Dapl's Threat: Mississippi River Pollution Risk

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile-long pipeline that transports 450,000 to 570,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois. The pipeline passes through the Missouri River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, and has been the subject of opposition from environmental groups and Native American tribes, including the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, due to concerns about potential water pollution and the desecration of sacred sites. The DAPL construction process involves the use of fracking chemicals, which are known to contaminate groundwater and soil and can pollute the air. There are also worries about the potential for oil spills, which could have catastrophic consequences for the environment and local communities. Despite these concerns, the Army Corps of Engineers has allowed the pipeline to remain operational while preparing a court-ordered environmental impact statement.

The DAPL's threat to the water supply of the Sioux and surrounding communities

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) poses a significant threat to the water supply of the Sioux and surrounding communities. The pipeline, built by Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), transports crude oil from the Bakken field in North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois, with a daily capacity of 450,000-570,000 barrels. The DAPL crosses under the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, Lake Oahe, and several streams, placing these water sources at risk of contamination.

The Missouri River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, provides drinking water for over 12 million people across 10 states. Any pollution of the Missouri River would have far-reaching consequences, impacting not just the Sioux communities but also the millions dependent on it. The risk of contamination is heightened by the pipeline's proximity to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, with the DAPL running within half a mile of its current boundaries.

The construction and operation of the DAPL have faced strong opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other Tribal nations due to the threat it poses to their water supply. The pipeline passes through their land and cultural and burial sites, desecrating their sacred and historical places. The Tribe has expressed concerns about the potential for oil spills and the contamination of their drinking water, which would have devastating effects on their community.

The DAPL's route under Lake Oahe is particularly contentious. Lake Oahe serves as the main water source for the Standing Rock Reservation. In 2016, the Army Corps of Engineers initially denied an easement for the pipeline to cross under the lake, citing the need for further environmental review. However, in 2017, under the Trump administration, the Army Corps approved the easement without conducting a comprehensive environmental review.

The potential for oil spills and leaks in the DAPL is a significant concern. The pipeline's interaction with existing infrastructure increases the likelihood of leaks, and even relatively small spills can have major economic and environmental impacts. Oil spills can contaminate waterways, threatening human life, irreversibly damaging ecosystems, and affecting agriculture and livestock.

In conclusion, the Dakota Access Pipeline poses a direct threat to the water supply of the Sioux and surrounding communities. The risk of contamination, oil spills, and the desecration of sacred sites have led to opposition from Tribal nations and environmental groups. The potential impact on the Missouri River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, puts the water supply of millions of people at risk. The DAPL's continued operation, despite court battles and environmental concerns, underscores the ongoing struggle to protect the water sources and rights of Indigenous communities and all those who rely on these vital waterways.

The DAPL's destruction of native burial grounds and sacred sites

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) has been a source of controversy and conflict since its construction began in July 2014. The pipeline, designed to transport crude oil from the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois, has raised concerns among Native American communities, particularly the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, due to its potential impact on sacred sites and burial grounds.

The DAPL's route crosses the Standing Rock Reservation's main water source and passes through land that is historically significant to Native Americans. The pipeline's construction has already led to the destruction of Native burial grounds and sacred sites, which are considered essential to the cultural and religious practices of these communities. Faith Spotted Eagle, a member of the Yankton Sioux Reservation, highlights the importance of protecting sacred sites and the deep connection that Native Americans have with their ancestral lands.

In September 2016, tensions escalated when pipeline construction crews bulldozed a sacred tribal burial ground over the Labor Day weekend. The site, discovered only days before, was awaiting review by the state historic preservation office. Despite protests from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their supporters, the destruction of these sacred sites caused irreparable harm and distress to the tribe. They viewed this action as a deliberate attempt by the company to exert power and intimidate them into giving up their opposition to the pipeline.

The desecration of burial grounds and sacred sites is not an isolated incident. Native American burial sites across the nation have been disturbed or destroyed due to erosion, river flooding, agricultural activities, urban development, and road construction. Additionally, pothunting vandals deliberately plunder Native burial sites to steal objects valued by collectors, causing further damage and desecration. These acts of desecration are not only morally reprehensible but also disrupt the historical and cultural interpretations that archaeologists strive to piece together.

The DAPL's impact on Native American sacred sites and burial grounds has led to legal battles and widespread opposition. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been locked in a legal fight with Dakota Access and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, arguing that the pipeline not only threatens their water supply but also violates their religious and cultural rights. Protests and demonstrations have brought together Native Americans from various tribes and their allies, who stand in solidarity to protect these sacred sites and prevent further destruction.

The DAPL's potential to contaminate groundwater and soil

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) has been a highly contested project, with concerns raised about its potential impact on the environment and local communities. One of the primary worries is its ability to contaminate groundwater and soil, which could have devastating consequences for the water supply of the Sioux and surrounding communities.

Groundwater Contamination

The DAPL has the potential to contaminate groundwater, particularly if a leak or spill occurs. The type of oil transported through the DAPL, light sweet crude, is more hazardous than heavier oils as it stays on the surface and moves faster through water systems. It also has a higher likelihood of leaking into groundwater supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initially blocked the DAPL's passage through the Sioux Standing Rock reservation due to these concerns, but the pipeline was rerouted through less populated areas, including Native American burial grounds and sacred sites.

