Letter to Tom Wolf,Gov. of Pennsylvania - Address Mariner East II Pipeline Concerns

Letter

Dear Governor Wolf,

I write to you to with concern regarding the Sunoco Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline, which will carry natural gas liquids (ethane, propane and butane) through portions of southeastern Pennsylvania and is presently under construction as approved by your administration in February 2016.

Constructed safely, pipelines have the potential to generate good-paying jobs and benefit the energy economy in Pennsylvania. However, over the past several months I have taken numerous meetings with constituents alarmed about the potential safety implications of the construction and operation of the ME2 pipeline. The nature of the pipeline and its route is such that primary regulatory responsibility for the pipeline rests with the Commonwealth and your administration.

My constituents have noted their concerns regarding Sunoco's horizontal directional drilling (HDD) practices. I was encouraged by the negotiated settlement that was reached in August between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Sunoco that improved the permitting and notification process of drilling operations for Mariner East 2. Constituents remain worried about this process following recent reports of undisclosed leaks of drilling fluid and unauthorized methods of drilling.

Furthermore, residents have repeatedly requested that the state conduct and publicize a risk assessment that takes into consideration the safety hazards of a pipeline leak and the probability of such a leak occurring. A risk assessment would be a welcome and responsible step in providing residents with the information they need to better understand the construction and operation of this pipeline and any potential effects it may have on a densely populated community.

Our communities have a significant interest in seeing the responsible development of our energy sector and southeastern Pennsylvania has particularly benefitted from middle-class jobs supported by our refineries. Pipeline construction is an important component of this industry, but the highest priority in pipeline construction must be the safety of the communities and workers involved. I hope that you will address the concerns of our shared constituents in a timely, fair, and appropriate matter. I look forward to working with you and appreciate your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

Patrick Meehan

Member of Congress

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