insert GRANTOR] arising from, and in the course of, employment
by [insert GRANTOR]; or
(2)
The spouse, child, parent, brother, or sister of that employee as a consequence of,
or arising from, and in the course of employment by [insert GRANTOR].
This exclusion applies:
(A)
Whether [insert GRANTOR] may be liable as an employer or in any other
capacity; and
(B)
To any obligation to share damages with or repay another person who must
pay damages because of the injury to persons identified in paragraphs (1)
and (2).
(d)
Bodily injury or property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, or
entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft.
(e)
Property damage to:
(1)
Any property owned, rented, or occupied by [insert GRANTOR];
(2)
Premises that are sold, given away, or abandoned by [insert GRANTOR] if the
property damage arises out of any part of those premises;
(3)
Property loaned to [insert GRANTOR];
(4)
Personal property in the care, custody, or control of [insert GRANTOR]; or
(5)
That particular part of real property on which [insert GRANTOR] or any contractors
or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on behalf of [insert GRANTOR] are
performing operations, if the property damage arises out of these operations.
In the event of combination with another mechanism for liability coverage, the FUND shall be
considered [insert "primary" or "excess"] coverage.
The FUND is established initially as consisting of the property, which is acceptable to the
TRUSTEE, described in schedule B attached hereto. Such property and any other property
subsequently transferred to the TRUSTEE is referred to as the FUND, together with all
earnings and profits thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the TRUSTEE
pursuant to this AGREEMENT. The FUND shall be held by the TRUSTEE, IN TRUST, as
hereinafter provided. The TRUSTEE shall not be responsible nor shall it undertake any
responsibility for the amount or adequacy of, nor any duty to collect from the GRANTOR, any
payments necessary to discharge any liabilities of the GRANTOR established by the
DEPARTMENT.
Section 4. Payment for Bodily Injury or Property Damage. The TRUSTEE shall satisfy a
third-party liability claim by making payments from the FUND only upon receipt of one of the
following documents:
(a)
Certification from the GRANTOR and the third-party claimant(s) that the liability claim
should be paid. The certification must be worded as follows, except that instructions in
brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the brackets deleted:
CERTIFICATION OF VALID CLAIM
The undersigned, as parties [insert GRANTOR] and [insert name and address of
third-party claimant(s)], hereby certify that the claim of bodily injury and/or property
damage caused by a [sudden or nonsudden] accidental occurrence arising from
operating [GRANTOR's] facility or group of facilities should be paid in the amount of
$[__________].
[Signatures]
GRANTOR
[Signatures]
Claimant(s)
(b)
A valid final court order establishing a judgment against the GRANTOR for bodily injury
or property damage caused by sudden or nonsudden accidental occurrences arising
from the operation of the GRANTOR's facility or group of facilities.
Section 5. Payments Comprising the FUND. Payments made to the TRUSTEE for the
FUND shall consist of cash or securities acceptable to the TRUSTEE.
Section 6. TRUSTEE Management. The TRUSTEE shall invest and reinvest the principal
and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the
GRANTOR may communicate in writing to the TRUSTEE from time to time, subject, however,
to the provisions of this section. In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and managing
the FUND, the TRUSTEE shall discharge the TRUSTEE's duties with respect to the trust fund
solely in the interest of the beneficiary and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under
the circumstance then prevailing which persons of prudence, acting in a like capacity and
familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and
with like aims; except that:
(i)
Securities or other obligations of the GRANTOR, or any other owner or operator of the
facilities, or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, 15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a), shall not be acquired or held unless they are securities or
other obligations of the federal or a state government;
(ii)
The TRUSTEE is authorized to invest the FUND in time or demand deposits of the
TRUSTEE, to the extent insured by an agency of the federal or state government; and
(iii)
The TRUSTEE is authorized to hold cash awaiting investment or distribution uninvested
for a reasonable time and without liability for the payment of interest thereon.
