LNG Information Session in Eddystone disrupted by Steamfitters Local 420

On Tuesday, June 17th, CRCQL held an educational session at John Hughes Memorial Hall in Eddystone to meet with residents and discuss the impact of a potential impact of a liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminal project that could be sited in Eddystone on the riverfront. The $7 billion dollar, 60+ acre project would directly impact residents, exposing them to explosion risk, pollution, and decreased property values and quality of life.

The session aimed to provide Eddystone residents with information about the health and environmental hazards of LNG and potential locations. Over 60 members of Steamfitters Local 420 in Northeast Philadelphia and other unions filled the room at the meeting and were extremely disruptive, combative and interrupted presenters and Eddystone residents when they tried to speak. Union members are often paid overtime to disrupt community meetings that may challenge potential union projects.

Zulene Mayfield, Chairperson of CRCQL, emphasized that these are not the types of projects or jobs we should be advocating for and challenged union leaders stance. She also stressed the need to not be adversarial, and that we are all in the same boat. CRCQL advocates for more jobs in the region, but not at the sacrifice of long-term health risks and community wellbeing. There is no room for this large of a facility, which usually sits on 100 acres, which would impose more risk and pollution on an already overburdened community.

Tracy Carcluccio, Deputy Director of Delaware River Keepers Network also spoke at the meeting about how LNG’s typically operate and the risks they pose.

CRCQL continues to hold info sessions around the riverfront communities and around Delaware County to share information on this potential project and how people can get involved in preventing it.

There will be a virtual LNG informational meeting for all residents on Tuesday, June 24, at 6pm. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4r4lhRLZQuir2gTzqAtKnQ#/registration and join us!