Chester group targets waste incinerator during Earth Day protest

A scene from the Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living march and caravan from Chester City Hall to the front of the Covanta waste incinerator on Saturday, calling for environmental justice and the right to a healthy environment. (courtesy of CRCQL)

Chester residents concerned about quality of life said Monday that more than 250 people marched and caravanned from Chester City Hall to the front of the Covanta waste incinerator on Saturday, calling for environmental justice and the right to a healthy environment.

CRCQL, pronounced “circle,” demonstrated for the need for clean air and environmental justice for Chester residents.

The group believes that Chester is a case of environmental racism and is home to numerous polluting industries within its borders, including the largest waste incinerator in North America, operated by Covanta.

Children in Chester are more likely to have asthma, a respiratory condition that makes it difficult to breathe, and the group says this is due to the industries polluting Chester’s environment.

The waste incineration plant alone burns nearly 3,500 tons of garbage and industrial waste every day. The pollutants released include dioxins, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and more, all of which have serious health consequences.

“This Saturday’s show of force should be a warning sign to any polluting industry considering coming to Chester,” said CRCQL chair Zulene Mayfield. “This is what you are dealing with, and we will not stop or be bribed. Our lives and those of our children will not be sacrificed!”

Attendees gathered at City Hall in the afternoon and heard from movement leaders including members of the clergy, EQAT, Delaware Riverkeepers Network, Philly Thrive and more. Led by the Magic Music Group Drill Team, attendees marched and caravanned more than 2 miles, arriving just outside the waste incinerator.

Marchers and caravanners carried signs and chanted ‘ban the burn’, ‘stop environmental racism’ and ‘clean air for Chester’.