Environmentalists Protest Cushing to Memphis Oil Pipeline

ValeroProtesters

Protesters upset over a proposed oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma through Arkansas and to a Valero Refinery in Memphis, Tennessee blocks roads Monday and police ended up arresting 12 of them.

The reported members of the group Arkansas Rising were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction of a highway passage. Seven of the protesters were attached to oil drums filled with cement and firefighters had to free them before they could be arrested. About 40 protesters, representing Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee staged their demonstration at the refinery.

 

The Diamond Pipeline was proposed by Plains All American Pipeline based in Houston. Spokesman Brad Leone says Diamond Pipeline, LLC has already started construction because the required environmental and cultural studies were completed.

Just as protesters in North Dakota convinced the federal government to intervene over the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Arkansas Rising protesters want to do the same thing. They want the Army Corps of Engineers to reverse its decision.

“Diamond Pipeline, LLC is committed to designing, constructing, operating and maintaining the Diamond Pipeline in a safe, reliable, and responsible manner,” said Leone.

He said the pipeline will have safety features such as manufacturing that meets or exceeds standards, x-ray examination of welds during construction, constant monitoring and technology to detect leaks and other operational issues, and remotely operated valves that would make it faster to isolate pipeline segments if necessary.