The Army Corps of Engineers said Monday more discussions with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe are needed before it can greenlight the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Energy Transfer Partners was originally given permits for the oil pipeline by the Army Corps, but since September, ETP has been waiting to drill under Lake Oahe –– a reservoir on the Missouri River.
Part of Lake Oahe is within the tribe's reservation. Because of that, ETP needs the Army Corps' permission to cross the tribe's property.
SEE MORE: The Keystone Pipeline Is Back On The Table With Trump Presidency
Construction is already finished on both sides of the lake.
The Army Corps wants to discuss reducing the risk of an oil spill with the tribe. The Corps didn't give a timetable for a final decision.
The Standing Rock Tribe argues the pipeline threatens its water supply, while ETP argues the tribe's fears of a pipeline break are unfounded.
