Bismarck, North Dakota – As public comment concluded on Thursday night, the Army Corps of Engineers now has the authority to decide what will happen with the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Numerous individuals reported being taken aback on Wednesday upon learning that public comments regarding the DAPL Environmental Impact Statement would be accepted in one-on-one booths.
”I was very disappointed but not 100% surprised because the Army Corps have been making their own rules since day one,” said executive director of ND Native Vote and Standing Rock Sioux tribal member Nicole Donaghy.
The structure was altered for the second night of public comment, giving everyone in the audience an opportunity to speak their opinions.
”We have to speak out,” said Donaghy.
The Corps claimed the earlier arrangement was more effective and would allay any anxiety related to public speaking. Nonetheless, a large number of people approached the front of the room and spoke into microphones.
Concerns about the pipeline’s proximity to the reservation and its potential effects on the environment and water quality were echoed by those opposed to DAPL.
”It ridiculous how you are destroying Mother Earth and you think it’s improvement. It’s ridiculous how you get away with the things you do, please shut down DAPL,” said Oscar High Elk of Green Grass, S.D.
The pipeline has run safely for the previous six years, according to state officials.
Additionally, they claim that the route chosen was shorter and had fewer negative effects on wetlands and open spaces and that closing DAPL would reduce state income by around 1.2 billion dollars in the first year.
“And it was in an existing corridor for infrastructure for pipelines and transmission lines. That’s the best practice when you come to citing and permitting infrastructure,” said Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak.
Following the meetings, the EIS authors will review the feedback and decide what should be changed in the statement.
The Corps will then select its preferred alternative.
By the end of the next year, the Corps anticipates publishing the final EIS.