Section 7. Commingling and Investment. The TRUSTEE is expressly authorized in its
discretion:
(a)
To transfer from time to time any or all of the assets of the FUND to any common
commingled, or collective trust fund created by the TRUSTEE in which the FUND is
eligible to participate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the
assets of other trusts participating therein; and
(b)
To purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq., including one which may be created,
managed, underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered or the shares of which
are sold by the TRUSTEE. The TRUSTEE may vote such shares in its discretion.
Section 8. Express Powers of TRUSTEE. Without in any way limiting the powers and
discretions conferred upon the TRUSTEE by the other provisions of this AGREEMENT or by
law, the TRUSTEE is expressly authorized and empowered:
(a)
To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by
public or private sale. No person dealing with the TRUSTEE shall be bound to see to the
application of the purchase money or to inquire into the validity or expediency of any
such sale or other disposition;
(b)
To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and
conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to
carry out the powers herein granted;
(c)
To register any securities held in the FUND in its own name or in the name of a nominee
and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates
representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the TRUSTEE in
other fiduciary capacities, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a
qualified central depository even though, when so deposited, such securities may be
merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee of such depository with other
securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of
any securities issued by the United States government, or any agency or instrumentality
thereof, with a federal reserve bank, but the books and records of the TRUSTEE shall at
all times show that all such securities are part of the FUND;
(d)
To deposit any cash in the FUND in interest-bearing accounts maintained or savings
certificates issued by the TRUSTEE, in its separate corporate capacity, or in any other
banking institution affiliated with the TRUSTEE, to the extent insured by an agency of the
federal or state government; and
(e)
To compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the FUND.
Section 9. Taxes and Expenses. All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against
or in respect of the FUND and all brokerage commissions incurred by the FUND shall be paid
from the FUND. All other expenses incurred by the TRUSTEE in connection with the
administration of this trust, including fees for legal services rendered to the TRUSTEE, the
compensation of the TRUSTEE to the extent not paid directly by the GRANTOR, and all other
proper charges and disbursements of the TRUSTEE shall be paid from the FUND.
Section 10. Annual Valuations. The TRUSTEE shall annually, at least thirty days prior to the
anniversary date of establishment of the FUND, furnish to the GRANTOR and to the
DEPARTMENT a statement confirming the value of the trust. Any securities in the FUND shall
be valued at market value as of no more than sixty days prior to the anniversary date of
establishment of the FUND. The failure of the GRANTOR to object in writing to the TRUSTEE
within ninety days after the statement has been furnished to the GRANTOR and the
DEPARTMENT shall constitute a conclusively binding assent by the GRANTOR barring the
GRANTOR from asserting any claim or liability against the TRUSTEE with respect to matters
disclosed in the statement.
Section 11. Advice of Counsel. The TRUSTEE may from time to time consult with counsel,
who may be counsel to the GRANTOR with respect to any question arising as to the
construction of this AGREEMENT or any action to be taken hereunder. The TRUSTEE shall
be fully protected, to the extent permitted by law, in acting upon the advice of counsel.
Section 12. TRUSTEE Compensation. The TRUSTEE shall be entitled to reasonable
compensation for its services as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the GRANTOR.
Section 13. Successor TRUSTEE. The TRUSTEE may resign or the GRANTOR may
replace the TRUSTEE, but such resignation or replacement shall not be effective until the
GRANTOR has appointed a successor TRUSTEE and this successor accepts the
appointment. The successor TRUSTEE shall have the same powers and duties as those
conferred upon the TRUSTEE hereunder. Upon the successor TRUSTEE's acceptance of the
appointment, the TRUSTEE shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor TRUSTEE
the funds and properties then constituting the FUND. If for any reason the GRANTOR cannot
or does not act in the event of the resignation of the TRUSTEE, the TRUSTEE may apply to a
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor TRUSTEE or for
instructions. The successor TRUSTEE shall specify the date on which it assumes
administration of the trust in a writing sent to the GRANTOR, the DEPARTMENT, and the
present TRUSTEE by certified mail ten days before such change becomes effective. Any
expenses incurred by the TRUSTEE as a result of any of the acts contemplated by this
section shall be paid as provided in Section 9.
