BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ North Dakota regulators have given Hess Corp. the go-ahead to drill up to eight wells in the Killdeer Mountains area of western North Dakota.
The plan had drawn opposition from landowners, American Indians, archaeologists and others who fear the drilling will harm the area's beauty and its historical and cultural significance.
State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms said denying the request would leave in the ground 3.5 million barrels of oil worth about $250 million.
State Industrial Commission members on Thursday also said they have a responsibility to mineral owners who want to see the minerals developed in their lifetimes. They unanimously approved the drilling but added several stipulations to address some of the concerns.
