The chairman of the North Dakota Public Service Commission said she regrets there has been a conflict over the Dakota Access Pipeline.
The company building the pipeline has been met with protestors at the site south of Mandan where the pipe will cross the Missouri River. It will cross several feet below the river’s surface. The protestors – which include members of the Standing Rock tribe – say they worry about potential pipeline leaks, which could affect drinking water.
Because of concerns about public safety, law enforcement and the company building the pipeline have stopped work on the project, for now.
PSC Chairman Julie Fedorchak said the Commission reviewed the project over a 13 month period, and had public hearings. She said the company – and the PSC – are also concerned about water quality.
"Nobody wants to jeopardize our water resources in this country," Fedorchak said. "Who would want to do that?"
Fedorchak said the project was carefully reviewed by the PSC and by the Army Corps of Engineers. She said she understands protestor's rights -- as long as it is done in a peaceful manner.
