Rational Cause for Optimism

Among an assortment of executive orders, Supreme Court decisions, and geopolitical power plays, it has been hard recently to feel like the average American citizen has much say in the shape of our country. Yet through individual family decisions – like installing solar or driving electric – and grassroots community efforts, we’re reminded daily of the impact each of us can make.

One grassroots movement happening close to ReVision Energy’s South Portland location involves a Maine resident courageously taking on one of the biggest fossil fuel companies in North America.

Suncor Energy, a multi-billion-dollar Canadian oil company with massive tar sands operations in the province of Alberta, owns 19 oil tanks incongruently nestled in the residential Hill Street neighborhood of South Portland.

In response to neighbors’ long-standing complaints and concerns about air, water and land pollution from the oil tanks, local resident Tim Honey has launched a “Toss the Tanks” campaign to encourage Suncor to sell the 100-acre site and allow the City to make better use of the parcel.

"Toxic oil tanks do not belong next to our homes, schools, churches and recreational space. We are seeking a win-win solution whereby Suncor gets to sell a highly valuable piece of real estate and the City gets to zone it and oversee redevelopment in a way that is better for local citizens and our community,” said Honey.

While it’s true that over the past 150 years coal, oil and gas have powered the most profound advancement in the history of humankind, it’s equally true that finite, polluting fossil fuels have wreaked havoc on the natural environment and pose a long-term existential threat to clean air, water, land, and all the living things that depend upon the biosphere for survival.

Honey’s campaign is a microcosm of the increasing conflict between those who want to create a better future by transitioning to a just, equitable, and sustainable electric future – and those who want to perpetuate a fossil fuel era with ever-worsening negative impacts to the Earth and its inhabitants.

According to an information sheet provided by “Toss the Tanks,” South Portland High School and Elementary School students have lived in the daily shadow of industrial oil storage tanks for more than 60 years. These aging vats, now mostly idle, risk contaminating our air, soil, and groundwater. Exposure to their emissions and potential leaks can cause respiratory issues, skin problems, and long-term health effects, endangering the well-being of our citizens and environment.

South Portland is home to roughly 100 large oil storage tanks that were built between 1941 and 1970, each of which has a storage capacity of up to 7 million gallons. Honey said the campaign’s objective is to urge the South Portland City Council to negotiate with Suncor to divest itself and their interests in the 100-acre Hill Street Tank Farm. Before divesting, Suncor would remove the 19 oil tanks and associated infrastructure, and remediate the land to meet current environmental standards. Throughout this process, Suncor would retain ownership and retain the profits from the property's sale. The city would not bear any financial responsibility but would oversee future land use through its zoning authority.

We think it’s rational cause for optimism that the Toss the Tanks campaign is gathering momentum, with 81% of respondents to a survey of 400 South Portland residents saying they support a citizens’ campaign to remove the tanks.

"Our campaign continues to be a joyful and not an adversarial campaign. Our campaign will be successful because we have a win/win/win strategy that will benefit Suncor, the City government, and the South Portland community,” said Honey, who is in the process of organizing a community rally in September. “Let’s bring together the South Portland Community, young and old, to join our campaign! We would like your ideas about where and how we should stage this rally,” said Honey.

Please send your ideas via e-mail to Tim Honey: stephen.t.honey@gmail.com