Contact: Deb Pasternak, deb.pasternak@sierraclub.org, (617) 423 5775
Boston, M.A.-- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Martin Suuberg issued a rubber stamp approval of the air quality permit today for the highly-contested Weymouth compressor station. The Commissioner’s decision to ignore existing air quality data and to allow further pollution in the Fore River Basin will cause direct harm to the community if the project moves forward.
Massachusetts Sierra Club stands in solidarity with residents of the Fore River Basin, and members of Fore River Residents Against Compressor Station (FRRACS) in their opposition to the compressor station.
In response, Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter Director, Deb Pasternak issued the following statement:
“It is unacceptable that Commissioner Suuberg chose to issue an air quality permit knowing that existing air pollution in the basin already exceeds state limits for carcinogens including benzene and formaldehyde. It is irresponsible given that the affected community is an environmental justice neighborhood and already bears the pollution burden of a hazardous waste facility, oil tank farm, and two power plants. Governor Baker and his Department will go down in history on this day for directly violating the state’s Environmental Justice Statute and climate goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act.
We are calling for an independent investigation into the DEP’s flawed permitting process and the many conflicts of interest that lie between the Baker administration and Enbridge gas company.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.