Pipeline construction equipment damaged in suspected arson

Three individual pipeline construction job sites, located along Dakota Access’ Bakken oil pipeline, have been targeted, with machinery extensively damaged by fire. The incidents occurred near the cities of New Sharon, Newton and Reasnor, causing millions of dollars in damages.

The first blaze in Mahaska County proved to be the most costly, reaching approximately US$1.5 million in damages to several pieces of equipment.

"It appears that all evidence says these vehicles were intentionally set on fire and we're calling it an arson at this point," said Jasper County’s Chief Deputy, Duane Rozendaal. He continued: "When you get to the magnitude of US$1 million worth of equipment, some of it being brand new, you are talking about some serious felonies."

Jasper County Sheriff, John Halferty, has state that it appears that the fires were intentionally set along the Dakota Access pipeline. Investigators believe that someone is, perhaps, targeting equipment that is designed to build the controversial pipeline which would carry nearly 500 000 gal./d of crude oil across land in 18 Iowa counties.

While the pipeline, which crosses 18 Iowa counties, has received strong opposition from environmental and landowner rights groups, Texas-based Dakota Access responded to the damage: "it's a shameful act by a group of people trying to disrupt our energy security and independence. We have increased security along the route and are actively pursuing the situation with law enforcement.”

So far, no arrests have been made.

Edited from various sources by Anna Nicklin

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/equipment-and-safety/02082016/pipeline-construction-equipment-damaged-in-suspected-arson/