Company plans for 50-person work camp near Killdeer

Talk about it

A 50-person worker camp will move into the Killdeer area within the next month if all goes as expected at a meeting today.

Killdeer Zoning Board member Dan Dolechek said there’s a need for more housing facilities in the area due to oil activity.

“This will alleviate some of the problem,” he said.

Dean Donelson, president and founder of Screamin’ Eagle Trucking & Excavating Inc., proposed at a March 24 Killdeer Zoning Commission meeting that a 9.65 acre tract outside of Killdeer be allowed a conditional use permit to build temporary housing and a large shop for the company.

“We have several contracts in the area,” Donelson said. “We need more housing for employees.”

The Colorado-based company will be new to the area and will be involved with “everything to do with the oil field,” Donelson said.

Since the proposed build would be outside city limits, the meeting involved local and county representatives. It was the first time the board has gone through a joint rezoning process. Two members were unable to attend meetings and a conference with the absentees is scheduled for 2 p.m. this afternoon. Donelson does not anticipate any change to the previous unanimous approval.

Officials expect the added people will boost the local economy.

“They will not have direct services,” Killdeer Auditor Dawn Marquardt said. “Obviously they are going to be using city services, which is a benefit.”

Donelson agrees.

“The whole town will benefit,” he said. “Most of the boys are from out of town and they are coming with nothing but a backpack. They will bring money to restaurants, fuel stations, grocery stores and other local businesses.”

Dolechek said there are pros and cons. In response to recent population increases, he said police calls are up slightly and traffic concerns have grown tremendously. However, he said “the benefits outweigh the negatives. There is a lot of revenue coming into a lot of businesses.”

Donelson assured there will be no disturbances upon the arrival of Screamin’ Eagle employees.

“We have our own security with the company,” he said. “We make sure we don’t cause a problem.”

The company has a strict no alcohol policy for the new facility and utilizes in-house drug screenings, Donelson said.

Minimizing environmental disturbances is just as important as preventing public disturbances, Donelson said. The company will utilize skid houses that are easily installed and easily removed. Screamin’ Eagle will be responsible for maintaining its access road and minimal excavating will be needed. All existing foliage will be left standing.

“We plan to leave the property natural,” said Donelson. “When we leave, the man camp leaves with us.”

Dolechek agrees the preservation would benefit the community by perpetuating resale if the company were to leave.

Upon approval of today’s informal meeting, Screamin’ Eagle plans to move dirt next week and be in operation within the next 30 days.

“We are really glad the community has treated us so well,” Donelson said. “Everyone has been great to us.”

The permit will be reassessed in one year.

Tags: man camp, worker camp, news, killdeer, zoning