Construction is on hold again for the Dakota Access Pipeline as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicated on Monday that more information is needed before the agency decides whether to proceed with granting an easement that crosses under a portion of the Missouri River.
“The Army has determined that additional discussion and analysis are warranted in light of the history of the Great Sioux Nation’s dispossessions of lands, the importance of Lake Oahe to the Tribe, our government-to-government relationship, and the statute governing easements through government property,” said the Army Corps in a joint statement with the U.S. Department of the Interior. “While these discussions are ongoing, construction on or under Corps land bordering Lake Oahe cannot occur because the Army has not made a final decision on whether to grant an easement. The Army will work with the Tribe on a timeline that allows for robust discussion and analysis to be completed expeditiously.”
Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners is constructing the 1,172-mile pipeline to transport crude oil from the Bakken and Three Forks oil fields to terminal facilities in Illinois. When complete, the Dakota Access Pipeline is expected to transport up to 470,000 barrels per day with a capacity as high as 570,000 barrels per day or more.
The current pipeline route crosses the Missouri River near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation.
Tribal leaders are concerned that a leaky pipeline could contaminate the reservation’s drinking water. The tribe has not yet completed an area survey for sacred gravesites and cultural artifacts.
Since April, demonstrators have camped out and organized a massive protest near the construction site in North Dakota. More than 430 protesters have been arrested at the site. Several demonstrators used social media accounts to document injuries sustained from rubber bullets and pepper spray by security forces.
While a federal judge decided not to grant the restraining order in September, three federal agencies indicated they would not allow the pipeline to cross the river until the review was done, resulting in the Army Corps’ decision to seek additional input from the tribe.
“Together we can inspire people across America and the globe to honor each other and the Earth we hold sacred,” said David Archambault II, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux. “Millions of people have literally and spiritually stood with us at Standing Rock. And for this, you have our deepest thanks and gratitude. The harmful and dehumanizing tactics by the state of North Dakota and corporate bullies did not go unnoticed because of you. Not all of our prayers were answered, but this time, they were heard.”