Hyperion Energy Center Awaits Ruling on Air Permit
July 28, 2011

 

July, 28 2011

For Immediate Release

 

ELK POINT, S.D. –The South Dakota Board of Minerals and the Environment concluded its hearings in Pierre today on Hyperion Energy Center’s (HEC) revised air permit. A ruling is expected in September.

 

Approval of the revised air permit, which was drafted by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), would represent a major step toward putting an average of 4,500 people to work during construction, followed by 1,800 permanent, good-paying jobs. The HEC will be the first new oil refinery in the United States since 1976.

 

In August 2009, the Board voted 9-0 to issue the air permit. This week’s hearing involved enhancing that permit and focused on the new aspects governing CO2 emissions and incorporating stricter limits on NO2 and SO2 emissions. It also reviewed BACT for various emission units, ensuring Hyperion’s operations are still in line with Best Available Control Technology (BACT). The Board’s hearing is considering granting an extension to the construction schedule window.

 

“We eagerly await the BME’s ruling. From the beginning, we’ve been committed to constructing the most energy efficient and environmentally sound oil refinery in the United States – and bringing with it good-paying jobs to the Siouxland region,” Hyperion Vice President Preston Phillips said. “This will be the cleanest refinery in North America, and likely the world.”

 

The Hyperion Energy Center is permitted for a 400,000 barrel-per-day refinery producing ultra-low sulfur gasoline and diesel and an IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) power plant. The center will incorporate green principles in its every day functions and integrate only the most advanced commercially feasible emission control technologies in its operations, as spelled out in the company’s Green Charter.

 

Contact:

Eric Williams

Gallatin Public Affairs

509-624-7655