Sunoco
2/3/2022
Sunoco/Energy Transfer (ET) is required to inspect their pipeline integrity prior to beginning operations to transfer natural gas liquids under pressure through these pipes. Prior to this week they ran a “smart pig” device designed to detect potential anomalies or weaknesses in the pipes. During this operation they found a “shadow” that required visual inspection. Sunoco/ET engineers identified a “deflection” (a dent) in a section of pipe that required replacement. This is why you see the construction equipment and activity at this site.
Sunoco/ET is required by court order and the PUC to notify the Township prior to any construction/maintenance activity. They failed to do this. At its meeting on Tuesday evening, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to notify the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and its Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement of this breach. Additionally, the Supervisors voted to consult with our solicitor regarding potential legal action against Sunoco/ET.
The PUC had a representative at the construction site on the second day of construction and East Goshen Township Public Works staff monitored the work and belatedly received communication from Sunoco/ET.
We have been advised that work at the site should be completed by Thursday, February 3. While we apologize for the delay in the form of an official message from the Township, the circumstances of the last two days and the way in which the Township was informed made it difficult to put out any type of communication to residents in such a last minute manner and ensure that it was accurate information. While we strive for communication, we also strive for accuracy in that information. Thank you.
-Derek Davis, Township Manager
11/4/2021
Energy Transfer just informed the Township that a portion of the pipeline that runs parallel to Line Road needs additional cathodic protection. They will begin clearing the brush on Friday, 11/5/2021. Notification will follow when the work is being done.
Additional information:
6/7/21
East Goshen has filed exceptions in response to the Initial Decision issued by Public Utility Commission Administrative Law Judge Elizabeth H. Barnes in the Flynn v. Sunoco matter.
Click here to read the exceptions.
3/5/2021
The Township has just been informed that Sunoco will begin the pull back of the pipe at HDD Segment 521 (Bow Tree Drive to Saints Simon and Jude Church) in May of 2021. This is the last segment to be completed.
Water Testing at Bow Tree Site – updated 1/22/21
9/15/20 – Letter to Residents about Sunoco Restoration
8/19/20 – Letter from the EGT BOS to Governor Wolf
Last month the Board of Supervisors asked the Township Engineer to review and comment on the geophysical study that PennDOT required Sunoco to perform as a result of the inadvertent returns that occurred on Boot Road. The Board acknowledges receipt of the Township Engineers review at their meeting on August 18, 2020.
Boot Road Revised Final Report 2020-01-03
Letter from Township Engineer 2020-08-17
6/17/20
Earlier today (Wednesday), we were notified that a hose connected to the “mud machine” broke at the pipeline site at Bow Tree. Sunoco crews will finish cleaning up the muddy water tonight.
5/27/20 – Sunoco has advised us that the installation of the 16” pipeline in East Goshen has been completed and that it is currently being used to transport natural gas liquids. This 16” pipeline follows the same route as the existing 8” and 12” pipelines as shown on the pipeline map here.
Pipeline safety information is available at the PHMSA website: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/safety-awareness/pipeline/pipeline-leak-recognition-and-what-do
2/7/20 – Drilling of 20″ Line from Bow Tree to Ss. Simon and Jude
Sunoco/Energy Transfer sent the following correspondence to residents living along the pipeline route from Bow Tree to Ss. Simon and Jude Church in Westtown Township.
As you may know, Sunoco/Energy Transfer recently completed the pullback of the 16″ line along this segment. They are now preparing to begin drilling the 20″ line along this segment. As a first step, Sunoco/Energy Transfer will be installing a steel casing, which should take about a week to install and may be noisy at times.
As always, residents with concerns about noise at their property should contact the Township at 610-692-7171. In addition, the Sunoco hotline number is 855-430-4491.
2/7/20
The following is an email outlining the update Boot Road Geophysical Survey report the Township received. Please click on the link to read the corresponding information.
“Rick,
As a follow-up to the January 13, 2020 email, attached is the updated geophysical survey report from RETTEW Associates, Inc. as it pertains to the survey conducted on Boot Road between Carriage Drive and Wilson Drive on October 8-9, 2019. As noted in the previous email, the department requested additional information to address comments in the initial report. The revised report by RETTEW has addressed the main comment of Schnabel’s memo dated November 20, 2019 regarding anomalies seen in plan-view results versus how those anomalies compare in the profile-view results. To address this RETTEW has included approximately ½ of the GPR profiles collected parallel to the road and additional text discussion of how it interpreted the profiles to consider if the anomalies were likely caused by voids or other features (such as utilities, etc.). Based on the review of the profiles, PennDOT and Schnabel concur with the results summary, which is there are several anomalies but they do not appear to be caused by open voids.
