Sunoco Logistics

Accidents | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Lebanon County | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Sunoco Logistics

ME2 Construction in Lebanon County Stopped for 50 Gal Mud Spill
March 19, 2018March 19, 2018

The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) has just shut down further drilling for the Mariner East 2 Pipeline project at Snitz Creek in Lebanon County, PA because of a 50 gallon spill of non-toxic drilling mud. This isn’t the first time the DEP has stopped underground horizontal directional drilling (HDD) work at Snitz Creek. Last November they did the same thing for a piddly 1 gallon spill (see PA DEP Shuts Down ME2 Drilling in Lebanon, PA for 1 Gal Mud Spill). In the parlance of today, leaking 50 gallons of drilling mud into Snitz Creek is a nothing-burger. Biased reporters like those at PBS StateImpact Pennsylvania make it out to be the environmental crime of the century. There’s more environmental damage from overfilling a gas tank at the local Sheetz that spills two gallons of gasoline onto the pavement than there is from spilling 50 gallons of non-toxic kitty litter (or toothpaste, or lipstick) into Snitz Creek. But there you go. Sunoco voluntarily reported the incident, and was promptly shut down at that site until further notice. Meanwhile, a few weeks ago a farmer in nearby Lancaster County spilled 100,000 gallons of manure into two creeks–with zero consequences. Why didn’t the DEP shut down the farm?…
Read More “ME2 Construction in Lebanon County Stopped for 50 Gal Mud Spill”
Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Statewide PA | Sunoco Logistics

PA PUC Votes Thursday to “Ratify” Shutdown of ME1 Following Sinkholes
March 14, 2018March 14, 2018

Last week MDN reported that due to underground horizontal direction drilling (HDD) in Chester County, PA for the Mariner East 2 (ME2) Pipeline project, a third sinkhole had developed. ME2 is being built close to the existing Mariner East 1 (ME1) pipeline. The sinkhole exposed a portion of the ME1 pipeline to the open air, which is why the head of the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) temporarily shut down the propane and ethane flowing through ME1 (see PA PUC Shuts Down Mariner 1 Pipeline Due to Mariner 2 Sinkhole). The shutdown is for 10-14 days, which sent ME1 customers Range Resources an CNX Resources scrambling to find alternate ways to ship their ethane and propane (see Range, CNX Look for Alternatives to ME1 Pipe Following Shutdown). Tomorrow the PUC will meet and as part of that meeting, they will vote to ratify the action of PUC Chairwoman Gladys Brown in issuing last week’s emergency shutdown order…
Read More “PA PUC Votes Thursday to “Ratify” Shutdown of ME1 Following Sinkholes”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Sunoco Logistics

Grumpy Antis Protest at ME2 Sinkhole Site – Jeer Sunoco Workers
March 12, 2018March 12, 2018

A third sinkhole related to Mariner East 2 pipeline work and the uncovering (and subsequent shutdown) of the Mariner East 1 pipeline has some folks in Chester County, PA stirred up and rather grumpy (see PA PUC Shuts Down Mariner 1 Pipeline Due to Mariner 2 Sinkhole). A group of some 150 anti-pipeline protesters (perhaps a better word is “mob”) gathered Saturday in Chester County near the sinkhole sites, carry signs and chanting. Did they demand that the DEP and Gov. Wolf force Sunoco Logistics Partners, the builder of ME2, to find a different route around a geography known for sinkholes for decades? Or force Sunoco to slow down in an attempt to prevent any more sinkholes? Or demand Sunoco come to the table to talk about how they will prevent any more issues in the area–and compensate properties near the sinkhole? No. Their demand of Wolf: Shut it down, now. And keep it shut down. Cancel the entire multi-billion dollar ME2 project that is 93% complete. In other words, their demand is unreasonable, not realistic, not the way adults behave when they have disagreements and concerns…
Read More “Grumpy Antis Protest at ME2 Sinkhole Site – Jeer Sunoco Workers”
Accidents | Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Sunoco Logistics

PA PUC Shuts Down Mariner 1 Pipeline Due to Mariner 2 Sinkhole
March 8, 2018March 8, 2018

