12 Arrested During Pipeline Protest in West Roxbury

Photo Credit: @MeloDeego

Dozens turned out to protest the construction of Spectra’s natural gas pipeline in Boston’s West Roxbury neighborhood Thursday, including local residents and college students. As result, 12 people were taken away in handcuffs, Universal Hub reports.

The protestors reportedly left the sidewalk were a group of people had gathered and blocked a trench fitted for a high-pressure gas pipeline. They carried onward with chants against Spectra in opposition of the project for nearly 30 minutes before police were forced to take action.

Police at the scene gave the protestors a chance to leave, but they did not, forcing officers to make 12 arrests. The protestors were handcuffed, placed in prisoner wagons and transported to Boston’s E-5 station.

Protestors reportedly yelled “we’ll be back” as they were hauled away from the scene. According to Boston police, the protestors were released from custody later in the day.

A minister, reverend and a resident of Newton were arrested earlier this month at a previous protest.

The pipeline is slated to be built beneath Centre, Grove and Washington Streets. It is a 37-mile extension of the Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline. It will also run through Dedham and Westwood.

Residents in the area oppose the project because it is being built next to an active blasting quarry.