Protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline have gotten out of control in parts of North Dakota.
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North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple took action last week against the mounting protests in his state over the Dakota Access Pipeline. In light of what he characterized as 'significant public safety concerns', Dalrymple issued an emergency declaration for southwest and south central North Dakota,
As many as 1500 people have gathered where the pipeline is scheduled to cross the Missouri River, near Cannonball and hundreds more marched on the state capital. at least 29 arrested during recent demonstrations.
Demonstrators are concerned over the proposed 1,172-mile pipeline designed to connect the Bakken and Three Forks production areas to Patoka, Illinois, transporting approximately 470,000 barrels of crude per day. Concerns range from how the pipeline will degrade topsoil to contamination of the river, which is primary source of water for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. Supporters believe that more pipelines are needed in order to reduce the high use of rail and truck transportation to move the highly flammable Bakken crude oil.
If protests continue, the resources needed by local officials to provide safety could cost from $750,000 to $1 million.