Thank you,
Gene”
Update 2/4/20
On Monday Sunoco completed the pullback of the 16 inch pipeline between Bow Tree Drive and Saints Simon and Jude (HDD 521). With the installation of this HDD Segment, the 16” pipeline is essentially complete in East Goshen.
East Goshen Pipeline Status Map
1/28/20
PA DEP has approved the reevaluation reports submitted by Sunoco. As a result Sunoco can now proceed with the following HDDS:
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
The following is an email outlining the Boot Road Geophysical Survey received. Please click on the links to read the corresponding information.
“Rick,
Attached is the geophysical survey report from RETTEW Associates, Inc. for the geophysical survey that was conducted on Boot Road between Carriage Drive and Wilson Drive on October 8-9, 2019.
Attached is the review by Schnabel Engineering, a geotechnical engineering firm under contract to PennDOT, of the RETTEW Associates, Inc. report of the geophysical survey conducted on Boot Road on October 8-9, 2019. Schnabel Engineering staff were on site monitoring this geophysical survey.
PennDOT’s Geotechnical Unit reviewed the reports prepared by RETTEW Associates, Inc. and Schnabel Engineering. The department forwarded the Schnabel Engineering report to Mr. Larry Gremminger of Energy Transfer and RETTEW Associates, Inc. was directed to address a department comment. RETTEW Associates, Inc. submitted the requested information on January 3, 2020, and it is currently under review. The department will provide this information following the review’s conclusion.
Thank you,
Gene Blaum”
Friday, January 10, 2020
Updated geophysical summary for Boot Road . Click here to read.
Boot Road Geophysical Summary December 20, 2019
January 3, 2020
DEP Issues Historic $30.6 Million Penalty Over Revolution Pipeline Violations
Department Collects One of the Largest Civil Penalties in Single Settlement History
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that it has issued a $30.6 million civil penalty to ETC Northeast Pipeline (ETC) for violations related to the 2018 Revolution Pipeline explosion and fire. The penalty is one of the largest civil penalties collected in a single settlement.
“ETC’s lack of oversight during construction of the Revolution Pipeline and their failure to comply with DEP’s October 2018 compliance order demanded serious accountability. Their inaction led directly to this unprecedented civil penalty,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP is committed to holding permittees accountable for permit compliance and will continue to provide active and stringent oversight over the construction of their projects. Permittees are obligated to ensure that their projects are constructed without incident and in full compliance with permits. If a permittee fails to do so, they will be held accountable.”
On September 10, 2018, a landslide occurred along the Revolution Pipeline in Center Township, Beaver County. When the landslide occurred, a section of the pipeline separated, allowing gas to escape from the pipeline. The gas ignited, causing a fire that burned several acres of forested areas; destroyed a single-family home, a barn, and numerous vehicles; resulted in the evacuation of nearby residents; and caused six high voltage electric transmission towers to collapse. Fortunately, no one was harmed in this incident.
DEP’s subsequent investigation determined that ETC, which is a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners, had not stabilized a number of areas along the pipeline resulting in additional slides. ETC also failed to properly implement or maintain hundreds of best management practice controls to address stormwater runoff. The full investigation also found that during construction of the pipeline, ETC had illegally impacted numerous streams and wetlands along the length of the pipeline right of way.
In the Consent Order and Agreement (COA) between DEP and ETC, $28.6 million will go to the Oil and Gas Program Fund and Clean Water Fund. Revenue in these funds will buttress the department’s oversight of oil and gas development statewide, including pipeline projects, and will also provide financial assistance to water remediation projects across the state. An additional $2 million will go toward a DEP-approved community environmental project or projects that will benefit Pennsylvania’s environment and the waters of the commonwealth.
In 2019, ETC employed a new management team for the project and new consultants from Pennsylvania to address all of the outstanding issues with this project. After detailed review by DEP, on December 13, 2019, DEP approved, with conditions and an implementation schedule, a temporary slope stabilization plan, a landslide hazard evaluation and an updated erosion and sedimentation control plan which are also incorporated as conditions of the COA. The COA also requires ETC to restore and mitigate stream and wetland impacts that occurred during the construction of the pipeline and to permanently stabilize all areas in and along the pipeline corridor.
As a result of the COA, ETC has demonstrated its intention to correct its unlawful conduct to DEP’s satisfaction; therefore, DEP will lift the nearly year-long permit bar currently in place. This will allow DEP to issue, over time, approvable horizontal directional drilling (HDD) re-evaluations to enable HDD or other more appropriate methods to be completed on the project. These actions will not occur all at one time but rather over a period of months. The company has agreed to inform the agency where and when it will be doing work so that DEP can ensure a field presence during this work going forward. It will also allow DEP to accept new permit applications and to act on other pending authorization requests when reviews are complete.
