“We plan and evaluate every possible scenario,” Fong said of how the $6 million figure was reached.

Fong said the estimate came from looking at the camp, which has grown to a few thousand, according to law enforcement estimates, and determining how long it may remain active. This would determine how long and what size of presence may be required in the area.

She said officials expect to see the camp thin out when colder weather settles in.

“I just don’t think they’d be able to support that many people,” Fong said.

Tribal officials say they intend to see the fight through to the end.

“Energy Transfer Partners has proven time and time again that the bottom line for them is money. The bottom line for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is and will always be protecting our lands, people, water and sacred sites from the devastation of this pipeline,” Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman Dave Archambault said in a statement on Tuesday.

Archambault was responding to an internal memo from Energy Transfer Partners CEO Kelcy Warren released to media saying the company will continue to press its case for the project to federal regulators.

(Reach Nick Smith at 701-250-8255 or 701-223-8482 or at nick.smith@bismarcktribune.com.)

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