Rally Against Mariner East Pipeline To Be Held In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — Several local leaders, activists, and landowners are joining together to host a rally in West Chester against the controversial Mariner East 2 Pipeline.

The event will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 9 on the steps of the Chester County Courthouse.

Sunoco's project has come under fire following several safety issues over the past few years including drilling fluid spills, numerous sinkholes, and contamination of drinking water. Residents and lawmakers are also concerned about the safety lapses due to the proximity of the pipeline's volatile natural gas liquids to schools, community centers, rail infrastructure, and high population areas.

The state's Public Utility Commission has agreed to halt the project pending further review, after being petitioned by State Sen. Andy Dinniman.

According to organizers, speakers will include:

• Ginny Marcille-Kerslake: Impacted resident from West Whiteland Township, Chester County
• Bibianna Dussling: Impacted resident from Middletown Township, Delaware County
• Ellen Sue Gerhart: Impacted landowner and resident of Huntingdon County, co-founder of Camp White Pine
• Eve Miari: Clean Air Council organizer and resident of Delaware County
• Wenonah Hauter: Executive Director of Food & Water Watch
• Sandra Steingraber: Biologist, Poet, and anti-fracking Advocate

Dinniman characterized the ongoing fight to protect citizens and property from the dangers of the pipeline as a "David vs. Goliath" battle. Representatives for pro-pipeline groups insist that Sunoco has passed regulatory scrutiny and that the judicial delays are costing jobs which would be generated by the pipeline's construction.

Mariner East 2, if completed, would run a pipeline carrying natural gas liquids from the massive Marcellus Shale deposit in western Pennsylvania to Marcus Hook, on the Delaware River. It crosses through significant portions of Chester and Delaware counties on its way. The oil will then be shipped overseas, largely for use in creating plastics.

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