The Clean Streams Law permit bar, issued in February, was the broadest and longest bar to have been placed on any company in Pennsylvania.
The COA provides for reinstatement of the permit bar in the event of noncompliance by ETC. In addition, ETC’s failure to comply with any terms and timelines in the COA could result in additional and historic stipulated penalties of $20,000 per day, per violation and any other additional enforcement required and within DEP’s legal authority.
“DEP will continue to carefully monitor ETC’s activities to ensure that ETC meets the terms of this agreement and all approved permits,” McDonnell said. “The conditions imposed by this agreement seek to ensure that ETC will get this right. Anything less is unacceptable.”
Boot Road Geophysical Result Summary
August 23, 2019
Below for your information is a summary of the results of a geophysical investigation performed within a 250-foot section of Boot Road near Carriage Drive in East Goshen Township, Chester County, on June 22, 2019, by RETTEW Associates, Inc., for Sunoco Pipeline, L.P.
The PennDOT District 6 Geotechnical Unit and its consultant, Schnabel Engineering, reviewed the RETTEW report, and concur with its conclusion based on the information and documentation provided from the June 22 investigation. RETTEW sees no evidence in the data that indicates the inadvertent return at the location of a utility trench on Boot Road near Carriage Drive caused any subsurface impacts or subsidence.
This initial geophysical investigation found nothing under Boot Road that requires immediate remediation. The department will continue to monitor the roadway.
The investigation did identify “anomalous zones” underneath Boot Road at this location that may be related to saturated soils in the area of utility trenches. Anomalous zones are areas where something unusual was detected. An anomalous zone does not necessarily indicate something is wrong, but that something is different from normal. This area warrants further attention.
As part of PennDOT’s request for a geophysical investigation of a larger section of Boot Road, Sunoco Pipeline, LP agreed to perform two additional geophysical investigations of all lanes of Boot Road from Carriage Drive to Wilson Drive using Ground Penetrating Radar. The first investigation will be conducted soon, following the receipt of a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit. The next investigation will be done following the completion of pipeline work on Boot Road.
PennDOT supports this approach to perform the two additional GPR investigations to identify any changes in subsurface conditions from the time when work is taking place on Boot Road until the work is completed.
Based on the outcome of the next two GPR investigations, the department will determine whether to take an additional step to further investigate subsurface conditions at a specific location. This could involve excavating a hole or trench or performing test borings.
8/23/19
The Board of Supervisors submitted comments to the PUC in regards to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Hazardous Liquid Public Utility Safety Standards.
8/21/19
Energy Transfer has requested a permit or their contractor to work around the clock during the pullback phase of the pipeline installation. On 8/14/19, a letter was mailed to all residents informing of this request. A public meeting will be held on September 19, 2019, at 7 pm at Fugett Middle School Auditorium to receive public comment on this request.
Update 8/7/19:
The Chester County Department of Emergency Services released the following statement:
Beginning at 8:01 p.m. on August 5th, the county received four 911 calls for reports of an explosion and immediately dispatched West Goshen police to the area of the reports. Police investigated and within minutes reported back that there was no threat to public safety. Following the police investigation report, a representative from Energy Transfer contacted the Chester County Department of Emergency Services and provided an overview of the incident. Energy Transfer confirmed that there was an incident at the Boot Road Pump Station that created a loud noise and that there was no release of gas or emergency.
Chester County Department of Emergency Services ensured that Energy Transfer was issuing a public statement noting the event, and worked with the company to share the message. Our emergency management practices always include reviews of potential or real emergency incidents to build upon and refine emergency response procedures. We have sent a list of questions to Energy Transfer asking for immediate answers on exactly what and why last night’s incident happened, how often it could happen and how we can expedite the emergency communication process.
**Post from 8/6/19
A loud boom originated from the Sunoco Boot Road Station (by the water tank near Route 202) on Monday evening, 8/5/19. Energy Transfer has issued the following statement:
“During routine maintenance this evening at our Boot Station in West Goshen Township, there was a backfire on a flare at approximately 8:20 p.m. ET as the station was brought back online, This resulted in a loud noise, similar to a car backfiring. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our neighbors.”
The Public Utility Commission has been advised of the incident.
7/31/19
At the meeting on July 30, 2019, the Board of Supervisors announced they received a request from Energy Transfer (aka Sunoco) for a waiver to work between 10 pm and 7 am during pull back operations.
The Board previously stated that if this type of request was received, residents would be notified and a public meeting would be held to consider and act on this request. The Township is currently looking for a venue to hold the public meeting. Once a venue is secured, written notification will be sent to all residents with the date, time and place of the public meeting at which this request will be considered.
