Investigative powers

Upon receipt of a written complaint from a surface owner or lessee; royalty owner; mineral owner; or local, state, or federal official alleging a violation of the subsurface mineral conservation statutes or a rule, regulation, or order of the commission, the director shall reply within reasonable time in writing to the person who submitted the complaint stating an investigation of the complaint will be made or the reason such investigation may not be made. The person who submitted the complaint may appeal the decision of the director to the commission. The director also may conduct investigations on the director's own initiative or at the direction of the commission. If, after such investigation, the director affirms cause for complaint exists, the director shall report the results of the investigation to the person who submitted the complaint, if any, to the person who was the subject of the complaint, and to the commission. The commission shall institute legal proceedings, in its discretion, it believes necessary to enjoin further violations.