Residents and community groups in Edgemoor are expressing concern over the Port of Wilmington expansion project, a $635 million endeavor that will quadruple the port’s container cargo capacity. Environmental worries, such as air and water pollution, have been at the forefront of these residents’ minds for years. Jeffrey Richardson, part of the Delaware Community Benefits Agreement Coalition, raises issues with trucks idling near schools and the potential risks to water quality during construction.
The coalition is advocating for a community benefits agreement but has faced pushback from the state regarding public participation in assessing health and environmental impacts. Enstructure Regional President Bayard Hogan highlights the job opportunities the project will bring, while also considering ways to make the port more environmentally friendly.
Despite these efforts, concerns about transparency in the port’s operation remain, with Richardson emphasizing the disproportionate impact of pollution on Black, Brown, and working communities. The coalition’s efforts have caught the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency, which sees them as a model for empowering and organizing local residents around environmental protections during expansion projects.
The state’s decision to appoint Enstructure as the new port operator, replacing Gulftainer, has sparked renewed efforts for transparency and community engagement. Residents are hopeful that these efforts will lead to a more environmentally conscious and inclusive expansion of the Port of Wilmington.
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