GREEN PARTY OF DELAWARE

an affiliate of 

THE GREEN PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES

For Immediate Release

Contact John M. Kearney

302-691-0112

MEDIA ADVISORY

What:  Kickoff of Bucket Brigade Citizen Air Monitoring of Motiva Refinery

Since the October 19, 2002 Motiva accident, the Delaware City Refinery has been operating under unstable conditions resulting in numerous harmful air emissions.  As a result, the surrounding community is being unnecessarily put at risk by air releases containing sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulates (soot), nitrogen oxide and other harmful pollutants that have occurred over 13 times since the October 19, 2002 accident.  Clean Air Council has requested that there be increased monitoring of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) during this period of instability at the refinery.  This request has gone unanswered Since November 7, 2002.  

To compensate for DNREC's inadequate concern for public safety in the surrounding community, Clean Air Council, Green Delaware and other environmental groups will start a monitoring campaign using the Refinery Reform Bucket Brigade to monitor and test the air quality around the refinery.  The Bucket Brigade was started in Louisiana and Texas by concerned citizens living around refineries.  It allows a surrounding community to do their own independent air monitoring and lab testing to determine air quality in their immediate neighborhood.  

Who: Hosted by Clean Air Council Delaware, Green Delaware, and Common Cause.

When:  Wednesday, December 11, 2002, 10:00 AM

Where: Outside the Motiva Delaware City Refinery front entrance. 

The Location will Include the Following GREAT Photo Opportunities: Clean Air Council will be demonstrating the use of the air monitoring bucket with the refinery smoke stacks and pollution flares as a backdrop.  

Speakers: John M. Kearney, Clean Air Council Delaware Director

Results of the GPDE Coordinating Council vote on this proposal are as follows:

5 votes in favor
0 votes in opposition
3 no vote submitted (abstain I guess)

The proposal carries.  

PROPOSAL: to endorse the efforts of the Clean Air Council and Green Delaware (as noted). 

RATIONAL:  This is an on-going opportunity to support community based organizations working on goals parallel to those of the Green Party. 

DISCUSSION: one week ending 12/15/02

VOTE:  two days ending 12/17 at midnight.

Copy your discussion to ALL CC members.  Send you votes to me to tally.