Hyperion Energy says they are in the process of determining whether or not to apply for new permits concerning their proposed oil refinery to be built in Union County. The existing state-issued air quality permit for the project expired today.
Hyperion had been considering filing for an extension of the existing air quality permit, but after holding discussions with state officials in Pierre the company determined the best course of action would be to seek a new permit.
Hyperion Vice-President Preston Phillips said in a company statement, "While there are advantages and disadvantages to both approaches, the state officials expressed a clear preference that we come in with a new permit."
Part of Hyperion's thinking may be the result of a recent South Dakota Supreme Court ruling on a challenge to the air permitting process. The Sierra Club had pursued legal action against Hyperion in an effort to stop the project from going forward. The focal point of that lawsuit was challenging Hyperion's air permit.
Phillips, again in a company statement, says Hyperion is now determining the best time to submit a new air quality permit to the state of South Dakota. And Phillips also stresses that the Hyperion Refinery will embrace quality standards in terms of environmental impact.
