MDU Resources, Calumet receive air permit for Dakota Prairie oil refinery in US

US-based MDU Resources Group and Calumet Specialty Products Partners have received air quality permit from North Dakota Department of Health for the construction of Dakota Prairie oil refinery.

The plant, which will be constructed in North Dakota on a 318-acre site, is a diesel refinery that could process about 20,000 barrels per day of Bakken crude oil.

Calumet and MDU are building the refinery to supply the end product to North Dakota’s diesel fuel market.

MDU Resources president and CEO David L Goodin said receiving the air quality permit means the companies can begin the construction of the refinery sometime in March 2013.

“We are committed to operating this state-of-the-art facility responsibly and safely, and we appreciate the rigorous permitting process conducted by the health department,” Goodin said.

Calumet Specialty Products Partners general partner president and chief operating officer Jennifer G Straumins said the refinery will contribute to the state and local economy.

“We appreciate the help of the state’s agencies and officials to identify issues and help solve problems in a manner that has brought this project from concept to reality,” Straumins added. The facility is expected to supply diesel by late 2014.