U.S. says: 'Too dangerous to reveal risks of DAPL oil spills in Lake Oahe'

Standing Rock water protectors screenshot by Censored News from film AWAKE

U.S. Army Corps says it would endanger lives to reveal the truth of the risks of Dakota Access pipeline oil spills in Lake Oahe

Article by Brenda Norrell
Censored News
French translation by Christine Prat

The Army Corps of Engineers says it would endanger lives if it reveals the truth about potential oil spills of Dakota Access pipeline in Lake Oahe. The U.S. Army Corps refuses to respond to a Freedom of Information Request by Muck Rock news.

The Army Corps counsel said he is withholding the facts, based on the U.S. law "which protects records compiled for law enforcement purposes and that if released could be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of an individual. The referenced document contains information related to sensitive infrastructure that if misused could endanger peoples lives and property."
Muck Rock filed a Freedom of Information Request for more information on the assessment on the potential spills. Muck Rock's request comes after the potential spills were referred to in this document of the Army Corps of Engineers concerning the proposed pipeline crossing at Lake Oahe. https://www.minnpost.com/sites/default/files/attachments/USACE%20memorandum.pdf

The risk of the oil spills to the Missouri River and the potential of contaminating the drinking water for millions, is the reason Native Americans and their allies have risked their lives to halt construction and the flow of crude oil beneath Lake Oahe.

Water protectors at Standing Rock have been beaten by militarized police, tear gassed, shot with rubber bullets, blasted with water cannons in freezing temperatures, arrested in ceremonies and jailed in dog kennels in Morton County with numbers written on their arms as was done by the Nazis. More than 800 water protectors at Standing Rock were arrested in the defense of the water from Dakota Access pipeline.

Below: The Army Corps responds to Muck Rock's Freedom of Information request:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
US. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
HUMPHREYS ENGINEER CENTER SUPPORT ACTIVITY
7701 TELEGRAPH ROAD
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22315-3860

 April 21, 2017

Office of Counsel

Mr. Michael Morisy
MuckRock

DEPT MR 34606

411A Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144-2516

Dear Mr. Morisy,

This is in response to your Freedom of Information Act (F OIA) request, dated March 7,
2017, in which you sought the assessment report on the potential impact of an oil spill of the Dakota Access Pipeline for the crossing of Lake Oahe in North Dakota.

I am Withholding the requested document in its entirety pursuant to 5 US. C.
552(b)(7)(f) of the OIA which protects records compiled for law enforcement purposes and that if released could be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of an individual. The referenced document contains information related to sensitive infrastructure that if misused could endanger peoples lives and property.

For any further assistance and to discuss any aspect of your request, you have the right to
contact the USACE Public Liaison at or by calling (202) 761-4791. Additionally, you have the right to contact the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) to inquire about the OIA mediation services they offer. The contact information for OGIS is: Office of Government Information Services, National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi College Park, Maryland 20740-6001, e-mail at ogis@nara. gov; telephone at 202?741-5770; toll free at 1-877-684-6448; or facsimile at 202741?5769. Finally, you have the right to appeal my decision to withhold this document to the Secretary of the Army. Your appeal package should bear the notation Freedom of Information Act Appeal and should be emailed to foia@usace.army.mil or sent to me at the address depicted on the letterhead above. Your appeal must be postmarked or electronically transmitted Within 90 days of the date of this response.

Sincerely,

RM

Damon Roberts
HECSA Counsel

Printed on Recycled Paper

Article copyright Brenda Norrell, Censored News

BREAKING NEWS! Standing Rock Water Protectors Defend Sacred Water Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016

Cheyenne River Sioux Chairman Harold Frazier speaking to water protectors today. Frazier said he is asking lawyers to file for eminent domain of the land here. Frazier also said Cheyenne River Lakotas will be arriving on Monday. Our numbers are needed now, he said.

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    Standing Rock water protectors barricade Hwy 1806. Police arriving. Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 mid-day

By Censored News

(Sunday 1:00 pm) Approximately four hundred (400) of our people have blocked Highway 1806 at Standing Rock. This is almost the entire encampment. They've used their vehicles and are gathering (Our people). The police are starting to make arrests.

