Dakota Access Pipeline Construction Halted Over Lawsuit

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe suing federal regulators for approving oil pipeline claiming it could impact drinking water for tribal members and other downstream

The Des Moines Register

Developers of the four-state Dakato Access Pipeline have agreed to temporarily halt construction of the $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile project until a federal court in Washington D.C. hears the case.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is suing federal regulators after the U.S. Army Cors of Engineers granted permits at more than 200 water crossings over the Missouri River in the four states the pipeline will cross. The tribe claims the pipeline, which will be less than one mile upstream of its reservation, could impact drinking water for tribal members and millions of other who are further downstream.

The lawsuit also claims the project violates several federal laws including the National Historic Preservation Act. The tribe is concerned the project will also disturb ancient sacred sites outside of the reservation.

A hearing for the request for a temporary injunction is scheduled for August 24.

(more on the temporary work stoppage on the Dakota Access Pipeline...)

Latest