Dakota Access Pipeline Getting National Attention in the US

Efforts to continue construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline in spite of the concerns and protests of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have finally reached national consciousness in the United States. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe  has been raising concerns about the pipeline for months. This blog has been following the developments and concerns raised about the pipeline since March of this year.

There is a growing camp of supporters and protesters in North Dakota. There is also a law suit that has been filed, with a ruling expected than “no laterthan Sept. 9 on a request by the Standing Rock Sioux to stop construction andreconsider permits the project has received.” 

The comparisons to the controversial Keystone XL pipeline are inevitable, with this story noting that  the Dakota Access pipeline is “quickly emerging as a sort of Keystone XL Part 2.”

Delay to the Dakota Access Pipeline: Route May Cross an Ancient American Indian Burial Ground

Despite opposition from members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe,   plans to construct the Dakota Access pipeline across four states continue, with construction under way in North and South Dakota and Illinois.


 Construction has been delayed in Iowa,  because of “the possibility of an American Indian burial site” on the planned pipeline construction route. 

A construction permit has been revoked by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, who owns the property in question, pending further investigation into the claims of the burial site. 

The Dakota Access pipeline continues to get attention in the media, as events continue to unfold about its possible construction. A state permit has been requested from  Iowa to begin construction on the pipeline.  According to this article, there was an application made for an expedited decision on the permit, but that that request was not successful. Instead, the decision about the permit will proceed in the usual fashion, which allows "public comments through March 25." Among other requirements to obtain the permit, the article says that "The terms and conditions issued by the board include Dakota Access must:

• Obtain and maintain a general liability insurance policy of at least $25 million

• Demonstrate and file the unconditional and irrevocable guarantees from its parent companies for remediation of damages from a leak or spill

• Make modifications to easement forms on properties utilizing eminent domain

• Continue to offer to purchase voluntary easements

• File a revised Agricultural Impact Mitigation Plan to include landowner notifications and the separation of all topsoil from affected areas

• File a winter construction plans

• File quarterly status reports"

Indian Country Today Media Network has a detailed article on the pipeline plans, which discusses the concerns raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. These concerns include the damage that would result from a pipeline leak: "If a leak were to occur, it would undoubtedly devastate the environment, people, resources and land of the Standing Rock nation. The quality of the water of the Missouri River is critical to the health and well-being of the tribe, both economically and culturally."