Section 14. Instructions to the TRUSTEE. All orders, requests, and instructions by the
GRANTOR to the TRUSTEE shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are designated in
the attached exhibit A or such other designees as the GRANTOR may designate by
amendments to exhibit A. The TRUSTEE shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in
accordance with the GRANTOR's orders, requests, and instructions. All orders, requests, and
instructions by the DEPARTMENT to the TRUSTEE shall be in writing, signed by the
DEPARTMENT, or its designees, and the TRUSTEE shall act and shall be fully protected in
acting in accordance with such orders, requests, and instructions. The TRUSTEE shall have
the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event constituting
a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the GRANTOR or
DEPARTMENT hereunder has occurred. The TRUSTEE shall have no duty to act in the
absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the GRANTOR and/or the
DEPARTMENT, except as provided for herein.
Section 15. Notice of Nonpayment. If a payment for bodily injury or property damage is
made under Section 4 of this trust, the TRUSTEE shall notify the GRANTOR of such payment
and the amount(s) thereof within five working days. The GRANTOR shall, on or before the
anniversary date of the establishment of the FUND following such notice, either make
payments to the TRUSTEE in amounts sufficient to cause the trust to return to its value
immediately prior to the payment of claims under Section 4, or shall provide written proof to
the TRUSTEE that other financial assurance for liability coverage has been obtained equaling
the amount necessary to return the trust to its value prior to the payment of claims. If the
GRANTOR does not either make payments to the TRUSTEE or provide the TRUSTEE with
such proof, the TRUSTEE shall within ten working days after the anniversary date of the
establishment of the FUND provide a written notice of nonpayment to the DEPARTMENT.
Section 16. Amendment of AGREEMENT. This AGREEMENT may be amended by an
instrument in writing executed by the GRANTOR, the TRUSTEE, and the DEPARTMENT, or
by the TRUSTEE and the DEPARTMENT if the GRANTOR ceases to exist.
Section 17. Irrevocability and Termination. Subject to the right of the parties to amend this
AGREEMENT as provided in Section 16, this trust shall be irrevocable and shall continue until
terminated at the written AGREEMENT of the GRANTOR, the TRUSTEE, and the
DEPARTMENT, or by the TRUSTEE, and the DEPARTMENT, if the GRANTOR ceases to
exist. Upon termination of the trust, all remaining trust property, less final trust administration
expenses, shall be delivered to the GRANTOR. The DEPARTMENT will agree to termination
of the trust when the owner or operator substitutes alternate financial assurance as specified
in this section.
Section 18. Immunity and Indemnification. The TRUSTEE shall not incur personal liability
of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration
of this trust, or in carrying out any directions by the GRANTOR or the DEPARTMENT issued in
accordance with this AGREEMENT. The TRUSTEE shall be indemnified and saved harmless
by the GRANTOR or from the trust fund, or both, from and against any personal liability to
which the TRUSTEE may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official capacity,
including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the GRANTOR fails to
provide such defense.
Section 19. Choice of Law. This AGREEMENT shall be administered, construed, and
enforced according to the laws of the state of North Dakota.
Section 20. Interpretation. As used in this AGREEMENT, words in the singular include the
plural and words in the plural include the singular. The descriptive headings for each section of
this AGREEMENT shall not affect the interpretation or the legal efficacy of this AGREEMENT.
In Witness Whereof the parties have caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by their
respective officers duly authorized and their corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested as of the date first above written. The parties below certify that the wording of this
AGREEMENT is identical to the wording specified in subsection 12 of section 33.1-24-02-42,
as such regulations were constituted on the date first above written.
