County Approves Zoning Change for Refinery Near TRNP

Billings County Commission Approves Zoning Change for Refinery 2.5 miles from TRNP

After 4.5 hours of presentations, public and commission questions, and comments from the public, the Billings County Commission moved unanimously on July 6, 2016 to approve a zoning change for the proposed Meridian Davis Refinery. Comments from the public were evenly divided between those who favored and those who opposed approval of the proposed location and zoning change. Neither the county commission nor the company showed any interest in seeking an alternative location which might satisfy concerns with industrial siting next to the National Park as well as provide jobs and county tax revenue desired by area communities.

Meridian has not yet submitted applications to the ND Department of Health for needed permits. Presentations by the ND Department of Health and by Meridian itself make it clear that the project has a long way to go. Design and engineering decisions have not been finalized.

BCA will continue to follow the process closely and keep you informed. This was not an unexpected outcome and this is NOT a done deal, so don’t be shy about letting your newspaper editor and government representatives know your view of a refinery next to our National Park.