Asking important questions

By Richard Leopold

As a point of clarification to a statement issued recently by Iowa House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha: I have sent a single letter asking for an environmental impact study of the proposed Hyperion Energy Center (an oil refinery and power plant that would be located in South Dakota, just north of Sioux City, Iowa). There has not been any “threats of lawsuits” by myself or the department, as stated by Rep. Paulsen.

In the position of director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, I have a responsibility to the citizens of Iowa for maintaining state parks and forests, protecting air quality, protecting water quality and sustainability of water quantity, and managing fish, wildlife, land and water resources in Iowa. As part of that responsibility, it is vitally important that questions be asked of what the potential environmental impacts may be of a proposed development of this nature.

In no way did my correspondence with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources constitute opposition to the proposed Hyperion development. Rather, a request for an environmental impact study is a reasonable request representing a common sense approach to make sure both the public and economic health of the region is adequately protected.

I am professionally neutral as to the construction of the Hyperion facility, as long as it does not adversely affect the air quality, water quality and quantity and other natural resources for the citizens of Iowa. As the Iowa DNR's director, I feel it is important and my duty to ensure that these questions have all been asked and answered satisfactorily.

It is in the best interest of the state and the northwest Iowa region to make sure this development will not have a long-term negative impact on public health, future economic opportunity for Iowa industry, and a clean environment of our citizens.

As I stated in the letter to South Dakota and the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Iowa DNR appreciates the HEC proposal's efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into the facility. As HEC's potential down wind and downstream neighbor, the Iowa DNR wants to ensure that the facility, which will be in operation for decades, minimizes possible negative impacts felt by Iowans for generations to come.

Richard Leopold is director, Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Comments: Richard.Leopold@dnr.iowa.gov