Press Release

PUC Details Procedures Regarding Emergency Order to Suspend Operations of Sunoco Pipeline LP’s Mariner East 1 Pipeline

Published on 3/13/2018

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today offered additional information to clarify the procedures surrounding a March 7, 2018, Emergency Order suspending operations of the Mariner East 1 Pipeline (ME1).

The Emergency Order requires additional testing and analysis on ME1, in response to safety concerns regarding the integrity of that pipeline which were raised by the PUC’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement – which includes the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division.

In response to questions raised by concerned citizens, legislators, the media and others following this case, the Commission noted several key points:

• At its March 15 Public Meeting, the Commission will vote on ratifying the Emergency Order regarding Sunoco Pipeline L.P., which was authorized on Wednesday, March 7.
• PUC procedural regulations require any Emergency Order be placed on the agenda of the Commission’s next public meeting for a ratification vote.
• This is a ratification vote and not a public hearing. No public testimony will be taken at the March 15 public meeting, on the Emergency Order or any other agenda item.
• The March 15 meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed on the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov. The PUC also routinely posts video of the public meetings following the meetings.
• This matter remains an active and ongoing investigation by the Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement.
• Future actions by the Commission will be contingent upon whether and how the terms and conditions of the Emergency Order are satisfied.
• Any reinstatement of service will require formal action by the Commission, at which time the Commission will outline the process for addressing those matters.
• Any additional public documents will be posted to the PUC’s online docket for this case – P-2018-3000281.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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 Docket No.:   P-2018-3000281

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov