Local Residents Set to Rally Against Spectra's Lateral Pipeline Project

Dedham and other local residents have banded together in an effort to prevent Spectra Energy’s construction of a natural gas pipeline in the area. Hundreds of people are expected to take part in a rally against the pipeline on Sunday afternoon.

A group of protestors opposed to the project, known as Resist the West Roxbury Pipeline, will host the “Our Lives on the Line” rally and vigil on Sunday at Gonzalez Field in Dedham. The rally is slated to kick off at 3 p.m.

Here’s a look at the rally’s schedule of events:

• 3:00 pm Worship Across the Pipeline with local clergy (Gonzalez Field, 500 High Street, Dedham)
• 4:00 Rally with local elected officials (at Gonzalez Field)
• 4:30 Walk to Dedham-West Roxbury/Boston City Line: Hands Across our border at 5530 Washington Street, West Roxbury

Those who plan to attend the rally are encouraged to bring a red ribbon, a sign, and a friend. The group says less mobile members of the community are invited to stand or sit out along the route.

“Stop the West Roxbury Lateral” T-shirts will be available for purchase, according to event organizers.

Residents opposed to the pipeline can sign a petition. Click here to sign. 668 residents have already signed in opposition of Spectra. 750 signatures are needed, according to the petition’s webpage.

Spectra has plans to build the pipeline through Dedham, Westwood and West Roxbury. Construction has begun, but residents fear for their safety and health because a portion of the pipeline is expected to be built along an active blasting site at a quarry in West Roxbury.

Photo Credit: Resist the West Roxbury Pipeline