As North Dakota ramps up development of their oil and gas fields, the need for water for hydrofracking and refining is increasing. The Corps of Engineers recently proposed charging oil companies a "storage fee" for use of "surplus" Missouri River reservoir water. The immediate response from North Dakota politicians and citizens was negative. While the fee is described as being for the oil industry, there is a belief that it would later be extended to farmers and other large water users. Plus, the idea of paying the federal government for water in reservoirs that flooded the richest bottom lands in the state doesn't sit well with many North Dakota citizens.
The Public Comment period ended January 17. Here's the original press release from the Corps:
http://mapservice.swc.nd.gov/4dlink9/4dcgi/GetContentPDF/PB-1902/NR121410.pdf
And here's the Draft "Surplus Water" report that listed originally listed the fee:
http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/html/pd-p/Sakakawea_SWR_Public_Draft.pdf
Here's a couple stories about the controversy. We'll post more as more details emerge and other states (which share the river) respond.
Bismark Tribune: "Corps plans to open tap to oil industry" Dec. 17, 2010
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/local/article_f8114b70-0a17-11e0-814e-001cc4c03286.html
Bismark KX - CBS affiliate: "Corps plan brings protests"
http://www.kxnet.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=700440
Williston Herald "Officials voice opposition to Corps plan"
http://www.willistonherald.com/articles/2011/01/21/news/doc4d39b4f6e0148149584517.txt
posted by Steve Schnarr, Missouri River Relief
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