Win for pipeline protesters
Decision to ‘explore alternate routes’ seen as a major victory for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and supporters
In a victory for thousands of Native American protesters opposing an oil pipeline in North Dakota, the United States Government yesterday blocked construction of a segment of the pipeline near their lands.
The Army Corps of Engineers announced yesterday it had denied the permit to the company behind the Dakota Access pipeline to drill under a reservoir along the Missouri River in the north-central US state.
It was a major victory for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, whose protest against the pipeline has gone on for months and grew to nearly 8000 people over the weekend, according to news reports.
The Native Americans said they opposed the segment of the nearly complete US$3.8 billion ($5.3b) project because it threatens burial sites and their water supply.
The Army Corps of Engineers said it had based its decision not to issue the permit on a need to “explore alternate routes” for the segment of pipeline.
“Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it’s clear that there’s more work to do,” said JoEllen Darcy, Assistant Secretary for Civil Works.
“The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing.”
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell called the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision a “thoughtful approach” that would ensure “an in-depth evaluation of alternative routes for the pipeline and a closer look at potential impacts” took place.
The pipeline is a project of Dakota Access, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners based in Dallas, Texas. The company has said it is unwilling to reroute the project.
The 1880km-long pipeline traversing North Dakota and three other US states is nearly finished. It is designed to carry oil from western North Dakota to a shipping point in Illinois.
Members of the Standing Rock Sioux had been joined in their protest by members of other tribes, environmentalists, climate change activists and US veterans. Calling themselves “water protectors”, they feared both the destruction of burial sites and an oil spill that could contaminate water sources.
Yesterday, an estimated 2000 veterans from across the country joined in, according to news reports, pledging to peacefully support the unarmed demonstrators.
Protesters have endured multiple confrontations with authorities, including a drenching with water hoses in sub-freezing temperatures late last month.
The demonstrators had said they were prepared to stay at the site despite an order to leave their main encampment by today.
Last week, North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple urged pipeline opponents to leave the encampment
Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it’s clear that there’s more work to do. Jo-Ellen Darcy
and threatened to suspend emergency services to the camp.
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement yesterday that the Department of Justice would continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to help in easing tensions.
“We recognise the strong feelings that exist in connection with this issue, but it is imperative that all parties express their views peacefully and join us in support of a deliberate and reasonable process for deescalation and healing,” Lynch said.