National Parks Conservation Association officials say a water permit for an oil refinery proposed to be built near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota seeks four times as much water as the company's initial proposal.

A release from the park advocacy group said that Meridian Energy Group, Inc. appeared before the North Dakota Water Commission on Wednesday and requested a permit authorizing the use of more than 400 gallons of water per minute. Meridan had stated publicly that the proposed facility could use “up to 100 gallons” of water per minute, NPCA noted.

Meridian has not yet determined whether it will use a dry or wet cooling system or a combination of both in the structural design of the facility. If they use a wet system, it may produce a large, visible plume of steam within view of the park.

“As the former superintendent of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, my interest in protecting this stunning landscape is personal," said Valerie Naylor, the park's former superintendent and an NPCA consultant. "Yet, the threat should feel personal to all of us, as these incredible public lands belong to and are protected for all Americans.

“The State of North Dakota is reviewing a water permit for the oil refinery proposed near the park’s southeastern border. The sheer scope of the project is troubling, including the potential for the refinery to use four times as much water as initially proposed. Steam and pollutant emissions from the refinery would compromise the visitor experience and are not appropriate at this location. Today’s public meeting confirmed that there are still many unanswered questions about this project."