North Dakota regulators are proposing a fine of at least $15,000 against the company building the four-state Dakota Access pipeline. The Public Service Commission says that a subsidiary of Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners didn't get regulators' approval to proceed with construction after artifacts, including stone cairns, were found last month.
The company diverted construction so the artifacts weren't disturbed, a plan the State Historic Preservation Office concurred with. But the PSC says the company should have gotten clearance from regulators.
Energy Transfer Partners can agree to a fine or request a hearing. Spokeswoman Vicki Granado says the company doesn't think it did anything wrong but is working with the PSC. The $3.8 billion-dollar pipeline will carry North Dakota oil through South Dakota and Iowa to Illinois.
