The temporary restraining order will prohibit protesters from threatening workers or inciting criminal activity.
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The sheriff says construction on the pipeline is scheduled to resume Wednesday.
Sixteen protesters have been arrested so far, including the leader of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, David Archambault II, who had been released after a day in custody.
U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland granted a request from Dakota Access LLC to issue a temporary restraining order to Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault, Tribal Council member Dana Yellow Fat and other defendants. The Texas-based company’s complaint alleges protesters are putting the safety of workers and law enforcement at risk.
This comes on the heels of a statement they made last week, saying, “we will press charges against anyone who interferes in the construction of the pipeline”.
Construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline will continue across all four states along the route.
Although most of those demonstrating have remained peaceful, emphasizing prayer over violence, several have been arrested for disorderly conduct. A hearing will be held next week to determine whether a preliminary injunction will be put in place.
Standing Rock opposes the Missouri River crossing because tribal members fear a pipeline leak would threaten their water supply and other sacred sites. Earthjustice is representing the tribe in the suit, which claims the corps violated the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws in issuing permits for the pipeline.
Tribal leaders and groups have been staging protests over the pipeline’s construction, citing concerns over potential contamination of the Missouri River if the pipeline were to rupture. This is not saltwater from the ocean, but a combination of contaminants, such as chloride and ammonia that can ruin the earth or water they touch.
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Paul Picha (PEEK’-ah) says authorities were notified on Friday by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and others that human remains might have been unearthed near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in southern North Dakota.