3rd sinkhole opens up in Chester County, PA

Sunoco Logistics Partners (aka Energy Transfer Parnters) has had its challenges in constructing the twin Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipelines across Pennsylvania. Earlier this week MDN told you that underground horizontal directional drilling (HDD) work in Chester County has led to a third sinkhole developing in the area (see 3rd Sinkhole Appears Near ME2 Construction in Chester County, PA). For most of its length, ME2 is being built right next to ME1 (Mariner East 1), a liquids pipeline originally built in 1931. ME1 now flows 70,000 barrels a day of NGLs like propane to Marcus Hook, PA. The third sinkhole has exposed a portion of ME1. That is, bare steel pipeline was uncovered due to the sinkhole. Not good. That situation led to the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) slapping ME1 with an emergency shut down order yesterday…
Read More “PA PUC Shuts Down Mariner 1 Pipeline Due to Mariner 2 Sinkhole”
Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Sunoco Logistics

3rd Sinkhole Appears Near ME2 Construction in Chester County, PA
March 5, 2018March 5, 2018

In February, Sunoco Logistics Partners agreed to pay a massive (historically high) $12.6 million fine to the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) for “permit violations related to the construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline project” (see Sunoco LP Pays PA DEP $12.6M to Resume ME2 Pipeline Construction). The fine, along with a “stringent compliance review” going forward, gave the DEP enough confidence to allow Sunoco to resume construction on the ME2 project, which had been halted since January 3rd. One of the ongoing problems with the project is underground horizontal directional drilling (HDD). In one area near Philadelphia, a couple of sinkholes developed in close proximity to Sunoco’s HDD work. Not a good thing. Unfortunately for Sunoco, a third “swimming-pool-sized” sinkhole has just opened up in the same general area as two others, in West Whiteland (Chester County, PA)…
Read More “3rd Sinkhole Appears Near ME2 Construction in Chester County, PA”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Statewide PA | Sunoco Logistics

Radical Groups Sue to Block ME2 After Construction Restart
March 1, 2018February 28, 2018

Once again a group of radical, litigious Big Green groups is attempting to stop the Mariner East 2 Pipeline project.
Read More “Radical Groups Sue to Block ME2 After Construction Restart”
Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | Industrywide Issues | Pipelines | Sunoco Logistics

Energy Transfer: Rover & ME2 Pipelines Both Online by End 2Q18
February 23, 2018February 23, 2018

Earlier this week Energy Transfer Partners (ET), one of the country’s largest midstream (pipeline) companies, released an update covering fourth quarter and full year 2017 results. As part of that update, the muckety-mucks from ET held an analyst conference call (yesterday). On that call they not only discussed what happened in 2017, but what is happening and will happen in 2018. ET, in case you didn’t know, is builder of both the monster Rover Pipeline project (from PA, WV and eastern OH through OH and into Michigan), as well as the Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline (NGL pipeline from eastern OH across the entire length of PA to the Marcus Hook facility near Philadelphia). We learned some important information from yesterday’s update. While the good news for both the Rover and ME2 is that they will both soon be fully operational, the truth is, both are delayed from their originally intended “in-service” dates. In the case of Rover, the new news delivered on yesterday’s conference call is that full operation of the entire length of Rover Pipeline, which will be capable of flowing up to 3.25 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas along its entire length, won’t happen until sometime in the second quarter 2018–that is, by the end of June. This is the first time ET has admitted full operation of the Rover pipeline will not be ready by end of March. However, to put this news in perspective, much of the pipeline is already done and currently flowing 2 Bcf/d–even as you read this. As for ME2, following an already-admitted delay until end of 2Q18, ET yesterday said it is keeping their estimate that the pipeline will be up and running by end of June, even though the project just came through a one-month construction shut down imposed by the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection. After ET (i.e. Sunoco Logistics Partners) paid a $12.6 million ransom (“fine”), the DEP relented and allowed it to restart construction. The one-month construction hiatus has not, according to officials, delayed the in-service date for ME2. Cool! Below is ET’s 4Q & full 2017 update. First up are ET comments about Rover and ME2…
Read More “Energy Transfer: Rover & ME2 Pipelines Both Online by End 2Q18”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Statewide PA | Sunoco Logistics

Time to Go on Offense and Sue PA Big Green Groups
February 22, 2018February 22, 2018

