Refinery Permit Decision

     SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A state environmental board considering
a Texas company's request to extend the construction start deadline
for a $10 billion oil refinery planned for southeastern South
Dakota will make its decision in September.
     The Board of Minerals and Environment finished hearing testimony
from supporters and opponents on Thursday.
     The board says it will listen to closing arguments and issue a
decision on Sept. 15,
     Hyperion's refinery north of Elk Point would process 400,000
barrels of Canadian tar sands crude oil each day into low-sulfur
gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and liquid petroleum gas. It would be
the first new U.S. oil refinery built since 1976.
     The company wants 18 months to start construction from the date
a final permit is issued.