A protest against the permit issued for the construction of the Plains All American Red River Pipeline is planned for 4 p.m. on Aug. 24. A portion of the pipeline will pass through Norman.
The protest will take place outside Norman City Hall during the city's Board of Adjustment meeting at 201 W. Gray St. At the board's meeting, its members will discuss the city’s decision to approve the permit — allowing the construction of the pipeline that will run through a portion of southeast Norman.
The group's Facebook page says there are approximately 80 people attending the protest, plus more than 270 people interested in the event.
According to a press release from Stop The Plains All American Pipeline, which is the group leading the protest, the construction of the pipeline is "a clear cut example of environmental racism."
The group also said in the press release that the rerouting of the pipeline through tribal and lower income areas is "an environmental injustice." The release says the pipeline was rerouted and crosses through Indian Country and northeast Cleveland County.
Aside from the pipeline's potential cultural impact, the group is worried about its safety, as well.
Neil Suneson, a geologist and adjunct professor with the Oklahoma Geological Survey, was on the Norman Floodplain Permit Committee and voted against the pipeline proposal.
“I was concerned entirely about the safety of the pipeline,” Suneson said. “I guess you could call me pro-oil and gas, but in this case, I think the pipeline company could have done a lot more.”
Although Suneson is not associated with the group holding the protest, he said he did feel that the proposal had some holes, and worries about the construction of the pipeline. His biggest concern has to do with the depth the pipeline would be buried and the effects it may have if there were a severe flood in the area.
“If the pipeline was exposed during a major flood, there is always the potential that it could break,” Suneson said.
