Farm family sues Dakota Access over farmland damage

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A South Dakota farming family has sued the Dakota Access pipeline company, alleging it reneged on promises to restore farmland damaged during the oil pipeline’s construction.

Slack Family Properties accuses Dakota Access LLC of fraud, deceit, breach of contract and taking property without authorization.

The Argus Leader reports the Harrisburg-area family says five parcels of its farmland were damaged, causing the loss of corn and soybean crops for two growing seasons.

The lawsuit was filed this week in Lincoln County Circuit Court.

In easement agreements with landowners, Dakota Access promised to compensate farmers for any losses tied to the pipeline’s construction and to restore all farmland to its previous condition.

Dakota Access spokeswoman Vicki Granado says the company doesn’t comment on pending legal matters.

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Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com