Prior Announcements
DEP to host virtual public hearing on Transco Regional Energy Access Expansion Project
On October 5th, DEP will be holding a virtual hearing on the proposed Transco Natural Gas Pipeline Regional Energy Access Expansion Project. In Chester County it proposes modifications to the Compressor Station 200, located in East Whiteland Township, but includes work in a total of seven counties, including Delaware, Chester, York, Bucks, Northampton, Monroe, and Luzerne Counties. View DEP Project Sheet
PHMSA Issues Final Rule strengthening gas transmission pipeline safety
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) transmitted a final rule to the Federal Register that will strengthen the safety and environmental protection on more than 300,000 miles of onshore gas transmission pipelines throughout the United States. The final rule, based in part on recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board, establishes new standards for identifying threats, potential failures, and worst-case scenarios from an initial failure through conclusion of an incident.
Enterprise Products Line Purge
Enterprise Products will be purging their 8" pipeline across an approximate 50-mile span, from Marcus Hook to Sinking Springs, PA, with nitrogen. This work will take place during the week of April 18, 2022 and will leave the pipeline emptied of product and filled with low pressure nitrogen gas. The operator expects to refill the line and move product in the future, but a date has not yet been determined.
Adelphia Gateway Aerial Monitoring to Take Place
This week, a letter, dated February 15, 2022, was sent to residents along the Adelphia Gateway project right-of-way, indicating that inspection will work be performed on the pipeline over the next few weeks, as part of the pipeline's conversion to transport natural gas. Residents in Chester County may notice a helicopter flying at lower altitudes to provide an aerial inspection to the pipeline right-of-way. Should you have questions, you can call 800-483-3179. View the letter.
More information on the project can be viewed on the Pipeline Information Center Adelphia Gateway project page.
PUC Invites Public Comments on Enhancements to Regulations for Petroleum and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines
On February 12, the PA PUC published a notice in the PA Bulletin inviting comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding regulations to the transporting of petroleum and hazardous liquid products by pipeline. The existing and additional regulations are found in PA Code Chapter 59 of Title 52.
DEP to Receive Comments, Host Virtual Public Hearing on Mariner East 2 Pipeline Amendment Application, Chester County
On February 4, 2022, the PA DEP announced that they will receive public comments and host a virtual public hearing regarding a major permit amendment request from Sunoco Pipeline for work near Marsh Creek Lake. The public hearing and comment period are required under the terms of the Consent Order Agreement entered into between the DEP, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Sunoco Pipeline. The application is related to earth disturbances and temporary storage of dredged material to meet the requirements of the Marsh Creek Lake Impact Assessment and Restoration Plan. The virtual public hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 beginning at 6:00 PM. For more information and details how to participate in the public meeting view the Press Release.
PUC Directs Sunoco Pipeline to take public safety actions
On November 18, 2021, the PA PUC directed Sunoco Pipeline LP to take certain reasonable actions to protect public safety regarding the construction and operation of the Mariner East Pipelines, including ME1, ME2, and ME2X in a 3-0 Order based on a decision by Administrative Law Judge Elizabeth H. Barnes. View the Press Release or the Commission's Order.
PA Charges Energy Transfer with Environmental Crimes related to Mariner East Project
October 5, 2021, Pennsylvania files charges against Energy Transfer for environmental crimes related to the Mariner East pipeline project. PA Attorney General has filed 48 criminal charges against Energy Transfer related to the Mariner East project, most of which are related to the release of industrial waste at 22 sites in 11 counties across the state. View the press release.
US District Court files Memorandum of Law in Support of US DOT Motion to Dismiss Sunoco Exemption Request
September 24, 2021 the United States District Court for the District of Columbia filed a Memorandum of Law in support of the US Department of Transportation's Motion to Dismiss Sunoco's request to be held exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. The attorneys for the US Department of Transportation filed a motion for dismissal of Sunoco's request to be held exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, and require the government to redact safety information about pipeline ruptures, due to their inability to allege and prove that the government has violated some law other than the FOIA. View the full memorandum.
Chester County Seeks Consultant to Develop Specialized Pipeline Hazard Emergency Plan
On August 16, 2021, the Department of Emergency Services, on behalf of the Chester County Commissioners, issued a Request for Proposal, to specialist contractors, for the development of a natural gas liquids pipeline hazard-specific section to be added to the Chester County Emergency Operations Plan. This addition will be specific to Energy Transfer and TEPPCO pipelines, as they present specific challenges relating to emergency response to communities.
Chester County Commissioners request stop to Energy Transfer's Mariner East 1 NGL Line due to sinkholes in West Whiteland Township
On Friday, July 16, 2021, the Chester County Board of Commissioners sent letters to both the Pennsylvania PUC and Energy Transfer requesting a cease in operations to the Mariner East 1 line, due to sinkholes that have occurred since the beginning of the year.
Energy Transfer Construction Activity in West Whiteland and Uwchlan Township
Energy Transfer recently notified residents along the Horizontal Directional Drill site360 in Uwchlan and West Whiteland Townships that there will soon be construction taking place for the installation of the 20-inch pipe along the 2,840 foot segment. If you are a landowner and have questions, ET requests that you contact your right of way agent. If you are not directly in the right of way, you can contact 855-430-4491. View the letter and map.
FERC Establishes Office of Public Participation
On June 24, 2021, FERC announced that a public report outlining the establishment of the Office of Public Participation has been created and that the Commission intends to hire a director and personnel later this year, with operations expanding to include outreach and assistance in 2022 and be fully operational by 2024. View the press release and other information.
Commissioners Establish Pipeline Safety Advisory Board (updated)
On December 12, 2019, the Chester County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to appoint the members of the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board. See the listing of Board members on page four of the Commissioners' meeting minutes.
The purpose of this Board is to bring together emergency response experts, municipal officials, industry representative, and members of the public who live along a pipeline right-of-way to review, discuss, and make recommendations to the Commissioners and county departments on how to ensure citizen safety when it comes to pipelines.
