Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) Monday promoted an effort by local residents to crowd-fund a risk assessment for the Sunoco Mariner East II Pipeline.
“Residents impacted by the pipeline and members of local and regional citizens groups have really hit the ground running on this,” Sen. Dinniman said. “There’s much more work ahead, but thanks to the efforts of so many, we’ve already made great progress in only a short time.”
The group has developed criteria for the independent risk assessment, begun reaching out to companies in preparation for soliciting bids, and raised more than $12,000 in just over a week’s time. Those interested in donating can do so at.
In light of the lack of an independent risk assessment on the project, Dinniman helped bring together members of various community pipeline safety groups including, the Middletown Coalition for Community Safety, the Uwchlan Safety Coalition, Upper Uwchlan Residents for Safety, Del Chesco United for Pipeline Safety, Protect Penn-Delco, East Goshen Safety and Environmental Advocates, Goshen United for Public Safety, West Whiteland Residents for Public Safety, Food and Water Watch, and the Chester County Sierra Club.
“There is no question that an independent risk assessment of this project is sorely needed. Despite our multiple requests, the DEP, the Public Utility Commission, and the Governor’s Office seem either unable or unwilling to do it. So, we have no choice but to move ahead on our own,” Sen. Dinniman said.
He said also the group’s initial progress is a testament to the importance of the issue of pipeline safety and that, according to organizers, donations continue to pour in from throughout the region and the state.
“I’m confident that we’ll reach our goal and succeed where government agencies are falling short in meeting their constitutional duty to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens,” he said. “We’ve built a very well-organized and well-informed coalition of committed individuals who are dedicated to seeing this through for the sake of their communities, families, and children.”
Click Here to participate in the crowd-funding effort.
Future meetings are currently being planned. Those interested in participating should contact Don Vymazal of Senator Dinniman’s office by sending email to: dvymazal@pasenate.com or call or 610-692-2112.
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