Cell reception has always been spotty there. So, someone will be uploading videos soon.

Those who are near are asked to gather for another non-violent demonstration tomorrow, Monday. Expect to get pepper spray used on you. Do not resist. Expect to go to jail. Do not resist.

If your heart and mind are set on violence, then stay home, this is a non-violent protest. My Elders have spoken. Respect their, our, wishes.

(Sunday 12:30 pm) DAPL amassed behind hill with assault riffles. They came at us on ATVs and took one. There are behind us behind the hill, police in front. SUVs, ATMs, humvees armoured vehicles. We need you here now. We can stop this pipeline but we need you to move camp and get people here. -- Joye

On Saturday, there were 126 arrests, including two juveniles, and on Sunday, one arrest. The total arrested so far: 269.

Sunrise Water Protectors Sunday.

Sunrise Sunday in camp.

Sacred Ground Camp Established.

NOW Sunday Oct. 23, 2016

Standing Rock water defenders race forward to protect sacred after being attacked and beaten with police batons, and pepper sprayed on Saturday.

Sacred Ground Camp Created Near River 

Photos and article by Gidagaakoonz Mooz Ndootem
Censored News

BREAKING: WATER PROTECTORS CROSSED BARBWIRE FENCE DIRECTLY ON PIPELINE ROUTE, HWY 1806, NOW SETTING UP TEEPEES. COME TO STANDING ROCK, NOW. Goodmorning from Standing Rock. Today there is an urgent energy felt in camp, especially after yesterday's 83 arrests, and with the pipeline coming closer to highway 1806, and Lake Oahe/ Missouri River.
At 5:30 a.m. all the campers were called upon, and I don't often rush to the main fire so early in the morning. I was drawn to the passion of the speaker and recorded audio, some of it I transcribed here: "Everybody in camp needs to wake up and rise up.
We need every able body to come and stand with us today. They (DAPL) want to say they have eminent domain, they want to say the have right to poison us and our children.
Today we're going to take back our land, we're here to stand up for the rights of those who aren't here yet, those ones that are unborn.
We're the warriors that were sent here by the spirits to stand up, our warrior spirit brought us here together united, our unity is our strength, our prayer is our power, we need the camp, every single camp to rise up and come be a part of this today, we're going to stand and take back our land today.
We're going to control and protect it." 
The people marched to Sacred Ground Camp, which is ground zero of the pipeline route and have just crossed over the barbwire fence to set up teepees and a trailer, adding bodies and expanding the camp at Sacred Ground. 
Will keep you all posted on what happens next. #NoDAPL #StandingRock #OcetiSakowin #SacredGroundCamp #SacredStoneCamp #RedWarriorCamp
#HighStarCamp


Oyate arrested yesterday, on Saturday, still not located in North Dakota jails

By Oyate Media Network
Censored News
Yesterday a total of 83 water protectors were arrested, today everyone marched to the front lines where the black snakes lies, the head has just about reached our sacred water and will be trying to cross... Unci's n Lala's... Fathers n Mothers, Children and the youth have begun to protect and fight these police and their huge oil corporation with peace and prayer.
Some of the oyate that were arrested have not been located as they were moved to different jails around North Dakota, it is really tense and serious right now and we are calling for more warriors to come and help fight this poison pipeline!
300 + tribes united here, many have raised their flags here in support but now we need them to come back and support the Oceti Sakowin.

BREAKING: #NoDAPL blockade now going up on hwy 1806 by Sacred Ground Camp & Cannon Ball Ranch. #DAPL mercenaries riding ATVs snuck up on two water protectors doing recon, snatched them up, and the people ran after them, trying to rescue their friends. #StandingRock #MniWiconi

#MotherEarthsArmy #OcetiSakowinUnite#StandingFor18MillionPeople #MniWiconi#WaterIsLife #StandWithStandingRock#OglalaYouthOnTheMove#OyateMediaOnTheMove

Bernice Benally 'Pray for the Warriors, Take a Stand for Sacred Water'

