Man Camp Concerns | Video

Jessica Roose | 1/17/2013

Many of the bills being debated this session have to do with impacts to oil counties out west. Today legislators were briefed on another of the many problems that comes with rapid economic growth. Even though many counties have put a ban on the development of more man camps, ones that have already been built are still creating concerns.

Crew camps are designed to house the thousands of people who have come to North Dakota to work on the oil fields.

"Many of these facilities have been built in areas that lack the infrastructure to handle the increased population," said Bismarck Representative Lawrence Klemin (R).

Which concerns some lawmakers who say having that many people in one area can bring up safety issues if someone needs emergency services. "How are they going to find that person? Because that particular place where that call came from may not be numbered or identified," Klemin said.

Williston Representative Patrick Hatlestad (R) says there are several man camps in his district and in Williams County a ban on new man camps is still being enforced. "They had empty spaces. They had empty beds in the existing camps. So they didn`t see why we should have more disruption of the area."

Other man camp concerns involving building codes and inspections were voiced by the Department of Health. Until more man camps are allowed to be built, agencies regulating the temporary housing facilities will have time to catch up with infrastructure needs.

The resolution discussed today would if passed require that legislative management look into the issue during the interim and implement any recommendations during the 64th legislative session in two years.

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