State won't require environmental impact study

Both the Sioux City Journal and the Argus Leader have stories today on how the State of South Dakota is not going to "require" Hyperion to do an environmental impact study (EIS).

http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2008/08/06/news/top/1d74a107ba742f768625749c007e6a37.txt#blogcomments

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080806/NEWS/808060316

What is an environmental impact study or EIS?
An environmental impact study (EIS) is the detailed study of the potential effects of a designated development on the local environment. Environmental impact studies should assess the existing site and conditions and evaluate the anticipated impacts on the flora, fauna, economy, historical and social factors of the new development.

An EIS is important to avoid damage to a local area in terms of its ecology, air and water quality and to ensure long-term sustainable, minimal impact development.


South Dakota Minority House Leader calling for outside expertise.
The state Senate minority leader is calling for more independence in the permit process for the proposed Hyperion Energy Center in Union County. Sen. Scott Heidepriem has asked the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources to hire an independent consulting firm to review the environmental effects of Hyperion Energy's proposed oil refinery and power plant.

What is Hyperion's view point on an environmental impact study?
According to the Argus Leader today..."We fully support the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources position regarding environmental impact studies," said Hyperion spokesman Jeffrey Bell."

And that position is that there is NOT a need for an environmental impact study because the state of South Dakota has the where with all and expertise to conduct and analyze all the studies that will expose the potential affects of this proposed refinery.

If you are not ok with that we urge you to contact Senator Hediepriem, Steve Pirner, Governor Rounds and your representatives.