Click here to view Energy Transfer’s request.
6/4/19
Update Tuesday, 10:15am—This post updates earlier posts about the inadvertent return (mud spill) on Boot Road. It is our understanding that Sunoco contractors have completed the vacuuming work along Boot Road. In addition, this morning the Township’s Public Works Department televised the sewer lines in the vicinity of the spill and there was no evidence of any structural damage to or infiltration of drilling fluid into the Township’s sanitary sewer infrastructure.
6/3/19
Update, 3:45pm, Monday June 3—As of Monday afternoon, Sunoco contractors have completed grouting at the site of the recent inadvertent return (mud spill) on Boot Road. A Vac-Truck will remain on site to suck up any remaining excess water and grout that comes to the surface, so you may experience traffic delays along Boot Road for another day or so. Once the site has settled, it is the Township’s understanding that horizontal directional drilling will resume. Township administrative staff, Public Works crews and Supervisors have been on the site multiple times and have confirmed that no contaminated materials have entered retention basins or the Township’s storm sewer infrastructure. Public Works crews will be on site early tomorrow morning to televise the Township’s sanitary sewer system to ensure that it is unaffected as well.
6/2/2019 –
Sunday, 6:30pm: This post is an addendum to the post from Friday afternoon about Sunoco’s grouting work on Boot Road, just south of Wilson Drive. As you may have observed over the weekend, the grouting work was more involved than originally anticipated. Due to the high water table caused by the recent rains, the grouting pushed water and excess grout onto the roadway. While some excess grout and grout was expected (see the Friday post), clearly there was more of both substances than expected. Sunoco contractors will be on site through the night vacuuming up the excess water and grout. Aqua America, the water utility, has also been coordinating with Sunoco contractors on the matter. In addition, the Township has been in close contact with PennDOT–Boot Road is a state road–and has also confirmed that Township streams and our storm sewer system have not been affected.
5/30/19
On Saturday, June 1 Sunoco will be grouting the borehole under Boot Road that runs south from the drill site on Boot Road and Route 202. This grouting is required to seal the fissure (or crack) in the bedrock that caused the inadvertent return that occurred along Boot Road just south of Wilson Drive on Wednesday May 29. It is expected that during the grouting process, some of the excess drilling fluid and grout will come to the surface. These materials will be vacuumed up and disposed of by Sunoco. Once the grout has hardened Sunoco will resume HDD operations.
Click here to read the approved HDD Inadvertent Return Assessment, Preparedness, Prevention and Contingency Plan for this project.
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5/29/19
This morning, the Township was made aware of an inadvertent return (mud spill) near 1354 Boot Road, in the vicinity of, but further south of the two, other recent spills. DEP has been notified. Sunoco contractors will be vacuuming and then grouting the site in the days ahead. The Township Public Works Department has confirmed that the spill did not damage or impact Township infrastructure or nearby waterways.
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No Inadvertent Return on May 9
Multiple media outlets have reported that there was another inadvertent return (mud spill) on Boot Road and Wilson Drive on Thursday, May 9, which would have been the third such event in that area since April 29. However, what happened yesterday was not an inadvertent return.
To clarify, yesterday Sunoco grouted the borehole under Boot Road that runs south from the drill site on Boot Road and Route 202. This grouting was necessitated by protocols to seal the fissure (or crack) in the bedrock that caused the inadvertent return that occurred at Wilson Drive and Boot Road on Tuesday (5/7/19) evening. During the grouting process, some of the excess grout came up through the ground. This grout was expected and the grout was vacuumed up which led to some confusion.
Sunoco cannot drill during the grouting process. Therefore, it was not possible for an inadvertent return to have occurred yesterday morning.
The Township continues to monitor the pipeline operation carefully and wants to provide our residents with the most accurate information.
5/10/2019
Sunoco has completed the pipe pull back between the HDD site by Quaker Village and the Goshen Executive Center. They are planning to do some low pressure air testing of this section of the pipeline on Saturday May 11, 2019, which will make a “Whistling Sound” as the air is bled off.
5/9/2019 – Sunoco Update
Sunoco is currently grouting the borehole under Boot Road that runs south from their HDD site on Boot Road and Route 202. This grouting will seal off the fissure or crack in the bedrock that caused the inadvertent return or “mud spill” that occurred at Wilson Drive and Boot Road on Tuesday (5/7/19) evening.
The PA DEP and PA PUC are aware of the inadvertent return and grouting operation.
