March 18, 2024

Dakota Access Pipeline damaged in Mahaska County

Jasper County Sheriff providing extra patrol to exposed spots

Damage to the Dakota Access Pipeline in Mahaska County was confirmed Tuesday by the county sheriff.

Mahaska County Sheriff Russell Van Renterghem said the county is investigating the incident and working with state officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The damage was apparently done with a blowtorch. Further information is unavailable because the investigation is ongoing, he said.

According to Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty, Mahaska County made Jasper County aware of the situation. In Jasper County, where no recent damage was reported, the sheriff’s department will provide extra patrol to certain spots of the pipeline that are exposed.

Most of the pipeline is underground. However, there are valve sites that come up out of the ground and are visible, Halferty said.

“Most of those sites are secured with fence,” Halferty said. “That’s what they want us to keep an eye on. That’s basically the extent of our involvement.”

Jasper and Mahaska counties both saw apparent arson damage to heavy construction equipment working on the pipeline route last fall. An arrest has not been made in that case.

Based on the results of the current investigation, Dakota Access will prosecute to the fullest extent possible, said spokesperson Vicki Granado.

“This is a very dangerous activity, which can among other things, harm the very thing (protesters) say they are trying to protect — the environment,” Granado said.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com