SD panel reviews Bear Butte oil field

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – A South Dakota board is taking another look at its earlier decision to authorize development of an oil field near Bear Butte, an important religious site for American Indians.

The state Board of Minerals and Environment last year approved Nakota Energy's application to establish a 960-acre field for the production of oil and gas, with spacing of no more than one well in each 40-acre tract.

But the board later determined that proper consideration was not given to cultural resources near the Bear Butte National Historic Landmark in western South Dakota. After taking public testimony and holding a formal hearing on Thursday, the board could reauthorize the order allowing drilling, revoke it or amend the order to limit potential impacts on Bear Butte.