"Permit For Oil Refinery Near National Park Still Active"

"BISMARCK, N.D. — The developer of an oil refinery near Theodore Roosevelt National Park will keep its construction permit active, even after it has faced delays and received two extensions.

North Dakota environmental officials have determined Meridian Energy Group has made enough progress on the $1 billion project this summer to keep the permit active.

Environmental Engineer David Stroh was among the state’s air quality officials who met with Meridian last week to go over the contract to see whether it satisfied the conditions for the permit.

“They’ve done what they need to do,” he said. “As far as we’re concerned regarding air quality, they’ve commenced construction of a facility.”"

The Associated Press had the story September 14, 2021.