Police use a water cannon on protesters during a protest against plans to pass the Dakota Access pipeline near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, near Cannon Ball, N.D., on Sunday. ( STEPHANIE KEITH / REUTERS )CANNON BALL, N.D.—Authorities on Monday defended their decision to douse protesters with water during a skirmish in subfreezing weather near the Dakota Access oil pipeline, and organizers said at least 17 protesters were taken to the hospital — including some who were treated for hypothermia. Pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners has said no sites have been disturbed and that the $3.8-billion (U.S.) pipeline will be safe. Article Continued BelowWhat’s known as the Backwater Bridge on state Highway 1806 has been shut down for weeks because authorities say it might be unsafe due to earlier fires set by protesters. Protesters say the closed bridge near their main camp blocks emergency services, and they accuse authorities of keeping it shut down to block their access to pipeline construction sites.

Source: thestar November 21, 2016 23:52 UTC