WILLISTON (AP) - A long-standing dispute over former radar base land at Fortuna is headed for a settlement.

Arvid Barstad, owner of Thiem Construction, forfeited 33 acres to the county for unpaid taxes about six years ago. In 2003, the county sued him for cleanup costs, saying the property might contain hazardous materials such as lead paint and asbestos.

The matter was scheduled to go to trial by month's end in Northwest District Court. Attorneys are working on language for a final settlement, said Bill Delmore, who represents the county.

"We've reached agreement on the conditions, and now we're just formalizing that agreement in written form," he said. "It has been taken off the civil court trial docket."

After the settlement becomes final, federal and state agencies are to assess the property to determine what cleanup is required. Delmore said federal money might be used for any cleanup.

"Under the agreement, Barstad would still be responsible for any waste he brought to the site. Barstad claims he brought no other waste to the site," Delmore said.

Said Barstad: "I am more than happy it's over."

The land used to be home to the Fortuna Air Force Station, manned by members of the 780th Radar Squadron. The Air Force abandoned the facility in the late 1970s.