[Signature of GRANTOR]
[Title]
Attest:
[Title]
[Seal]
[Signature of TRUSTEE]
Attest:
[Title]
[Seal]
b.
The following is an example of the certification of acknowledgment which must
accompany the TRUST AGREEMENT for a trust fund as specified in subsection 10 of
section 33.1-24-02-40.
State of _____________________________
County of ____________________________
On this [date], before me personally came [owner or operator] to me known, who, being
by me duly sworn, did depose and say that she/he resides at [address], that she/he is
[title] of [corporation], the corporation described in and which executed the above
instrument; that she/he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to such
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the board of directors
of said corporation, and that she/he signed her/his name thereto by like order.
[Signature of notary public]
13.
Standby trust agreement.
a.
A standby trust agreement, as specified in subsection 8 of section 33.1-24-02-40, must
be worded as follows, except that instructions in brackets are to be replaced with the
relevant information and the brackets deleted:
STANDBY TRUST AGREEMENT
TRUST AGREEMENT, the "AGREEMENT", entered into as of [date] by and between
[name of the owner or operator] a [name of a state] [insert "corporation", "partnership",
"association", or "proprietorship"], the "GRANTOR", and [name of corporate TRUSTEE],
[insert, "incorporated in the state of _______" or "a national bank"], the "TRUSTEE."
Whereas the DEPARTMENT has established certain regulations applicable to the
GRANTOR, requiring that an owner or operator must demonstrate financial responsibility
for bodily injury and property damage to third parties caused by sudden accidental and/or
nonsudden accidental occurrences arising from operations of the facility or group of
facilities.
Whereas, the GRANTOR has elected to establish a standby trust into which the
proceeds from a letter of credit may be deposited to assure all or part of such financial
responsibility for the facilities identified herein.
Whereas, the GRANTOR, acting through its duly authorized officers, has selected the
TRUSTEE to be the TRUSTEE under this AGREEMENT, and the TRUSTEE is willing to
act as TRUSTEE.
Now, therefore, the GRANTOR and the TRUSTEE agree as follows:
Section 1. Definitions. As used in this AGREEMENT:
(a)
The term "GRANTOR" means the owner or operator who enters into this AGREEMENT
and any successors or assigns of the GRANTOR.
(b)
The term "TRUSTEE" means the TRUSTEE who enters into this AGREEMENT and any
successor TRUSTEE.
Section 2. Identification of Facilities. This AGREEMENT pertains to the facilities identified
on attached schedule A [on schedule A, for each facility list the identification number (if any
issued), name, and address of the facility(ies) and the amount of liability coverage, or portions
thereof, if more than one instrument affords combined coverage as demonstrated by this
AGREEMENT].
Section 3. Establishment of FUND. The GRANTOR and the TRUSTEE hereby establish a
standby trust fund, hereafter the "FUND", for the benefit of any and all third parties injured or
damaged by [sudden and/or nonsudden] accidental occurrences arising from operation of the
facility(ies) covered by this guarantee, in the amounts of $______ [up to $1 million] per
occurrence and $_______ [up to $2 million] annual aggregate for sudden accidental
occurrences and $_________ [up to $3 million] per occurrence and $________ [up to
$6 million] annual aggregate for nonsudden occurrences, except that the FUND is not
established for the benefit of third parties for the following:
(a)
Bodily injury or property damage for which [insert GRANTOR] is obligated to pay
damages by reason of the assumption of liability in a contract or agreement. This
exclusion does not apply to liability for damages that [insert GRANTOR] would be
obligated to pay in the absence of the contract or agreement.
(b)
Any obligation of [insert GRANTOR] under a workers' compensation, disability benefits,
or unemployment compensation law, or any similar law.
(c)
Bodily injury to:
(1)
An employee of [insert GRANTOR] arising from, and in the course of, employment
by [insert GRANTOR]; or
(2)
The spouse, child, parent, brother, or sister of that employee as a consequence of,
or arising from, and in the course of employment by [insert GRANTOR].