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4/30/2019
Please be advised that yesterday evening, there was an inadvertent return of water and non-toxic bentonite clay—what’s commonly known as a “mud spill”—along Wilson Drive near the intersection with Boot Road related to the Mariner East drilling operations in our region. Clean-up crews were on site shortly thereafter and as of early morning the roadway was fully clean. In addition, the Township’s Public Works Department was on-site and ensured that both area streams and the Township’s sewer system were not impacted.
A picture of Wilson Drive heading towards Boot Road at approximately 7:30 pm on April 29.
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4/22/2019 – Mariner I Back in Service
Click here for the PUC press release.
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03/13/2019 – Petition to Intervene – Sunoco Pipeline Update
In the matter of Flynn v Sunoco, a Second Interim Order has granted East Goshen Township Intervention.
Click here to read the Order which, inter alia, grants the Intervention of East Goshen Township.
1/29/2018 – Age of the Sunoco Pipeline that runs through East Goshen Township
Some residents have questioned the age of the Sunoco Pipeline that runs through East Goshen Township. Please be advised that Sunoco replaced its pipeline that runs through East Goshen Township in:
- 1999 – From Greenhill Road to Paoli Pike
- 2001 – From Paoli Pike to Manley Road
1/24/2019
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC’s) Independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) – which includes the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division – continues its active and ongoing safety investigation regarding the Mariner East 1 (ME1) pipeline, operated by Sunoco Pipeline LP, a/k/a Energy Transfer Partners (SPLP).
Following discussions with the PUC’s I&E, the remainder of ME1 has been “shut down” by SPLP (since Jan. 21), meaning no product is flowing in this pipeline anywhere in Pennsylvania. SPLP is not permitted to resume the transportation of product through ME1 until approval is received from I&E.
Click here to view this press release in its entirety.
1/23/2019
East Goshen Township has filed a petition to Intervene in the Meghan Flynn et al V. Sunoco Pipeline L.P.
Read the petition in its entirety here.
1/22/2019
Mariner East 1 Pipeline
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement – which includes the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division – issued an update regarding the active and ongoing safety investigation regarding the Mariner East 1 pipeline.
Click here to view this press release in its entirety.
12/31/18
ENERGY TRANSFER ANNOUNCES MARINER EAST 2 PIPELINE IS IN SERVICE
Mariner East 2 Pipeline is now in service. This line transports propane, ethane and butane – all natural gas liquids – from Eastern Ohio to the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex.
12/24/18
Chester County District Attorney opens criminal investigation into Mariner East Pipeline. Anyone with information should contact Detective Ben Martin at 610-344-6866.
12/11/18
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has determined that no permit modifications by Sunoco are necessary for the Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) at the Strasburg Road/Bow Tree Drive Location.
Read the complete letter from DEP to Sunoco here.
10/22/18
We have been advised that Sunoco has announced that the Mariner East 2 and Mariner East 2x pipelines are not expected to be completed until 2020.
Click here to read more.
10/19/18 – Final Report Citizens Risk Assessment
The Final Report of the Citizens Risk Assessment of the Sunoco Mariner East Project, performed by Quest Consultants Inc, has been released.
8/27/18 – Sunoco Pipeline L.P. will conduct a hydrostatic test on or about August 31, 2018.
Click here to read the letter.
8/16/18 – DEP Completes Review, Accepts Permit Modification Requests for Mariner East 2 in Chester County
Norristown, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today it has completed its review of requests for modifications to Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sediment Control) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstructions and Encroachments) permits submitted by Sunoco Pipeline, LP (SPLP) for parts of the Mariner East 2 pipeline. The requests are for two sites in West Whiteland Township, Chester County.
SPLP’s proposed modifications are a result of its re-evaluation of the original plan to conduct Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). SPLP has proposed to change methodology from HDD to conventional bore for one drill site, and from HDD to a combination of conventional bore, open trench and HDD for the other drill. As a result of the changed methodology, potential impacts to a public water supply well, other water resources and sensitive areas are expected to be avoided.
“These approvals have undergone substantial and thorough reviews by technical staff, with careful consideration given to the significant public input received during the extended comment period and public hearing held this past spring,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
More detailed information regarding these modifications, including the amended permits and comment response document, can be found on DEP’s Mariner East 2 webpage on its Pipeline Portal.
7/30/18 – Sunoco and Environmental Groups settle. View Final Stipulation of Settlement Clean Air etc. v. DEP. Sunoco.
View DEP – Release on Agreement with Riverkeepers
7/25/18 – Sunoco’s Close Survey Notification to begin 7/25/18.
7/18/18 – Volunteers needed
At their meeting on July 17, 2018 the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution 2018-78 authorizing the creation of a Pipeline Task Force. The Mission Statement for the Task Force reads as follows:
“The Pipeline Task Force shall advise the Board of Supervisors on pipeline infrastructure matters affecting or impacting East Goshen Township and its residents.”
