Army Corps recommends Dakota Access Pipeline continue operating with added conditions

According to the North Dakota Monitor, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday released a long-awaited environmental impact statement for the Dakota Access Pipeline, recommending the pipeline continue operating with additional conditions at its Missouri River crossing in North Dakota. The Corps identified granting the easement under Lake Oahe with added safeguards as its preferred alternative.

According to the study, the conditions would include enhanced leak detection, groundwater monitoring, surface water sampling and a requirement for an alternate water supply if an oil spill affects Lake Oahe. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe said in a Friday statement that the environmental impact statement “does not remedy” its concerns related to pipeline safety or tribal sovereignty. The recommendation is not final until a 30-day waiting period required under the National Environmental Policy Act ends Jan. 20, after which the Corps may issue a record of decision.