(Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio)
WEYMOUTH, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Four people, who allegedly interrupted construction at a controversial compressor station, were arrested in Weymouth on Thursday.
The arrested activists are now free after agreeing to civil, not criminal charges.
Construction on the compressor started on Thursday. Dozens of demonstrators were outside the site early in the morning, with some of the protestors blocking access to the site.
The individuals taken into custody are part of Fore River Residents Against the Compressor Station (FRRACS), an activist group which has opposed the compressor since 2014.
According to their website, FRRACS argues the “compressor station will create air, noise, and odor problems that will affect residents in Weymouth, Quincy, Braintree, and the South Shore.”
“Compressors pose a serious health risk, especially when in such close proximity to a dense residential area,” FRRACS said. “There’s also a history of catastrophic accidents at similar Compressors that could paralyze traffic, devastate our waterfront, and put residents at serious risk.”
Algonquin Gas Transmission, the energy company that operates the compressor, said they have “received all necessary approvals” to begin construction.
“We remain committed to ensuring construction activities are conducted in compliance with all applicable requirements, with public health and safety as our priority,” the company said in a statement.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports
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