Dan Shea: The Weymouth compressor station issue is coming to a head today as the state is set to issue a ruling today that is very likely to clear the final barrier to construction. What can people do at this point to try to stop construction of this dangerous project?
Lisa: I’ll start with what people can do because I didn’t know, maybe still dont know what will work. First, we start and then keep educating ourselves. I saw some No Compressor signs 4 years ago and wondered. So I went to events, public hearings and meetings asking questions. People have to jump in and become informed. There is no public vote coming on this compressor station like for the new Chapman middle school. All South Shore elected officials (and beyond) oppose it.
DS: Lisa, you live a mile away from the proposed site of the station, what are your feelings, your neighbors feelings, as this shadow looms over you?
L: Im a caregiver, a healthcare and special needs advocate and those are frustrating systems to navigate most days. But this? Mostly Im pissed off at the power of our power infrastructure.
Ive been learning from neighbors and new friends who have been advocating for the Fore River & South Shore for decades. This isnt a new battle but it has taken on new levels of unjustness.
DS: This battle has raged for years now. DAVID PHAED wrote about it on the Boston Hassle site over two years ago, yet still the project marches on as protests by direct neighbors to the project continue loudly. Why are your voices not being heard?
L: I remember that article. This could have, should have stopped long ago! If our state agencies weren’t protecting polluters. I hope people start to see beyond fossil fuels now. We dont need this, policies could change. Im not usually single-minded in my blame of broken and corrupt systems but I’m focused on our apparently powerless MA Governor Charlie Baker.
DS: If the construction of this station goes through how do you see it affecting your way of life?
L: I’m all in for doing everything to prevent any and all construction on that toxic coal ash site forever. I will do what I can to stop the fracked gas coming through here to other parts of the globe – that dont want or need it either.
My 25yo daughter already has chronic lung disease, it is feeling irresponsible to stay. But where do we go?
DS: For those who want to get involved further or learn more about this struggle what do you suggest?
L: The Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station FRRACS at Nocompressor.com we meet tonight at 7p at the Fore River Club in Quincy Point. Also on FB. We are working with many ally groups too like Quincy CAN, Mothers Out Front, 350 Mass, Extinction Rebellion (so many I cant list).
AND here’s a sneak preview to a documentary being made about this entire situation & struggle…
