The Marple Safety Coalition is waging a grassroots effort to block a PECO natural gas facility at Sproul and Cedar Grove roads in a Broomall neighborhood, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

“What’s happening now in this community is beautiful. People are really stepping up,” said Julie Baker, a member of the coalition.

PECO installed 11 miles of new gas lines. The proposed natural gas reliability station is a “receiving point” to distribute natural gas locally from a West Conshohocken natural gas plant.

Residents learned about the plant in June. It’s been unanimously denied by the Marple Township Zoning Board.

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara and State Sen. Tim Kearney also voiced opposition.  

PECO has appealed to the Delaware County courts. It has filed for relief with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

Many homes, businesses, and a school are nearby.

“Today’s protest is all about showing the opposition of this project to PECO, to the PUC, to the Delaware (County) Court of Common Pleas. We’re really holding them all responsible for a beneficial outcome for the community,” said resident Greg Fat, who lives 1,000 feet away from the facility.

Read more at WHYY about the ongoing protests in Broomall over the proposed natural gas facility.