Hyperion to File for Re-Zoning ELK POINT, S.D. – Hyperion Resources announced its plans to file a request with the county today at the regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners. Hyperion plans to apply to change the zoning of property the company has secured near Elk Point. The zone change is necessary if the Hyperion Energy Center, including the cleanest refinery in the United States, is to be built in Union County. “The Commissioners were very receptive to our presentation, which we take as a positive sign,” said Hyperion Project Executive Preston Phillips. “We’re encouraged by the fact that support for the project is building in Union County and the surrounding area. That is why we intend to file our application tomorrow.” The company intends to ask for the zoning to be changed from Agricultural to Planned Development on approximately 3,800 acres, with a transition, or buffer zone of at least one-eighth a mile along the entire perimeter of the property. That buffer zone will consist predominately of open space and agricultural uses, and in most areas will exceed that minimum distance. While Hyperion has obtained options on more than 10,000 acres in the Elk Point area, the company is currently only seeking a zone change on the area necessary for the Hyperion Energy Center, which will include the most environmentally friendly oil refinery in the country, as well as an IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) utility plant. The Union County site is one of several locations in the Midwest being considered for the Energy Center. “Not only is this good news for South Dakota, the timing is excellent,” said Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. “Fuel prices are high, and petroleum marketers have noted they’re having difficulties finding supplies of diesel. Hyperion’s project offers South Dakota the prospect of helping to bridge that gap while providing good-paying jobs and steady tax revenues from an environmentally superior facility.” Phillips also reiterated that Hyperion is committed to supporting a referendum on the zone change, and will help gather signatures to put the issue before the voters, if needed. “We’ve had numerous people from Union County tell us that this is one of the most important things to happen in this county, and we believe the voters should have their say in the matter. And we believe the answer will be a resounding Yes.” The Hyperion Energy Center offers the opportunity for Union County and the surrounding area to have substantial economic growth with comparatively small environmental impact. For example, Phillips noted that in addition to providing 1,800 good-paying, permanent jobs, the total economic activity resulting from the HEC facility operations is expected to total $13.7 billion annually. The Hyperion Energy Center will be sited, built and operated on a vision founded on three principles:
Hyperion Resources is a privately held, international energy company based in Dallas, Texas. Hyperion’s core asset is oil & gas production in the continental United States, and the company has made its mark by achieving maximum value from challenging properties, including mature energy fields. In addition to oil and gas, Hyperion and its affiliates operate and invest in real estate, agriculture and other ventures. |
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