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N.D. (AP) — North Dakota’s chief archaeologist says in a memo leaked to a conservative blogger that an inspection found no American Indian artifacts or human remains at a Dakota Access pipeline construction site.
Paul Picha says in the memo published Monday by Say Anything blogger Rob Port that seven state archaeologists inspected the 1.3-mile section along the route of the $3.8 billion pipeline in southern North Dakota. The memo says only some animal teeth and bone fragments were found.
Officials say the memo is only a draft and is part of an on-going investigation.
Standing Rock Sioux officials said crews earlier this month bulldozed the site, which they say has “significant cultural and historic value.” It led to a clash between protesters and security guards hired by pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners.