FARGO, N.D. (AP) _ A New York-based oil company has begun laying the groundwork for wells at the historic Killdeer Battlefield in western North Dakota, and opponents to the project appear to have run out of options.
Hess Corp. officials say they are ``progressing with early site preparation'' and expect construction to take place in the coming weeks, despite objections by some area residents, American Indians, historians and others.
Protesters who wanted further study before drilling started say a lawsuit is unlikely because it would cost too much.
Area landowner Rob Sand, whose grandparents once owned the land where U.S. Army and American Indian soldiers clashed nearly 150 years ago, says it's looking like a hopeless case.
Hess officials say they seek to minimize the impact on the environment in all their operations.
