BELFAST — Approximately 70 demonstrators took to the Passagassawakeag Bridge, Route 1, Belfast, March 25, during the evening commute to demonstrate against the propane mega-tank project proposed for Searsport. 

The group consisted of Thanks But No Tank members, as well as a coalition of residents against the tank, which formed earlier this year. Organizer Ridgely Fuller, pleased with the turnout, commented, “to have this many concerned citizens come down in the cold to show support of keeping the tank away and to have support of so many passing motorists is very encouraging." 

The messages on the handmade signs were upbeat and some playful in tone. A couple of activists dressed in lobster costumes held signs proclaiming, “Don’t Gas Our Bay." Others signs read “Searsport deserves Better: NO LPG” and “Pen Bay is Not 4 $ale." Searsport resident Ann Flack, taking a short break on the north end of the bridge, and who has been involved with TBNT since 2011, said, “the tide has turned now and surrounding towns have now spoken up in favor of having the Army Corps conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement.” She expressed her hope that Searsport would act to send a letter, as well.

The demonstration was timed to remind residents that the Searsport Planning Board will meet this week, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Union Hall in Searsport to deliberate on the application by the Denver Corporation.