The historic resistance to the Bayou Bridge Pipeline continued this week as ten trained Water Protectors deployed to six locations along the pipeline route. Most of the deployments were to assess areas before construction begins. “Our goal is to provide Louisiana residents and government agencies with information about Energy Transfer Partners operations,” said Sarah Howard, a coordinator of the program for the Louisiana Bucket Brigade. “The company has been shut down in other states for shoddy operations during construction. We are on the watch for similar conduct here.” Entergy Transfer Partners (ETP) is the company behind the Bayou Bridge Pipeline.

Seventy Water Protectors have been trained in a collaborative effort by the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Tulane Environmental Law Clinic, Gulf Restoration Network and New York based Center for Constutional Rights. For photos and updates visit the Water Protector Facebook Page.

The findings of the Water Protectors from March 6th to March 12th:

Threatened wildlife in Iberia Parish: Monitors saw an owl in close proximity to construction. Pipeline permits require deference to wildlife habitat. Many threatened species call the wetlands and wooded regions of southern Louisiana home. Noise, light, and pollutants all endanger the integrity of this ecologically sensitive region.

Water Protectors associated with the L’eau est La Vie Camp documented an improperly constructed culvert blocking a drainage ditch. Blocking ditches leads to the buildup of pollutants and leaves properties vulnerable to flooding and damage.

A deployment to Cosa Natural Road in Assumption Parish connected monitors to a seventh generation sugarcane farmer with land along the proposed route. He expressed deep concern for the integrity of his land in the face of ETP’s record of serious accidents. Challenging big companies like ETP is extremely difficult for individuals in these communities, who have little resources and power.

Susan Prevost, a trained Water Protector who has interacted first hand with the affected communities said, “I can’t imagine the degree of helplessness and betrayal the land owners must be feeling. To have your property ruptured and potentially ruined, and to have no say in it. It is as if ETP were a government entity. Where exactly is the discerning line between our state government and this menacing company that threatens our home?”

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