This exclusion applies:
(A)
Whether [insert GRANTOR] may be liable as an employer or in any other
capacity; and
(B)
To any obligation to share damages with or repay another person who must
pay damages because of the injury to persons identified in paragraphs (1)
and (2).
(d)
Bodily injury or property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use, or
entrustment to others of any aircraft, motor vehicle, or watercraft.
(e)
Property damage to:
(1)
Any property owned, rented, or occupied by [insert GRANTOR];
(2)
Premises that are sold, given away, or abandoned by [insert GRANTOR] if the
property damage arises out of any part of those premises;
(3)
Property loaned by [insert GRANTOR];
(4)
Personal property in the care, custody, or control of [insert GRANTOR]; or
(5)
That particular part of real property on which [insert GRANTOR] or any contractors
or subcontractors working directly or indirectly on behalf of [insert GRANTOR] are
performing operations, if the property damage arises out of these operations.
In the event of combination with another mechanism for liability coverage, the FUND
shall be considered [insert "primary" or "excess"] coverage.
The FUND is established initially as consisting of the proceeds of the letter of credit
deposited into the FUND. Such proceeds and any other property subsequently
transferred to the TRUSTEE is referred to as the FUND, together with all earnings
and profits thereon, less any payments or distributions made by the TRUSTEE
pursuant to this AGREEMENT. The FUND shall be held by the TRUSTEE, IN
TRUST, as hereinafter provided. The TRUSTEE shall not be responsible nor shall it
undertake any responsibility for the amount or adequacy of, nor any duty to collect
from the GRANTOR, any payments necessary to discharge any liabilities of the
GRANTOR established by the DEPARTMENT.
Section 4. Payment for Bodily Injury or Property Damage. The TRUSTEE shall satisfy a
third party liability claim by drawing on the letter of credit described in schedule B and by
making payments from the FUND only upon receipt of one of the following documents:
(a)
Certification from the GRANTOR and the third party claimant(s) that the liability claim
should be paid. The certification must be worded as follows, except that instructions in
brackets are to be replaced with the relevant information and the brackets deleted:
CERTIFICATION OF VALID CLAIM
The undersigned, as parties [insert GRANTOR] and [insert name and address of
third-party claimant(s)], hereby certify that the claim of bodily injury and/or property
damage caused by a [sudden or nonsudden] accidental occurrence arising from
operating [GRANTOR's] facility should be paid in the amount of $[___].
[Signature]
GRANTOR
[Signatures]
Claimant(s)
(b)
A valid final court order establishing a judgment against the GRANTOR for bodily injury
or property damage caused by sudden or nonsudden accidental occurrences arising
from the operation of the GRANTOR's facility or group of facilities.
Section 5. Payments Comprising the FUND. Payments made to the TRUSTEE for the
FUND shall consist of the proceeds from the letter of credit drawn upon by the TRUSTEE in
accordance with the requirements of subsection 11 of section 33.1-24-02-42 and Section 4 of
this AGREEMENT.
Section 6. TRUSTEE Management. The TRUSTEE shall invest and reinvest the principal
and income, in accordance with general investment policies and guidelines which the
GRANTOR may communicate in writing to the TRUSTEE from time to time, subject, however,
to the provisions of this section. In investing, reinvesting, exchanging, selling, and managing
the FUND, the TRUSTEE shall discharge the TRUSTEE's duties with respect to the trust
FUND solely in the interest of the beneficiary and with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence
under the circumstances then prevailing which persons of prudence, acting in a like capacity
and familiar with such matters, would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character
and with like aims; except that:
(i)
Securities or other obligations of the GRANTOR, or any other owner or operator of the
facilities, or any of their affiliates as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, 15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a), shall not be acquired or held, unless they are securities or
other obligations of the federal or a state government;
(ii)
The TRUSTEE is authorized to invest the FUND in time or demand deposits of the
TRUSTEE, to the extent insured by an agency of the federal or a state government; and
(iii)
The TRUSTEE is authorized to hold cash awaiting investment or distribution uninvested
for a reasonable time and without liability for the payment of interest thereon.