Yesterday MDN brought you the news that THE Delaware Riverkeeper and several residents from West Goshen, PA (in Chester County, near Philadelphia) had lost a court appeal that would have stopped Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipeline in the town due to a violation of a local zoning ordinance (see PA Town Loses Appeal to Block ME2 Pipe with Local Zoning Ordinance). Our coverage of that story was from the perspective that local town ordinances do not trump state oil and gas regulations. Which is true. However, MDN friend Tom Shepstone, writing on his always-excellent Natural Gas Now website, had a slightly different take on the importance of the lawsuit. There is a deeper, more insidious strategy at play by Riverkeeper that Tom picked up on in this lawsuit. He does a masterful job of exposing that strategy (using the PA Environmental Rights Amendment) in his post, which we reproduce below. Which is interesting, and everyone needs to be aware of what’s happening. However, it was Tom’s final solution/admonition that had us standing up and cheering. Tom concludes (as MDN has been advocating for years) that it’s time to take the fight to the opposition. Their strategy of endless, frivolous lawsuits is having a negative effect on our industry. It’s time we litigate them in return–and expose their fraudulent use of our tax system to shield their overt political activities. It’s time to sue them…
Read More “Time to Go on Offense and Sue PA Big Green Groups”
Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Sunoco Logistics

PA Town Loses Appeal to Block ME2 Pipe with Local Zoning Ordinance
February 21, 2018February 21, 2018

Yesterday MDN brought you news that Uwchlan Township (Chester County, PA) has filed a lawsuit in an attempt to stop construction of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline (ME2) through portions of the town, claiming the pipeline violates a town ordinance for “setbacks”–how far the pipeline is located from buildings and other structures (see PA Town Sues Sunoco for ME2 Pipe Construction “Too Close” to Homes). As we said yesterday, while residents in Uwchlan may have legitimate concerns, they are trying to handle those concerns illegitimately–by claiming local ordinances have power over state regulations. It’s the other way around. State regulations trump local ordinances in cases like ME2. Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court agrees. Uwchlan isn’t the only town to try this approach. Two towns away in Chester County is West Goshen. We won’t bore you with the details, but suffice it to say West Goshen has tried a number of regulatory and legal actions to block ME2 in the town. One of those actions was a lawsuit brought by the anti-drilling, anti-pipeline THE Delaware Riverkeeper (Maya van Rossum). Riverkeeper, on behalf of a couple of town residents, took Sunoco to court to block ME2 on the basis that it violates a local zoning ordinance. Yesterday Commonwealth Court rejected that claim and reaffirmed what everyone (who knows and obeys the rule of law) knows: State regulations trump local ordinances. The misguided officials in Uwchlan have said they “will evaluate [their] enforcement action in coming days, in light of the Commonwealth Court ruling.” Indeed. If Uwchlan pushes forward with their case, it will be to certain defeat–a total waste of taxpayer money…
Read More “PA Town Loses Appeal to Block ME2 Pipe with Local Zoning Ordinance”
Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Sunoco Logistics

PA Town Sues Sunoco for ME2 Pipe Construction “Too Close” to Homes
February 20, 2018February 20, 2018

We understand why folks in Uwchlan Township (Chester County, PA) may be upset with Sunoco Logistics and the Mariner East 2 NGL pipeline that’s crossing through their area. Last summer drilling work for the pipeline in Uwchlan created cloudy well water for some residents (see ME2 Pipe Work in Chester County Creates Water Well Issue for Some). The PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently allowed Sunoco to resume work in the township (and elsewhere)–after Sunoco paid a $12.6 million fine (see PA DEP Allows ME2 Underground Drilling to Resume in Chester County). So yeah, residents have some concerns. However, they’re going about venting their frustration in the wrong way. Last week supervisors in Uwchlan Township voted unanimously to enforce an ordinance that requires pipelines like ME2 to be set back 1,000 feet from buildings. In some cases, ME2 is being built within 100 feet of buildings. While we appreciate Uwchlan’s concerns, the simple fact is, local municipal ordinances DO NOT override state regulations. In this case, it is the state DEP and Public Utility Commission that regulate the project. It is state law that trumps local ordinances–as it should be. By all means, wheel and deal and pressure and try to get Sunoco to change the route–but you cannot take the law into your own hands, which is exactly what Uwchlan is attempting to do…
Read More “PA Town Sues Sunoco for ME2 Pipe Construction “Too Close” to Homes”
Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Sunoco Logistics

PA DEP Allows ME2 Underground Drilling to Resume in Chester County
February 16, 2018February 16, 2018

