Sioux City Journal

Be confident in the environmental care of Hyperion energy center

Posted: Saturday, May 31, 2008

PIERRE, S.D. -- Why? First, before anything can be built, the company will go through a long extensive permitting process. Each permit n air, water or other regulated uses n has restrictions and requirements. State and local governments will make sure the rules are strictly followed. Additionally, this project will be scrutinized by states which border us for their own environmental interests.

Also, the technology itself. Technology and environmental awareness has improved dramatically since the 1970s.

I visited the refinery at El Segundo, Calif., built in 1911. I was tremendously impressed. It was nothing like the stereotype the opponents to this project would have you believe. On one side of the plant n just down the street n was the beach filled with swimmers and surfers. On two sides were gorgeous million-dollar homes. Downwind of the facility were thriving businesses and mothers out jogging with their babies in strollers.

I drove around the facility to investigate, and no matter how I tried I could not smell anything like oil. I asked around, the only comment I got about smell referred to the Starbucks on the corner. The whole scene was one of health and vitality.

The facility in Union County will exceed even the Chevron plant because it will be new. The latest and best technology available will go into this plant and you can be confident in the results.

Benefits to Union County and South Dakota with this project far outweigh the risks. -- Richard Benda, secretary, South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development

Story Comments

Oil refinery is just that wrote on Jun 1, 2008 10:07 AM:

" Mr. Benda, you should take a trip around Union County, South Dakota. A community full of Life, Abundant wildlife, Water ways and Farm families that enjoy their Environment. Children full of health and vitality. Farming communities that are thriving, the living is wholesome.
There is no comparison to Los Angeles. The farm smell is apparent. Now, let's talk about Oil Refineries and the Crude and petro chemicals. Often what is not seen or smelled is still dangerous. Are you familiar with RADON. "

Keith wrote on May 31, 2008 2:15 PM:

" WOW!!! The anti refinery group are really ramping up this argument. I'm beginning to worry about when the shooting war starts. "

Ya...Right wrote on May 31, 2008 1:05 PM:

" DakotaCowboy.....this has nothing to do with positive changes, this has do to with peoples lives being destroyed forever. What gives you or anyone else the right to say how those living near the refinery must live their lives? Didn't we already fight the fascist hoards in WW2? Why do you want to repeat history and force people into submission? I doubt Thomas Jefferson and James Madison believed corporations with money would have more rights than the citizens. But I forgot, you right wing nut-case types don't give a darn about people, only money. "

El Segundo Refinery wrote on May 31, 2008 12:22 PM:

" Did you know that if you Google El Segundo Refinery May 2008 you will find that they were have problems all month.
Flaring, Toxic Release. elkpointgorilla
has links on board with video, pics, comments about permit renewal that tell a different story than your observation on a drive around tour. Why wasn't a more less vital area like Pierre, closer to DENR and those that support Hyperion. "

El Segundo Refinery wrote on May 31, 2008 12:15 PM:

" cont. Huge Stacks will carry away immediate smell, dispersing it, mixing it with the freeway, jet fuel and taking Starbucks, suntan lotion off to some other place. When you talk Downwind, the ocean breeze actually pushes the air of LA toward the Inland Empire. You should have taken a trip to Palm Springs, to round out your vacation.
While you were driving around the facility did you have your AC on? "