US authorities to re-route controversial North Dakota pipeline

CANNON BALL, Uni ted States: The US Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday nixed plans for a controversial oil pipeline crossing in North Dakota, a major victory for Native Americans and environmentalists who had staged months of protests.

The pipeline had been set to cross under the Missouri River and man-made Lake Oahe, which are drinking water sources for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

“It’s clear that there’s more work to do,” Jo-Ellen Darcy, the US Army’s assistant secretary for civil works, said in a statement.

“The best way to complete that work responsibly and expedit iously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing.”

The Standing Rock Sioux objected to building the 1,172mile (1,886- kilometre) pipeline underneath the river and lake because of fears of possible leaks. The tribe also said the route would cross through areas with sacred historic artifacts.

The conflict between the tribe and pipeline operators Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Logistics Partners galvanised North American native tribes and suppor ters, who have camped in the thousands near the construction site for months in an effort to block it.

Some 2 ,0 0 0 US mi l itar y veterans joined the protest this week in a symbolically important move before a deadl ine for demonstrators to vacate the area yesterday. — AFP

People celebrate in Oceti Sakowin camp as ‘water protectors’ continue to demonstrate against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near Cannon Ball, North Dakota, US. — Reuters photo