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Army Corps wants more cooperation from Dakota Access company

In this Nov. 2 file photo, protesters demonstrating against the expansion of the Dakota Access Pipeline wade in cold creek waters confronting local police as remnants of pepper spray waft over the crowd near Cannon Ball, N.D. (John L. Mone / Associated Press)
Associated Press

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 on Wednesday to stop work in the area where protests against the $3.8 billion pipeline have resulted in more than 400 arrests.

A company spokeswoman said in an email “we agree that safety is important,” but didn’t comment on the Corps request.

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.