Standing Rock Sioux sues Corps over oil pipeline permits - Houston Chronicle

29.7.16

Standing Rock Sioux sues Corps over oil pipeline permits - Houston Chronicle: The tribe argues that the pipeline would impact drinking water and sacred sites on its 2.3-million acre reservation straddling the North Dakota-South Dakota border. The recently approved permits allow the pipeline to cross beneath the Missouri River twice, including less than a mile upstream of the reservation, home to about 8,000 people, according to Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II.

"Our culture sites are at risk, our water is at risk and people are at risk," Archambault said Thursday, noting that protests against the pipeline have been ongoing for months. "This water is a life source, and not just for my people."

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the tribe by environmental group Earthjustice, said the project violates several federal laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act.