Legal Action to Stop Mariner East 2
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Middletown Coalition for Community Safety (MCCS) is making an urgent fundraising plea to support two critical legal actions intended to enforce municipal zoning ordinances and potentially halt construction of the Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline.
On February 13, 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued conditional permits to Sunoco for ME2. This pipeline is intended to transport industrial quantities of hazardous, highly volatile liquids through the heart of our densely populated area, and in close proximity to our homes and schools. These materials, if released, become heavier than air gas that is colorless, odorless, and extremely flammable or explosive. More information on the public safety risks of the proposed ME2 pipeline can be found here.
Legal action is now the primary defense against this dangerous pipeline. In our favor is the fact that Pennsylvania townships have the authority to adopt zoning and land use ordinances in the interest of protecting the health, safety and welfare of their residents.
West Goshen and Thornbury Townships both lie along the proposed ME2 route. Both townships already have ordinances that protect against pipelines being constructed too close to schools, homes and businesses. While West Goshen has taken action to enforce a settlement agreement related to pumping stations, neither township has yet to act to enforce zoning ordinances related to open space and setbacks to private residences. Experienced attorneys have identified a mechanism by which adversely impacted residents may seek to privately enforce these ordinances. Counsel has already drafted proposed complaints that can be used for this purpose. MCCS aims to financially support these impacted residents. More information can be found in the State Impact article posted here and the Philadelphia Inquirer article posted here .
This is a battle worth fighting, as these cases are on solid legal ground. These actions, if successful, could delay or stop ME2 construction in Delaware and Chester Counties, and also encourage other municipalities to join the movement to protect the health, safety and property values of their residents.
Your help is urgently requested. Please donate today.
On February 13, 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued conditional permits to Sunoco for ME2. This pipeline is intended to transport industrial quantities of hazardous, highly volatile liquids through the heart of our densely populated area, and in close proximity to our homes and schools. These materials, if released, become heavier than air gas that is colorless, odorless, and extremely flammable or explosive. More information on the public safety risks of the proposed ME2 pipeline can be found here.
Legal action is now the primary defense against this dangerous pipeline. In our favor is the fact that Pennsylvania townships have the authority to adopt zoning and land use ordinances in the interest of protecting the health, safety and welfare of their residents.
West Goshen and Thornbury Townships both lie along the proposed ME2 route. Both townships already have ordinances that protect against pipelines being constructed too close to schools, homes and businesses. While West Goshen has taken action to enforce a settlement agreement related to pumping stations, neither township has yet to act to enforce zoning ordinances related to open space and setbacks to private residences. Experienced attorneys have identified a mechanism by which adversely impacted residents may seek to privately enforce these ordinances. Counsel has already drafted proposed complaints that can be used for this purpose. MCCS aims to financially support these impacted residents. More information can be found in the State Impact article posted here and the Philadelphia Inquirer article posted here .
This is a battle worth fighting, as these cases are on solid legal ground. These actions, if successful, could delay or stop ME2 construction in Delaware and Chester Counties, and also encourage other municipalities to join the movement to protect the health, safety and property values of their residents.
Your help is urgently requested. Please donate today.
Organizer
Safety Seven
Organizer
Media, PA
