Press Release

Safety Probe Involving Berks County Petroleum Pipeline Concludes

Published on 4/19/2019

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – Following an extensive investigation concerning a petroleum pipeline located in Berks County, the Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement (I&E) has concluded that there is no evidence of a pipeline leak.

Safety engineers from I&E, the independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), were initially mobilized on March 17, 2019, to investigate a strong gasoline odor in South Heidelberg Township, Berks County. That location is along the right-of-way of Sunoco pipeline line No. 12001, used to transport petroleum products from a terminal near Reading to points in northern Pennsylvania and New York state. 

While I&E discovered no evidence of a recent pipeline leak, the bureau remains in communication with Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding the results of soil testing at the site.

Reporting Pipeline Safety Incidents

The Pipeline Safety Division encourages residents and businesses located near pipelines to understand how to recognize and report unusual incidents involving those lines – including the sounds, smells and sights of possible leaks. Pipeline operators are required to regularly provide safety and awareness information to property owners along their routes, along with emergency contact information. If you suspect a leak, call 9-1-1 or local emergency responders and the pipeline operator from a safe location.

About the Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement

e independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), I&E enforces state and federal pipeline safety and motor carrier safety laws and regulations and represents the public interest in ratemaking and service matters before the PUC’s Office of Administrative Law Judge.  I&E has the authority to bring enforcement action, seek emergency orders from the Commission or take other steps to ensure public safety.

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Contact:

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