Section 7. Commingling and Investment. The TRUSTEE is expressly authorized in its
discretion:
(a)
To transfer from time to time any or all of the assets of the FUND to any common,
commingled, or collective trust fund created by the TRUSTEE in which the FUND is
eligible to participate, subject to all of the provisions thereof, to be commingled with the
assets of other trusts participating therein; and
(b)
To purchase shares in any investment company registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, 15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq., including one which may be created,
managed, underwritten, or to which investment advice is rendered or the shares of which
are sold by the TRUSTEE. The TRUSTEE may vote such shares in its discretion.
Section 8. Express Powers of TRUSTEE. Without in any way limiting the powers and
discretions conferred upon the TRUSTEE by other provisions of this AGREEMENT or by law,
the TRUSTEE is expressly authorized and empowered:
(a)
To sell, exchange, convey, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any property held by it, by
public or private sale. No person dealing with the TRUSTEE shall be bound to see to the
application of the purchase money or to inquire into the validity or expediency of any
such sale or other disposition;
(b)
To make, execute, acknowledge, and deliver any and all documents of transfer and
conveyance and any and all other instruments that may be necessary or appropriate to
carry out the powers herein granted;
(c)
To register any securities held in the FUND in its own name or in the name of a nominee
and to hold any security in bearer form or in book entry, or to combine certificates
representing such securities with certificates of the same issue held by the TRUSTEE in
other fiduciary capacities, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of such securities in a
qualified central depositary even though, when so deposited, such securities may be
merged and held in bulk in the name of the nominee of such depositary with other
securities deposited therein by another person, or to deposit or arrange for the deposit of
any securities issued by the United States government, or any agency or instrumentality
thereof, with a federal reserve bank, but the books and records of the TRUSTEE shall at
all times show that all such securities are part of the FUND;
(d)
To deposit any cash in the FUND in interest-bearing accounts maintained or savings
certificates issued by the TRUSTEE, in its separate corporate capacity, or in any other
banking institution affiliated with the TRUSTEE, to the extent insured by an agency of the
federal or state government; and
(e)
To compromise or otherwise adjust all claims in favor of or against the FUND.
Section 9. Taxes and Expenses. All taxes of any kind that may be assessed or levied against
or in respect of the FUND and all brokerage commissions incurred by the FUND shall be paid
from the FUND. All other expenses incurred by the TRUSTEE in connection with the
administration of this trust, including fees for legal services rendered to the TRUSTEE, the
compensation of the TRUSTEE to the extent not paid directly by the GRANTOR, and all other
proper charges and disbursements to the TRUSTEE shall be paid from the FUND.
Section 10. Advice of Counsel. The TRUSTEE may from time to time consult with counsel,
who may be counsel to the GRANTOR, with respect to any question arising as to the
construction of this AGREEMENT or any action to be taken hereunder. The TRUSTEE shall
be fully protected, to the extent permitted by law, in acting upon the advice of counsel.
Section 11. TRUSTEE Compensation. The TRUSTEE shall be entitled to reasonable
compensation for its services as agreed upon in writing from time to time with the GRANTOR.
Section 12. Successor TRUSTEE. The TRUSTEE may resign or the GRANTOR may replace
the TRUSTEE, but such resignation or replacement shall not be effective until the GRANTOR
has appointed a successor TRUSTEE and this successor accepts the appointment. The
successor TRUSTEE shall have the same powers and duties as those conferred upon the
TRUSTEE hereunder. Upon the successor TRUSTEE's acceptance of the appointment, the
TRUSTEE shall assign, transfer, and pay over to the successor TRUSTEE the funds and
properties then constituting the FUND. If for any reason the GRANTOR cannot or does not act
in the event of the resignation of the TRUSTEE, the TRUSTEE may apply to a court of
competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor TRUSTEE or for instructions. The
successor TRUSTEE shall specify the date on which it assumes administration of the trust in a
writing sent to the GRANTOR, the DEPARTMENT and the present TRUSTEE by certified mail
ten days before such change becomes effective. Any expenses incurred by the TRUSTEE as
a result of any of the acts contemplated by this section shall be paid as provided in Section 9.