Soil Contamination

Soil contamination is also a risk associated with the DAPL. Crude oil spills can pollute soil, and the clean-up process can be challenging and lengthy. In North Dakota, a spill of over 865,000 gallons of crude oil in 2013 contaminated about 13 acres of land. Despite constant work over three years, only about one-third of the spill has been recovered. Soil contamination can have far-reaching consequences, including damage to plant life and harm to animals that come into contact with the oil.

Alternative Routes and Energy Sources

The DAPL's current route poses a threat to the water supply of the Sioux and other communities, with a high likelihood of leaks and spills. Alternative routes have been proposed, but each comes with its own set of environmental and community impacts. However, it is important to consider that there are also alternatives to fossil fuels, such as solar and wind energy, that could provide more jobs and energy without risking water supplies.

Safety Measures and Regulations

Proponents of the DAPL argue that it is one of the safest pipelines ever built and that it surpasses federal safety requirements. It is entirely underground, buried 4 feet deep in most areas, and crosses under Lake Oahe at a minimum depth of 95 feet. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also conducted studies concluding that the pipeline poses no significant environmental threats. Additionally, the pipeline operators worked with tribal monitors during construction to ensure no disturbance of cultural sites.

The DAPL's potential to pollute the air

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile-long pipeline that transports up to 750,000 barrels of light sweet crude oil per day. The pipeline poses a significant threat to the environment and local communities, including the potential for air pollution.

The construction and operation of the DAPL can lead to air pollution through the release of various chemicals and pollutants. During the construction phase, the drilling and boring processes can generate dust, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds, which can adversely affect air quality. Additionally, the use of heavy machinery and vehicles can contribute to emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, further degrading air quality in the region.

The operation of the DAPL also carries the risk of air pollution. The transportation of crude oil through the pipeline can result in the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). VOCs and HAPs are known to have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Leaks or ruptures in the pipeline can lead to the release of crude oil and associated gases, which can contaminate the air and pose risks to nearby communities.

Furthermore, the DAPL's proximity to the Mississippi River and other water bodies increases the potential for air pollution. The use of fracking chemicals and the mixing of these chemicals with water can result in the release of toxic fumes and vapors. The drilling process, which involves mixing fracking chemicals with water and applying them to the bedrock, can generate airborne pollutants that can affect nearby communities.

The potential impact of air pollution from the DAPL extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the pipeline. The Mississippi River Basin, which the DAPL crosses, is the largest in North America, flowing over 2,300 miles through 38 states. Any air pollution resulting from the pipeline's operations can, therefore, affect a significant geographic area and a large number of people.

In addition to the direct release of pollutants, the DAPL can also contribute to indirect air pollution. The extraction, production, and transportation of crude oil are energy-intensive processes that require significant amounts of fossil fuel combustion. This combustion releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to climate change and further degrading air quality.

To conclude, the DAPL has a significant potential to pollute the air through direct emissions of pollutants, indirect contributions to climate change, and the risk of leaks and accidents. The impacts of air pollution from the DAPL can be far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate vicinity of the pipeline but also the wider region due to the Mississippi River Basin's expansive nature.

The DAPL's potential to leak and break

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) has been a source of controversy since its construction began in July 2014. The pipeline, which is 1,172 miles long, poses a significant threat to the environment and the communities that rely on the Mississippi River as a source of drinking water, agriculture, and livestock.

One of the main concerns with the DAPL is its potential to leak and break, which could have catastrophic consequences for the environment and local communities. The pipeline is designed to transport 450,000 to 570,000 barrels of crude oil per day, and a leak or spill of this oil could contaminate local waterways and devastate the ecosystem.

The Standing Rock Sioux tribe, which has been fighting against the DAPL in court, has expressed concerns about the inadequacy of the pipeline company's emergency response plan. They argue that it would take longer than the claimed nine minutes to detect and shut down the pipeline in the event of a leak. In addition, the tribe has highlighted the potential for a “huge leak" that goes unnoticed, as the company's detection systems are not very reliable.

The DAPL has already experienced leaks, further fueling concerns about its safety. In April 2017, before the pipeline was fully operational, it spilled 84 gallons of crude oil at a South Dakota pump station. While state officials claimed that the leak was contained and quickly cleaned up, critics argued that it raised concerns about the potential hazards to waterways and Native American sites.

The DAPL also intersects with existing waterways and infrastructure, increasing the possibility of a catastrophic event. The pipeline crosses the Missouri River, a major tributary of the Mississippi River, and leaks or spills into the river could affect up to 12 million people who depend on it for water, food, and farm jobs. The potential impact on the environment and local communities is so significant that the Army Corps of Engineers should have considered it a high-consequence area (HCA) or sensitive waterway.

In conclusion, the DAPL's potential to leak and break is a serious concern that threatens the Mississippi River and the communities that depend on it. The pipeline's proximity to waterways and its history of leaks underscore the urgency of addressing this issue to prevent potential environmental and humanitarian disasters.

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