If you are interested in serving on the Task Force, please complete the ABC Volunteer form and submit it with a copy of your resume to Rick Smith, Township Manager.
7/5/18
- Sunoco intends to start the open cut pipe installation in front of Giant Supermarket on Boot Road in the near future.
- Sunoco is in the process of reevaluating all of the Horizontal Direction Drills (HDDs). Sunoco does not know how long this will take.
- In June Sunoco advised Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHSMA) that they intend to use the existing 12” line to transport Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs). This line is currently used to transport other petroleum products. They need to give PHSMA a 60 day notice so they intend start transporting NGLs in mid to late August. This will reduce the pressure to complete the Mariner East 2 and Mariner East 2X pipelines.
6/14/18
On Thursday, June 14th, the PA Public Utility Commission partially upheld and partially reversed the Administrative Law Judge’s May 24, 2018 interim emergency order regarding West Whiteland Township. A copy of the decision can be found here.
6/7/18
Both Senator Killion and Chester County Commissioners submitted letters urging the PUC to uphold the Emergency Order suspending the Sunoco Mariner East 1, 2 and 2X pipeline projects.
Chester County Commissioners’ letter dated June 5, 2018
Senator Killion’s letter dated June 6, 2018
6/6/18 – East Goshen submits letter in support of Senator Dinniman’s petition for Emergency Relief
Read letter here.
6/1/18 – Sunoco Withdrawals Summary Appeal
Sunoco Pipeline, L.P. withdrawals appeal from the March 13th District Court guilty finding of violating the Township’s Noise Ordinances.
A copy of the letter can be found here.
5/24/18 – Mariner East Pipelines Shut Down
On May 24, an Administrative Law Judge of the Public Utility Commission ruled in favor of Senator Dinniman’s request for emergency relief, shutting down the operation of Mariner East 1 and halting construction on Mariner East 2 & 2X.
In her decision, Judge Elizabeth Barnes wrote, “”I find there to be an imminent risk to the public and a need for immediate relief and further study to be done on ME1, ME2 and ME2X for the Commission and its Bureau of Safety Engineers to evaluate before construction should resume on ME 2 or ME2X in West Whiteland Twp. and before a potential catastrophic event occurs on ME 1. Additionally, local and state government needs time to create emergency evacuation and notification plans and to educate the public before operations should resume.”
Sunoco Pipeline LP now has 30 days to conduct geophysical and geotechnical studies to the PUC.
A copy of the judge’s decision can be found here.
5/4/18 – Operations on Mariner 1 Reinstated
Press Release: PUC allows Reinstatement of Operations on Mariner 1 East Pipeline Following Resolution of Safety Concerns; Requires Additional Notification and Reporting
Click here for more information.
4/17/18 – Citizens Risk Assessment Presentation
The Citizens Risk Assessment was presented at the 4/17/18 Board of Supervisors meeting. This assessment is a process to review all factors that contribute to understanding pipeline risk as it relates to safety.
4/16/18 Advisory – DEP to hold Public Hearing-West Whiteland Site
The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that it will hold a public hearing to receive comments on two permit modification requests from Sunoco for the Mariner East 2 Pipeline. Both requests are for sites in West Whiteland Township.
Click here for more information.
4/4/2018 – Citizen’s Risk Assessment
The risk assessment presentation for the Sunoco Pipeline project has been rescheduled to the April 17th Board of Supervisors meeting.
Click here to read the assessment.
3/22/2018 – Mariner 1 East
East Goshen Township files a Petition to Intervene in reference to the PUC’s emergency order suspending operations of Sunoco’s Mariner 1 East Pipeline.
3/15/2018 – Mariner 1 East
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) unanimously ratified an Emergency Order regarding Sunoco Pipeline L.P., also known as Energy Transfer Partners, to suspend operations of the Mariner East 1 Pipeline in response to concerns regarding the integrity of that pipeline.
Today’s 5-0 vote by the Commission ratified the Emergency Order, which was initially authorized on March 7, 2018 by PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. The PUC’s procedural regulations require any Emergency Order be placed on the agenda of the Commission’s next public meeting for a ratification vote.
Click here to see view the press release in its entirety.
3/13/2018 – Sunoco Hearing
On March 13, at a hearing before District Court Judge Thomas Tartaglio, Sunoco Pipeline, L.P. was found guilty of violating the Township’s Noise Ordinance on October 13th, 16th & 23rd and November 1st , 2nd , 3rd & 6th. Sunoco was found not guilty of violating the ordinance on December 14th and 15th. Sunoco has 30 days to appeal the judge’s decision.