Section 13. Instructions to the TRUSTEE. All orders, requests, certifications of valid claims,
and instructions to the TRUSTEE shall be in writing, signed by such persons as are
designated in the attached exhibit A or such other designees as the GRANTOR may designate
by amendments to exhibit A. The TRUSTEE shall be fully protected in acting without inquiry in
accordance with the GRANTOR's orders, requests, and instructions. The TRUSTEE shall
have the right to assume, in the absence of written notice to the contrary, that no event
constituting a change or a termination of the authority of any person to act on behalf of the
GRANTOR or the DEPARTMENT hereunder has occurred. The TRUSTEE shall have no duty
to act in the absence of such orders, requests, and instructions from the GRANTOR and/or
the DEPARTMENT, except as provided for herein.
Section 14. Amendment of AGREEMENT. This AGREEMENT may be amended by an
instrument in writing executed by the GRANTOR, the TRUSTEE, and the DEPARTMENT, or
by the TRUSTEE and the DEPARTMENT if the GRANTOR ceases to exist.
Section 15. Irrevocability and Termination. Subject to the right of the parties to amend this
AGREEMENT as provided in Section 14, this trust shall be irrevocable and shall continue until
terminated at the written AGREEMENT of the GRANTOR, the TRUSTEE, and the
DEPARTMENT, or by the TRUSTEE and the DEPARTMENT, if the GRANTOR ceases to
exist. Upon termination of the trust, all remaining trust property, less final trust administration
expenses, shall be paid to the GRANTOR. The DEPARTMENT will agree to termination of the
trust when the owner or operator substitutes alternative financial assurance as specified in this
section.
Section 16. Immunity and Indemnification. The TRUSTEE shall not incur personal liability
of any nature in connection with any act or omission, made in good faith, in the administration
of this trust, or in carrying out any directions by the GRANTOR and the DEPARTMENT issued
in accordance with this AGREEMENT. The TRUSTEE shall be indemnified and saved
harmless by the GRANTOR or from the trust fund, or both, from and against any personal
liability to which the TRUSTEE may be subjected by reason of any act or conduct in its official
capacity, including all expenses reasonably incurred in its defense in the event the GRANTOR
fails to provide such defense.
Section 17. Choice of Law. This AGREEMENT shall be administered, construed, and
enforced according to the laws of the state of North Dakota.
Section 18. Interpretation. As used in this AGREEMENT, words in the singular include the
plural and words in the plural include the singular. The descriptive headings for each section of
this AGREEMENT shall not affect the interpretation of the legal efficacy of this AGREEMENT.
In Witness Whereof the parties have caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by their
respective officers duly authorized and their corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested as of the date first above written. The parties below certify that the wording of this
AGREEMENT is identical to the wording specified in subsection 13 of section 33.1-24-02-42
as such regulations were constituted on the date first above written.
[Signature of GRANTOR]
[Title]
Attest:
[Title]
[Seal]
[Signature of TRUSTEE]
Attest:
[Title]
[Seal]
b.
The following is an example of the certification of acknowledgment which must
accompany the TRUST AGREEMENT for a standby trust fund as specified in
subsection 8 of section 33.1-24-02-40.
State of _______________________
County of _______________________
On this [date], before me personally came [owner or operator] to me known, who, being by me
duly sworn, did depose and say that she/he resides at [address], that she/he is [title] of
[corporation], the corporation described in and which executed the above instrument; that
she/he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to such instrument is such
corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the board of directors of said corporation, and
that she/he signed her/his name thereto by like order.
[Signature of notary public]