By Bernice Benally
Censored News

"The warriors on the frontlines are so brave and courageous! If you're sitting at home in the comfort of your own, do not throw negativity into your thoughts for these brave warriors. Instead pray for them. They have chosen to take a stand against a billion dollar company and we all know how desperate the company is. Take a stand with the WATER Protectors and pray with your glass of water every day. Think about these relatives walking down the dirt road and narrow paved roads of their land. They braved the cold, skipped their cup of coffee, left loved ones behind to show solidarity with their brothers and sisters. Pray for them. It doesn't matter who you pray to what language, take a moment and think about the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and all the relatives, young and old, and in between bravely caring their chanupas, their tobacco, their prayers, their heart and soul, this is everything they are and represent. The sacred water, the Missouri River gives life to more than 18 milllion people, and it will be all over when the pipeline breaks and we watch in horror of the black snake spilling its guts into the once sacred river. We can only imagine the silence of the animal kingdom and the plant kingdom! No one speaks for them! We forget, we are all one in this cycle of life. We pray for our future generations and those yet to come. Stand for your rights as human beings. Mother Earth is in distress."
~BroweseInBeauty~

10:45 am Sunday, Oct. 23

Screen capture by Censored News.

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Minneapolis supports Standing Rock in resolution, Sheriff sends special forces to terrorize

Below: Hennepin Sheriff sent special forces to terrorize Standing Rock water protectors -- after Minneapolis and Saint Paul passed resolutions of support for Standing Rock's resistance to DAPL and protection of the water.
Minneapolis was the third city in the U.S. to pass a resolution in support of Standing Rock.
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2016/09/minneapolis-third-city-to-pass.html

Deputy Shane Myre #533 Intergovernmental Relations Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office 612.543.0694 (office) 612.223.4951 (cell)

shane.myre@hennepin.us

“At the request of the Governor of the State of North Dakota, and as approved by the State of Minnesota, on Sunday, Minnesota Sheriff’s Deputies from the Hennepin, Anoka, and Washington Counties’ Sheriff’s Offices were deployed to assist in Morton County, North Dakota. These deputies are part of a larger contingent of hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the Country who have responded to the request made through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, (“EMAC”), a nationally adopted system for sharing personnel and resources via state-to-state aid agreements. These Minnesota peace officers will assist in maintaining the public’s safety, preserve the peace, and protect the constitutional rights of protesters. These Sheriff’s deputies train and prepare to respond to emergency calls throughout the region, state and nation following any declaration of a state of emergency. Reimbursement for all expenses related to providing this service will be made through the State of Minnesota. The EMAC system was ratified by Congress and has been adopted as law in all 50 states -- to ensure no sheriff, no deputy, and no state stands alone in the state of an emergency.” Respectfully, Shane Deputy Shane Myre #533 Intergovernmental Relations Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office 612.543.0694 (office) 612.223.4951 (cell) shane.myre@hennepin.us

Standing Rock Breaking News Surrounded by Police: Wed. Sept. 28, 2016

Breaking News Wed., Sept. 28, 2016

Police loaded shotguns, dropped tear gas or chemical substance, on water protectors. Armored vehicle on site. Excessive force by police as 21 water protectors arrested today.

Unicorn Riot -- Today, indigenous water protectors once again arrived at a Dakota Access Pipeline construction site to halt work and hold prayer ceremonies. Police arrived with several military-style armored vehicles, and threatened water protectors with shotguns. We are hearing reports of up to 21 arrests. Livestream footage clip >>>>> https://livestream.com/unicornriot/events/6419548 <<<<< #NoDAPL

Officer loading 12 gauge riot shotgun -- while women, children at elderly are at the prayer -- at action site now: Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2016

Live video: They dropped tear gas, we are surrounded by police.
"They are moving in."
"They won't let us leave. They have us locked in on both sides."
"They've got their weapons drawn."
"They've got snipers on top of the hill"
"They are blocking me on Facebook."
"They are arresting everyone now. Everyone is running."
"Share this far and wide."

Officer loading weapon, deleted video:

Read article at Censored News
http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2016/09/police-load-shotguns-arrive-in-armored_28.html

Copyright Censored News. May not be used without written permission.

Censored News links and content may not be used on web pages with advertising, or any type of revenue schemes, or for any money making or commercial use.

