A proposal to build an oil refinery on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota needs approval from three federal agencies.

But Tex Hall, the chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, isn't worried. He is confident that the tribe will receive approval this fall and start construction on the refinery next spring.

Project opponents worry that the refinery will harm water and air. The Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that groundwater pollution is likely.

The small size of the refinery -- expected to produce 15,000 barrels a day -- raises questions about its viability, industry experts said. Most large facilities produce more than 150,000 barrels a day.

Get the Story:
Tribal refinery plan draws national attention (Minnesota Public Radio 8/23)

Relevant Links:
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation - http://www.mhanation.com

Related Stories:
Tribal members debate oil refinery on reservation (08/02)
Tribe seeks funds to complete oil refinery study (05/09)
Yellow Bird: The rising price of ... ethanol? (04/17)
BIA to hold public hearing on tribe's oil refinery (10/20)
N.D. tribe to avoid burial sites in quest for oil (03/10)
Reservation residents oppose proposed oil refinery (03/10)
N.D. tribe invests in $80 million refinery (03/14)