3/7/2018 – PUC Suspends Mariner 1 pipeline
The PA Public Utility Commission suspended operations on Sunoco’s Mariner 1 East pipeline. Mariner 1 is the existing pipeline that was retrofitted in 2014 and runs along Boot Road and N. Chester Road (Rte 352). The PUC’s order was in response to a petition from the PUC’s Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement filed on 3/7/18 that raised concerns about the sinkholes in West Whiteland Township.
A copy of the emergency order can be found here: PUC Order 030718
2/8/2018
PA DEP and Sunoco reached an agreement to lift the January 3, 2018 stop work order that suspended permits for the Mariner East 2 pipeline project. Click here for more information.
2/6/2018 – On February 2nd, the Sunoco Mariner East II Pipeline appealed DEP’s January 3rd suspension of its construction permits. Click here for more information.
2/2/2018 A February 2, 2018 letter from PA PUC Chairman Gladys Brown regarding pipeline risk assessments is sent to Gov. Wolf. Click here to read it.
1/10/2018 – Click here to read an article from StateImpact Pennsylvania regarding the Sunoco work being allowed to continue despite the DEP order.
1/3/2018- DEP Announced Suspension to Mariner East 2 Construction Permits
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued an order suspending the construction permits associated with the Mariner East 2 pipeline until Sunoco meets the requirements outlined in the order. Sunoco must cease all construction activity on the pipeline project, except for maintenance of erosion controls and limited maintenance of horizontal directional drilling equipment.
“Until Sunoco can demonstrate that the permit conditions can and will be followed, DEP has no alternative but to suspend the permits,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “We are living up to our promise to hold this project accountable to the strong protections in the permits.”
Click here for more information from the DEP Website.
Winter 2018 Sunoco Letter from Chairman, Marty Shane
Fall 2017 Sunoco Letter from Chairman, Marty Shane
12/21/17 – The PA PUC voted 3 to 2 to lift the injunction that prohibited drilling in West Goshen Township.
http://www.puc.state.pa.us/pcdocs/1547680.pdf
11/21/17 – Resolution 173 (2017) Pipeline Policy Change #2
At the meeting on November 21, 2017, the Board of Supervisors approved a Resolution 173 that is regarding the need for bipartisan action to advance, approve and enact pending legislation for the regulation of interstate and intrastate pipeline transmission infrastructure in the interests of health, safety and welfare of all the citizens in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This step was taken in response to the bipartisan group of legislators that introduced several bills related to pipeline policies.
Resolution 173 (2017)
Drilling Spill – October 25, 2017
At approximately 12:15pm today, a resident from the Pin Oaks Development notified the Township of a drilling spill that had run through a backyard and into the Township’s storm sewer system. Township staff immediately notified Sunoco about the spill, and Sunoco dispatched a vac-truck to clean up the mud. The drilling mud contains a material called bentonite that is non-toxic.
Pipeline Maintenance Update, 10/5/17
Sunoco Pipeline Hydrostatic Testing
Update, 10/3/17 – Resolution-170-2017 was approved by East Goshen Township’s Board of Supervisors. This resolution is regarding the need for policy change in law and regulation of intrastate and interstate oil and gas pipelines. This letter along with the resolution was sent to Governor Wolf encouraging him to give careful consideration to it.
Update, 4:00pm, 8/23–Sunoco received permission from DEP to resume drilling at Quaker Ridge/Rite Aid Site on Boot Road
Sunoco Pipeline Update (10:30am, 8/17): 08/10/2017 Corrected Stipulated Order and Exhibits
July 25, 2017 – Environmental Hearing Board Docket No. 2017-009-L
June 27, 2017 Board of Supervisors Meeting Regarding Pipeline Safety Audio File
Chester County Pipeline Information Center
Pipeline Incidents
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/library/data-stats/pipelineincidenttrends
03/22/2017 Aerial view of Sunoco Pipeline in Chester County
03/22/2017 Sunoco Horizontal Directional Drilling Plans
20″ Pipeline Plans
PA-CH-0326.0000-RD
PA-CH-0326.0004-SR
PA-CH-0326.0006-RDa
PA-CH-0326.0006-RDb
PA-CH-0355.0000-RD
PA-CH-0370.0000-RD
PA-CH-0383.0003-SR
PA-CH-0413.0000-RD
PA-CH-0420.0000-RD
16″ Pipeline Plans
PA-CH-0326.0000-RD-16
PA-CH-0326.0004-SR-16
PA-CH-0326.0006-RDa-16
PA-CH-0326.0006-RDb-16
