Press Release

Pipeline Safety Investigation Underway Involving Subsidence Incident in Middletown Township, Delaware County

Published on 9/13/2019

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – In response to reports of a subsidence near several pipelines in southeastern Pennsylvania, a safety investigation has been launched by the Pipeline Safety Division of the Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement - the independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC).

Reported earlier today near the northwest corner of Valley Road and West Forge Road in Middletown Township, Delaware County, the subsidence occurred along the right-of-way for Sunoco’s “GRE Pipeline” – a 12-inch steel pipeline used to transport highly volatile liquids (HVLs) and petroleum products over the Mariner East system.

The subsidence was located near the site of construction work on Mariner East 2 and in the same general area of several other pipelines.  No leaks or injuries were reported.  Sunoco personnel have been working to stabilize and monitor the location.

Engineers from the Pipeline Safety Division have been on site gathering information for their investigation and monitoring the integrity of pipelines in the area.  Initial site surveys indicate that the GRE line was exposed but have not indicated any pipeline integrity issues.  The Pipeline Safety Division will continue to closely monitor the situation. 

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

As the independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the 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
(717) 418-2701

Dave Hixson
(717) 480-2636


 

Contact:

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