In what can only be considered a government shakedown, Sunoco Logistics Partners agreed last week to pay a massive (historically high) $12.6 million fine to the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) for “permit violations related to the construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline project” (see Sunoco LP Pays PA DEP $12.6M to Resume ME2 Pipeline Construction). So we’re not surprised to learn that a few days later the DEP has magnanimously allowed Sunoco Logistics Partners to resume drilling work in Chester County for ME2–work that had been on hold since last summer (see ME2 Pipe Work in Chester County Creates Water Well Issue for Some). As we reported last year, the water wells for a dozen households in Chester County became cloudy–or lost pressure–after underground horizontal directional drilling (HDD) by Sunoco attempting to install pipes underground in places where digging trenches will not work. Sunoco paid for five families to temporarily stay in local hotels for several nights. Sunoco also provided bottled water for all of the affected families. The working theory is that bentonite clay (i.e. drilling mud) is the source of the cloudiness. Fortunately, bentonite is non-toxic and used to manufacture many products, including toothpaste and kitty litter. Because of the episode in Chester and several locations, the DEP stopped HDD work for the project. Sunoco later cut a deal to continue the work (see Sunoco Strikes Deal with Devil, “Settles” with Anti Groups re ME2). Then, all work everywhere for the ME2 project was stopped by the DEP in early January. That is, it was stopped until Sunoco paid the DEP $12.6 million for permission to restart construction. So yes, $12.6 million ought to buy the right to restart HDD drilling in Chester County, as it just has, although the DEP is still holding the threat of “further penalties” over Sunoco’s head as a way of encouraging them to avoid any further drilling mud spills…
Read More “PA DEP Allows ME2 Underground Drilling to Resume in Chester County”
Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Statewide PA | Sunoco Logistics

ME2 Pipeline’s $12.6M Shakedown Money Won’t Pay for Cleanup
February 14, 2018February 14, 2018

Last week MDN brought you the news that Sunoco Logistics Partners had agreed to pay a massive (historically high) $12.6 million fine to the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) for “permit violations related to the construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline project” (see Sunoco LP Pays PA DEP $12.6M to Resume ME2 Pipeline Construction). Supposedly Sunoco’s ME2 construction activities have caused a few erosion issues here and some drilling mud leaks there–so-called “harms” to the environment. Surely some of the massive, historically high $12.6 million fine Sunoco is paying will be used to “fix” those problems, right? Wrong. Every single penny is going to other pockets (black holes) within the DEP, proving our contention that this was nothing more than a shakedown by a government agency. Essentially Sunoco had to pay DEP mobsters a “bribe” in order to restart work on the ME2 project. The DEP had Sunoco by the short hairs, blocking any new work until the money was paid. So what about “cleaning up” the problems created by ME2 construction? “[I]t’s highly likely that Sunoco will be required to clean up the damage caused by its botched construction, in addition to paying the penalty,” according to a former DEP Secretary. If that doesn’t beat all. Fine them AND make them pay even more for the cleanup. Welcome to doing business in Pennsylvania…
Read More “ME2 Pipeline’s $12.6M Shakedown Money Won’t Pay for Cleanup”
Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Statewide PA | Sunoco Logistics

Sunoco LP Pays PA DEP $12.6M to Resume ME2 Pipeline Construction
February 9, 2018February 9, 2018

In what can only be considered a government shakedown, Sunoco Logistics Partners has agreed to pay a massive (historically high) $12.6 million fine to the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) for “permit violations related to the construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline project.” The fine, along with a “stringent compliance review” going forward, gives the DEP enough confidence to allow Sunoco to resume construction on the ME2 project, which has been halted since January 3rd (see PA DEP Caves to Big Green Pressure, Stops All Work on ME2 Pipeline). Last Friday Sunoco appealed the DEP’s stop work order to a special court set up to hear appeals of DEP decisions (see Sunoco Appeals DEP’s ME2 Pipe Suspension to Enviro Hearing Board). DEP couldn’t risk having their order overturned–not when there’s a shakedown in progress! With respect to the “deal,” Sunoco said, in so many words, that while they (strongly) disagree with the DEP’s statements in making the deal, Sunoco is willing to pay the fine so they can get back to work and finish the project. A cost of doing business in PA, apparently. Beginning today, thousands of people who had been thrown out of work by the DEP order will resume their jobs. All it took was 12.6 big ones to make it happen…
Read More “Sunoco LP Pays PA DEP $12.6M to Resume ME2 Pipeline Construction”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Statewide PA | Sunoco Logistics

Sunoco Appeals DEP’s ME2 Pipe Suspension to Enviro Hearing Board
February 6, 2018February 6, 2018