PA-CH-0355.0000-RD-16
PA-CH-0370.0000-RD-16
PA-CH-0383.0003-SR-16
PA-CH-0413.0000-RD-16
PA-CH-0420.0000-RD-16
03/22/2017 Sunoco Erosion and Sedimentation Plans
5/3/2017 – Noise Testing Services Sunoco Pipeline
5/3/2017 – Noise Monitoring Areas
04/21/2017 – Letter to Sunoco Regarding Erosion and Sedimentation Permit
April 2017 – Preparation for a Pipeline Emergency in East Goshen Township
03/21/2017 – Mariner East Presentation at the March 21, 2017 Board of Supervisors meeting
02/22/2017 – Letter to Sunoco Regarding Erosion & Sedimentation
February 13, 2017 – Erosion & Sediment Control (E&S) Permit
February 13, 2017 – Water Obstruction & Encroachment Permit
01/06/17 – Accufacts Report on Sunoco Mariner East 2 Expansion Project
09/06/2016 – Erosion & Sediment Permit Technical Deficiency Letter from DEP
09/06/2016 – Chapter 105 Permit Technical Deficiency Letter from DEP
08/26/2016 – Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sedimentation Review by Pennoni
08/01/2016 – Mariner East: Proposed Project Route
03/18/2016 – Erosion & Sediment Control & Site Restoration Plan
03/01/2016 – East Goshen Township Grants Easement to Sunoco
02/23/2016 – Sunoco Logistics Mariner East Project Presentation
02/10/2016 – Sunoco PUC Certificates
02/04/2016 – Information on a Typical Horizontal Directional Drilling Machine
12/21/2015 – Sunoco Right of Way Office Now Open in Exton
12/14/2015 – Fact Sheet
11/06/2015 – Mariner Project FAQS
10/28/2015 – Letter from PA DEP
10/27/2015 – Heading would be Sunoco application with Delaware River Basin Commission (see Docket Entry 18)
10/26/2015 – Letter from PA DEP
08/27/2015 – Application for Earth Disturbance by Tetra Tech for Sunoco’s Pennsylvania Pipe Line Project
Presented at 06/02/15 Board of Supervisors Meeting – Pipelines – Engineered For Safety & Reliability
Presented at 06/02/15 Board of Supervisors Meeting – Proposed Mariner East 2 Pipeline Map
04/21/2015 – Prehearing Cancelled Since No Objection Filed
04/14/2015 – West Goshen Township Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public meeting for East High School for Tuesday, April 14th to discuss a settlement agreement. View more information here.
03/16/2015 – Sunoco Granted Extension
03/16/2015 – Amended Petition
03/17/2015 – Pennsylvania Pipeline Project
03/05/2015 – Sunoco Has Resolved Issue With West Goshen Over Pump Station
02/13/2015 – Further Pre-hearing Conference Notice
02/05/2015 – Econsult Solutions Press Release
02/05/2015 – Sunoco Logistics Mariner East Economic Impact Report Executive Summary
02/04/2015 – Mariner East Projects Fact Sheet
02/04/2015 – Pipeline Safety Fact Sheet
02/04/2015 – Mariner East Chester County Map
02/04/2015 – Mariner East Pipeline Project Map
02/04/2015 – Mariner East FAQs
The following e-mail was received on Friday, January 2, 2015
Final Steps in Returning the Mariner East 1 Line
PA PUC Order entered on October 29, 2014
10/02/2014 – PUC Directs Further Hearings on Zoning Exemption Request by Sunoco Pipeline
Hydrostatic Testing Notification
Sunoco Exceptions to Initial Decision – August 19, 2014
Preliminary Ruling
East Goshen Township Petition to Intervene
PUC Recognition of Sunoco Petition
East Goshen Township Petition of Sunoco Pipeline LP
PUC Filings as of 04/11/2014
Click here to view documents regarding the Sunoco Pump Station located on Boot Road near Route 202. You will need to search for Docket # P-2014-2411966 in order to view documents related to this particular pump station.
PHILADELPHIA, December 4, 2013 – Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (NYSE: SXL) today announced that it will commence a binding Open Season for its Mariner East 2 project. This Open Season is for a pipeline that will transport natural gas liquids from processing facilities built in the liquidrich Marcellus and Utica Shale areas in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Eastern Ohio to Sunoco Logistics’ Marcus Hook Industrial Complex on the Delaware River, approximately 300 to 400 miles from the production region. The Mariner East 2 pipeline is expected to be operational in early 2016. +Read More
10/11/13 Update – Sunoco Pipeline owns and operates two pipelines that traverse East Goshen Township. Both of these pipelines are located within the road right-of-ways for Boot Road and North Chester Road. We have been advised that Sunoco is investigating the possibility of installing an additional pipeline. Attached is a sample copy of the letter that will be sent to affected property owners. +Read More
10/11/2013 – Update regarding Sunoco Rehabilitation and Hydrostatic Test Project