BISMARCK, N.D. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it’s trying to defuse tensions between Dakota Access pipeline protesters and law enforcement in North Dakota, but the pipeline’s developer isn’t cooperating.
The Corps asked Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners Wednesday to stop work in the area where protests against the $3.8 billion pipeline have resulted in more than 400 arrests.
The Corps’ similar plea last week was rebuffed. ETP this week said crews were mobilizing equipment in preparation for tunneling under Lake Oahe.
The 1,200-mile pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois is complete except for under that Missouri River reservoir, which has been delayed while the Corps reviews its permitting.
Company spokeswoman Vicki Granado said in an email that work won’t be done until the company gets permission to be on Corps property.