PA State Sen. Andy Dinniman

In early January, the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an order shutting down all construction for the Sunoco Logistics Partners Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline project (see PA DEP Caves to Big Green Pressure, Stops All Work on ME2 Pipeline). The DEP claims Sunoco had violated the conditions of the permits that allow it to drill and trench for the project. In particular, the DEP is hot and bothered about drilling mud spills associated with underground horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The DEP said Suonco can restart work when/if certain conditions are met. So far the DEP has not allowed Sunoco to restart work. In the meantime, thousands of workers are in the unemployment line, and have been since Jan. 3rd. Sunoco has just appealed the DEP’s cease and desist order to the PA Environmental Hearing Board–a special court set up to hear appeals of DEP decisions. Sunoco lays out their case in a filing (below) for why the DEP is incorrect in issuing their stop work order…
Read More “Sunoco Appeals DEP’s ME2 Pipe Suspension to Enviro Hearing Board”
Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Ohio | Pipelines | Regulation | Statewide OH | Sunoco Logistics

PHMSA Issues Notice of Probable Violation to ME2 Pipeline in Ohio
January 26, 2018January 26, 2018

In early January, the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) told Sunoco Logistics Partners to suspend all work on the $2.5 billion Mariner East 2 (ME2) NGL pipline–from one side of the state to the other (see PA DEP Caves to Big Green Pressure, Stops All Work on ME2 Pipeline). No further digging of trenches, and no more underground horizontal directional drilling (HDD) work can be done “until Sunoco can demonstrate that the permit conditions can and will be followed.” The concern is that ME2 work is violating multiple permits, regulations and court-ordered restrictions. However, not ALL work was stopped. As we learned a week later, the DEP does not control and regulate everything–only the parts where dirt is moved (see Work on Mariner East 2 Continues Following “Stop Work” Order). There’s still work being done, like welding pieces of pipeline together, even today. Often overlooked in the ME2 project is the small part of the pipeline that crosses the border into Ohio. The PA DEP’s stop work order (and regulatory authority) does not extend there. The pipeline in Ohio is regulated by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Just coming to light now is a “Notice of Probable Violation” for ME2 in Ohio, issued by PHMSA on Jan. 11th. A PHMSA inspector noticed scrapes, coating damage and a “gouge” that extended into the pipe wall. Chance are none of it makes a hill of beans worth of difference. However, given the pipeline will flow “flammable” natural gas liquids (primarily ethane and propane), anything but a 100% standard of perfection gives antis an excuse to call for a halt to the project, both in Ohio and in PA, which they’re doing…
Read More “PHMSA Issues Notice of Probable Violation to ME2 Pipeline in Ohio”
Energy Services | Huntingdon County (PA) | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Sunoco Logistics

PA Supreme Court Rejects Landowner Lawsuit Against ME2 Pipeline
January 25, 2018January 25, 2018

You may recall our story about the daughter of a Huntingdon County, PA landowner who took to a tree on her mom’s property in March 2016 in order to illegally stop crews working on tree clearing for the Mariner East 2 pipeline (see PA Anti Literally Goes Up a Tree to Stop Mariner East 2 Pipeline). It ultimately didn’t matter, because Sunoco came back and cut down the few trees they needed to cut anyway (see Sunoco Tricks Radicalized Protester – Returns and Cuts More Trees). Eventually law enforcement got around to arresting the daughter, and the mom (who also trespassed during tree clearing). Law enforcement also arrested two serial criminal trespassers/antis who participated. The charges against all them were later dropped (see Charges Dismissed Against Tree Sitting Anti in Huntingdon County). The landowner family, using Big Green lawyers, sued Sunoco–twice. One of the lawsuits challenged Sunoco’s right to use eminent domain in order to run the pipeline across the landowner’s land. That lawsuit was appealed all the way to the PA Supreme Court and on Tuesday, the court refused to hear it, meaning the decision of the lower Commonwealth Court upholding Sunoco’s right to use eminent domain stands. That is, the anti landowners lost. At least that first lawsuit. The second lawsuit was filed by the mom, her daughter and the two serial criminal trespassing antis (see Anti-Pipeline Quartet Sues Sunoco, ET, Police, Others re ME2 Arrests). That second lawsuit sues everyone and everything connected to their arrest (Sunoco, a private security firm, a publicist, and 27 state and local police officers) for violating their Constitutional rights. The second lawsuit is still alive and kicking. Meanwhile, here’s the good news that yet another attempt to block Mariner East 2 construction has been defeated…
Read More “PA Supreme Court Rejects Landowner Lawsuit Against ME2 Pipeline”