"CANNON BALL, N.D. — Construction crews have resumed work on the final segment of the Dakota Access pipeline, and the developer of the long-delayed project said Thursday that the full system could be operational within three months.
Meanwhile, an American Indian tribe filed a legal challenge to block the work and protect its water supply.
The Army granted Energy Transfer Partners formal permission Wednesday to lay pipe under a North Dakota reservoir, clearing the way for completion of the 1,200-mile pipeline. Company spokeswoman Vicki Granado confirmed early Thursday that construction began "immediately after receiving the easement."
Workers had already drilled entry and exit holes for the segment, and oil had been put in the pipeline leading up to Lake Oahe in anticipation of finishing the project."
James Macpherson and Blake Nicholson report for the Associated Press February 9, 2017.
SEE ALSO:
"Construction Resumes On Dakota Pipeline Despite Tribe's Challenge" (Reuters)
"Tribe Files Legal Challenge to Stall Dakota Access Pipeline"
Source: AP, 02/10/2017