CHS2Bismarck (CSi) The North Dakota State Health Department this month, issued an air pollution control permit to construct for the proposed CHS nitrogen fertilizer plant at Spiritwood.

Environmental engineer with the Department of Health, Division of Air Quality, Craig Thorstenson, says the permit covers construction and operation of the plant but requires construction to begin within 18 months.

CHS announced a delay in making a final decision on the project in April, citing significantly higher-than-expected construction and labor cost estimates. At the time, the company said it was evaluating options for reducing construction costs and approving profitability.

CHS Marketing Communications Director Annette Degnan, says “CHS continues to review all project parameters prior to making, or announcing, any final decision.”

The proposed plant would utilize natural gas produced in western North Dakota to produce nitrogen fertilizer. The original cost estimates for the plant totaled about $1.2 billion but have increased to nearly $2 billion. The project would be the largest ever constructed in North Dakota.