Breaking Action: Standing Rock 'NO DAPL' Sept. 27, 2016

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Water Protectors led by ceremony, moved in mass to halt pipeline construction

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
Just added: YouTube video below

Standing Rock water protectors moved in mass today, by the hundreds, and halted construction at multiple sites of Dakota Access Pipeline, where work was supposed to be halted.
'The roads were blocked -- the eagle guided us," said one of the Lakota women, among hundreds who rushed to the sites to halt construction today.
Pipeline workers fled as water protectors arrived. Police arrived in riot gear with a sound canon, acoustic weapon, which has not been used as of now.
"We are going to come back every day until we shut this pipeline down," said one of the Lakota men protecting the land, water and air for future generations.
"As long as they're not working -- we're winning my Relatives," he said, with thanks to the Horse Nation for being here, on Treaty land.

Red Warrior Camp said, "Today, a 60+ vehicle caravan traveled to 3 Sacred Sites that are being threatened by the Dakota Access Pipeline, starting with the Sacred Ground Camp (where ancestral sites were desecrated and private security unleashed their dogs on unarmed protectors). The caravan then traveled and conducted ceremonies at 2 other DAPL construction sites. Water Protectors, Indigenous Peoples and allies united today to stop construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The actions today were led by ceremony."

Despite the accusations by the police that there "were shots fired" at today's ceremonies and actions, we stand united that this was a peaceful act of prayer for our Water and our Lands, Red Warrior Camp.

In the news:
Five arrested at road blockade which allowed protectors to get to site:
http://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/5-arrests-made-during-Dakota-Access-Pipeline-protest-near-St-Anthony-395020111.html

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Police sound canon

Below: YouTube video
"As long as they're not working, we're winning my Relatives."
Thankful to the Horse Nation for being here today,
on Treaty Land.

Standing Rock Sioux Chairman urges United Nations, 'Stop the Pipeline'

(Click arrow below to watch video)

Stop the pipeline for the benefit of the children not yet born

Article by Brenda Norrell
Censored News
Sept. 20, 2016

GENEVA -- Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council today and urged the U.N. to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Chairman Archambault told the U.N. Human Rights Council that the Standing Rock Sioux Nation is a sovereign nation, located in the United States, whose sovereignty is recognized by the legally-binding treaties of 1851 and 1868, and signed by the traditional government Oceti Sakowin.

Oil companies are causing the deliberate destruction of their sacred places and burials, he told the U.N.

"Dakota Access Pipeline wants to build an oil pipeline under the river that is the source of our nation's drinking water."

"This pipeline threatens our communities, the river, and the earth."

Oil companies and the U.S. Government have failed to respect their rights, he said, describing the struggle for the "benefit of our children not yet born."

Chairman Archambault said that today the pipeline construction continues, although it is temporarily stopped near the Standing Rock Sioux Nation.

Chairman Archambault said Dakota Access Pipeline has knowingly destroyed graves and sacred sites with bulldozers, and used attack dogs against the people who protect the people's water and sacred sites.

"I condemn all violence, including the use of guard dogs."

"Our courts have failed to protect our sovereign rights, our sacred places and our water."

Chairman Archambault called on the U.N. Human Rights Council and all member states, to condemn the destruction of their sacred places, and to stop the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline, in order to "protect the environment, our nation's future, our culture and our way of life."

Earlier, on Sept. 3, Dakota Access Pipeline security guards attacked women and children with attack dogs and mace, as they defended the burial grounds of ancestors. Dakota Access Pipeline knowingly sent bulldozers to destroy the ancestral burial place, after it was identified the day before, on Sept. 2.

The State of North Dakota targeted the media with arrest, issuing arrest warrants for Amy Goodman, producer of Democracy Now, and Cody Hall, Lakota spokesperson for Red Warrior Camp. Hall spent four days in jail on misdemeanor criminal trespass charges. Then, last week, the live streamers, Unicorn Riot, were pointed out by police, arrested and jailed.

While arresting those defending the Missouri River from the pipeline, and defending the burial places, the State of North Dakota has refused to arrest the security guards who attacked the defenders. The online community found it easy to identify Frost Kennels of Ohio, from its license plate at the scene of the attack, and four former Bismarck police officers acting as private security.

The State of North Dakota filed felony charges against young people who locked down to heavy machinery to stop the pipeline last week.

