No Port/Southport meeting highlights health concerns

Last night, the group No Port/Southport held its second public meeting to oppose plans for an international port. Much like the first meeting in June, there was a large turnout with passionate participants.

People showed up early, and stayed late to ask questions at the public meeting Tuesday. There was plenty to ask about: members said they have done a lot since the last meeting.

Rhodes Messick, No Port/Southport founder said, “Doing research really, and getting this together. It’s such a huge project and there are so many different areas to consider.”

Tuesday night’s speakers pointed out four areas; environment, economics, security and most importantly health. Volunteers said they looked far and wide to find out how a port might affect Southport.

“Talking to some people around the county, and talking to some doctors in California that work in the emergency rooms. We did some pretty extensive research on what’s happening around the ports,” said No Port/Southport volunteer, John Lauer.

Their research revealed one type of pollution that stood apart from the others because it poses many health concerns including lung disease, heart attacks, and cancer.

“Particular pollution, which comes from burning the diesel fuel which comes from trucks, trains and ships,” said Lauer.

And if a port is built, Lauer expects plenty of trucks to travel through Southport each day. Lauer said, “5,700 running 24 hours a day. A truck every 8 seconds. It’s not made for a residential area.”

Those that attended the meeting seemed to agree. For many it wasn’t their first meeting, but there were some newcomers who added their names to petition the proposal.

One of the newcomers, Austin Veargan said, “I really don’t think it’s good at all for the area to tell you the truth. And the reason why is just what they were saying inside about all the health issues. I mean that’s primary to me.”

Others who attended said they were most concerned with the proposed placement of the port, between Sunny Point Ammunition Terminal and a nuclear power plant.

We spoke with representatives from the North Carolina Ports Authority who said they would not send anyone to last night’s meeting. They say No Port/Southport has been unwilling to compromise in any previous discussions.