Residents speak out on proposed oil refinery

ELK POINT, S.D. (AP) — Some residents who took the podium at a public hearing here Wednesday night said a $10 billion oil refinery proposed for Union County could destroy the air, soil and water in an area known for its fertile, agricultural landscape.

Others said it could be an economic boon for southeast South Dakota, providing thousands of jobs and spawning many other related businesses.


Several hundred people from Union County and nearby areas packed the Elk Point-Jefferson School auditorium Wednesday night to give the Union County Planning and Zoning Commission their opinions on whether the board should turn 3,800 acres north of Elk Point into a planned development district so it can build its Hyperion Energy Center.

Speakers were each given three minutes to speak after Hyperion executives began the meeting with a 30-minute presentation on the project.

AP