Although there were misleading news reports that the pipeline had been stopped, the pipeline continued tearing through the earth near Bismarck.

Today, Native Americans are protesting at the Morton County Jail, as one of the water defenders, Lakota grandmother Olowan  Sara Martinez, continues to be incarcerated.

Following a flow of steady lies from Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, incorrectly stating that the water defenders were armed and violent, the Governor of North Dakota called out the National Guard. The National Guard has been monitoring a checkpoint near the Standing Rock Camp, where thousands are camped. The ACLU said this checkpoint is a violation of Constitutional Rights to assemble and voice free speech.

The majority of stocks in the Dakota Access Pipeline are owned by Energy Transfer Partners of Dallas, Texas, whose CEO is Kelcy Warren, and Enbridge Energy Partners in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Alberta is the home region of tar sands mining that has already poisoned the land and water of the Cree and surrounding communities.

After the Keystone XL pipeline was halted, this new pipeline was permitted in segments, to avoid detection, and includes pipeline segments with transfer points all the way from the Alberta tar sands to the Gulf of Mexico.

Currently, protesters in Iowa are being jailed as they defend their small farms from seizure by eminent domain, and the threat of poisoning the waterways of Iowa.

While incarcerated in Morton Country Jail, Olowan Sara Martinez wrote this message yesterday. Sara Long, who was jailed with her while live videotaping, shared it.

"Anpetu waste' beautiful resistors, Olowan Miye.. I would like to share with you my Innerstanding of what is happening around me..

"I must start by acknowledging my love for my ancestors, my children, and of course for Mni Sose. I also pray my words reach you in good strong health and spirits..

"As I sit here in Morton County Jail I can see clearly that us sacred water protectors are the least of their problems..

"thru the tears stories and friendship shared with me by the beautiful women of the surrounding communities I know I was meant to be here and for that I have no regrets..

"the heartache of a life tormented by abuse of mind body & spirit, the grief of love lost, death and abuse, and the anger of feeling helpless and hopeless is limitless to creed or color..

"I have also come to Innerstand that the threat to poison the Mni Sose aka the Missouri River is felt by all..

"Altho the sacredness of our first medicine must always be stressed it is always Innerstood by those who choose to listen, and many are listening to Mitakuyapi, my relatives..

"I encourage all to keep up the battle to save sacred water thru all tactics being used.. DO NOT GIVE UP!

"To the surrounding communities of Morton County, open your eyes, us sacred water protectors are thinking of your grandchildren's grandchildren whether you want to believe it or not..

"We are not getting paid to be here! Everything for everyone, nothing for ourselves.

#DeathtoMeth! #DeathtoDAPL! #AlcoholIsTheEnemy!

"Hecetuye

"Olowan Sara

"Liilii Red"

Also see:
Mercenaries identified attacking burial place defenders with dogs and mace:

http://bsnorrell.blogspot.com/2016/09/torchlight-mercenaries-identified.html

Unicorn Riot statement and video on its arrest, and the arrest of Sara Long.
http://www.unicornriot.ninja/?p=9147

Article copyright Brenda Norrell, no portion may be reproduced without permission.

brendanorrell@gmail.com

Standing Rock Water Defenders at Pipeline Law Firm in Bismarck, N.D.

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Photos by Michelle Cook, Dine'

Monday, August 28, 2016
Photos by Michelle Cook
Article by Brenda Norrell
Censored News

BISMARK, North Dakota -- Native American water defenders reminded the law firm Fredrikson -- representing Dakota Access Pipeline in Bismarck, N.D., -- of the sacredness of water today.
Earlier today, Native Americans at the camp at Cannon Ball held a water ceremony, and then took sacred water to the law firm.
Outside the law firm, Michelle Cook said, "They locked the doors on us and refused to speak to us as to why they are representing a corporation that is violating human rights."
The law firm of Fredrikson and Byron states that it  is a 275-attorney law firm based in Minneapolis, with offices in Bismarck, Des Moines, Fargo, St. Paul, Monterrey, Mexico, and Shanghai, China.

Standing Rock Spirit Resistance Radio is Live!

In camp, at 87.9 FM and online at:

http://70.36.233.184:8777/gov