Local Standing Rock Supporters Positive, But Cautious About Pipeline Halt

by Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Demonstrators at the proposed site for the Dakota Access oil pipeline are declaring at least a partial victory after the US Army Corps of Engineers decided put further construction on hold.

That doesn't mean concerns from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their supporters across the country have been put to rest.

Despite the move, a pipeline protest went on as scheduled Sunday night in Philadelphia.

A few dozen protesters marched through the streets of Center City to voice their frustration with the pipeline and with North Dakota's threats to shut down the demonstrators' camp near the Standing Rock reservation.

The tribe opposes the pipeline in part because it was supposed to run close to their reservation. They feared it could be hazardous, or damage their water supply.

But amid word that construction would be halted and re-routed to avoid a Native American burial ground, Priscilla Bell with the Equality Coalition says it's a move in the right direction.

"I feel positive about it, however, cautious, because we have a new administration coming in and they might want to appeal, because a lot of the people who are coming in with the new administration, including the President-elect, have investments in the pipeline," said Bell.

About 85% of the pipeline construction is complete.

Now, the Army Corps of Engineers says it will pursue alternate routes.