FORT YATES, N.D. Supporters of the Standing Rock Sioux rejoiced when the Army announced it would not allow construction of the final piece of the Dakota Access pipeline . That perhaps sounded like a definitive answer after months of protests, but insiders from the tribe and their allies knew that the fight over the pipeline remains far from over.

Opponents of the pipeline arent even necessarily in agreement about exactly what the Army decided.

The most optimistic interpretation comes from the attorney representing the Standing Rock Sioux. Jan Hasselman can envision the Army allowing the pipeline to proceed only if it were rerouted away from the tribes reservation.

It would be surprising to say the least if the disputed section gets built beneath Lake Oahe, Hasselman said. The tribes members fear a leaky pipeline could contaminate their water source, and they contend it violates an 1851 federal treaty.

Indeed, Sundays statement from the Army sounds clear. The Department of the Army said it will not approve an easement that would allow the proposed Dakota Access pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, Army Assistant Secretary Jo-Ellen Darcy said Sunday.