Here are the key points regarding the potential negative ecological impacts of the North Dakota pipeline:
- Pipeline leaks and spills can contaminate water sources. Pipelines carrying oil or other hazardous liquids pose risks of leaks and spills during construction, operation, and maintenance that can pollute nearby waterways and aquifers. An spill into Lake Oahe could contaminate the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's primary water source.
- Construction disturbance impacts soils and habitat. Building pipelines requires clearing vegetation and disturbing soils over a wide corridor, which can increase erosion and sedimentation into waterways. This construction activity also fragments wildlife habitat.
- Increased risk of oil spills near water crossings. Sections of pipelines that cross under bodies of