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.
Website Overview
Nearly 600 linear miles of pipeline corridors cross Chester County's landscape. Many of these pipelines have been in place for decades but, more recently, the construction of new lines and upgrades to existing ones have increased in the county. Much of the pipeline activity is a result of the expansion of gas extraction in the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions. The increased extraction has, in turn, created a greater demand for pipeline capacity to transport the resulting products.
The Pipeline Information Center (PIC) was created to provide current information on pipelines and pipeline activity in Chester County. The Chester County Planning Commission maintains the Pipeline Information Center website and serves as the County's Point of Contact for interaction and information exchange with residents, landowners, operators, non-profits, and regulatory agencies. The website serves as a central location for information and updates on proposed and active pipeline projects. The Pipeline Information Center also supports pipeline safety and public awareness through a partnership with pipeline providers, regulators, and municipal governments.
The PIC is designed to address stakeholders' primary concerns and includes sections such as an interactive map that allows users to search for their location relative to nearby pipelines as well as other mapping information; pipelines in the news which includes articles about local pipeline projects; and active pipeline projects which provides information on current pipeline projects proposed in Chester County.
A full site index is available and provides a quick overview of the site's extensive contents.
