DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The possibility of an American Indian burial site in Iowa may require relocation of a crude oil pipeline route which would further delay the beginning of construction in the only one of four states where work hasn’t yet begun.
The Dakota Access pipeline passes through the Big Sioux Wildlife Management area and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe leaders say there is a burial site. The pipeline also goes through the Dakotas and Illinois.
The possibility prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which owns the property, to revoke a construction permit for the area and issue a stop work order to Dakota Access until further notice.
A spokeswoman for Dakota Access says if something is confirmed the company will work with the appropriate agencies to make any necessary adjustments.