Here is the Letter requesting assistance:
Mr. Denny Larson
Refinery Reform Campaign
Mr. Denny Larson,
My name is Jodie White. I am a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, of the
Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Our Tribal Chairman has proposed a petroleum
refinery to be sited within our reservation boundaries. I am party to an organizing effort of members of the
Three Affiliated Tribes and citizens of the surrounding area, whom have come to call ourselves the
"Environmental Awareness Committee". We have joined together out of our deep concerns for our Children
and their developing bodies, future generations, our elders, all people, all life, the Earth, the Water & the
Air.
The proposed refinery's proponents discount any pollution concerns raised by the people touting, "state
of the art technologies" and tell us "you won't even know the refinery is there" they say," there will be no adverse
effects to human health or the environment" and "there will be no Benzene emissions, it's much to
precious a chemical to let escape." We do not believe they are telling us the truth. We are desperate
and are in extreme need or your help and expertise and that of your organization. We hope to, through you
and your organization and your vast knowledge of the refining industry, uncover the truth and empower the
people with the truth, to rise up and Stop the proposed refinery from becoming a reality to our area.
The TRIAD Corporation, which has offices in Utah and Canada (see attachment) has preformed the
FEED Study and is intended to engineer the proposed project. The Triad President, Robert Woolley,
wears a Shell emblem on his shirts, he has said he worked with the Chevron Industry in El Segundo, CA
to upgrade their refinery with state of the art pollution controls and that they have some of the cleanest
air in the communities surrounding that facility.
The proposed site is located 2 miles west of the primarily non-Indian community of Makoti, ND. Within
the community is a school. The entire reservation has both Indian & non-Indian towns and communities
with schools. Several of which are located within a 35 mile radius of the proposed refinery site. They spoke
of and listed their intent to start construction onsite with modular components as soon as May 2004.
Please Dear Sir, let us know if it be possible that we may acquire your assistance to help us with our plight.
Time is of the essence and we desperately need your help. Thank you for your consideration and time.
We look forward to hearing from you in the near future, if you can find time within your very busy schedule.
In Great Respect,
Jodie L. White,
The Environmental Awareness Committee
#3 1st Ave, W.
Roseglen, ND 58775-6023
(701)743-4589
email ljwhite@restel.net
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