The US Army Corps of Engineers has cancelled a permit for a controversial pipeline project crossing under a lake in the state of North Dakota, a major victory for Native Americans and climate activists who have staged months of protests.
The Dakota Access Pipeline had been planned to cross under the Missouri River and Lake Oahe, which are drinking water sources for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The lake is a reservoir formed by a dam on the river.
The 1,172-mile (1,885-km) multi-billion-dollar project pipeline had been complete except for a segment that was set to run under Lake Oahe.
“The Army will not grant an easement to cross Lake Oahe at the proposed location based on the current record,” a statement from the US Army said.
Jo-Ellen Darcy, the Army’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, said, “The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing.”
