Sunoco continues to break promises on pipeline project

The recent statements made by Sunoco spokesman Jeff Shields to the Daily Local News regarding West Goshen Township and Sunoco’s safety practices mislead and mischaracterize the current predicament West Goshen residents find themselves in due to Sunoco’s irresponsible breach of contract with the Township. If safety remains Sunoco’s top priority, it should cease with its deceptive rhetoric and ensure West Goshen residents that safety in its construction and operational activities is paramount.

We find it repugnant that Sunoco continues to reference a previous West Goshen safety review that was based on Sunoco’s earlier construction/installation pipeline plans. Sunoco continues to use this safety review as the linchpin for its actions and plans. However, Sunoco conveniently leaves out numerous facts necessary for appropriate public context. For clarification, West Goshen’s previous study reviewed Sunoco’s infrastructure plans, it did not review Sunoco’s operational activities. It is these same operational activities that have resulted in multiple inadvertent returns of drilling fluid and aquifer intrusion throughout Pennsylvania. Second, Sunoco fails to mention that West Goshen Township’s consultant only studied Sunoco’s previous plans in relation to the Township, not the entire pipeline region.

Third, no independent agency has conducted a pipeline safety review or risk assessment. And, West Goshen’s previous safety review included a recommendation of the installation of a safety valve at a precise location. This installation and location were contractually agreed upon by both the Township and Sunoco. Sunoco breached the agreement by attempting to install a safety valve elsewhere.The Township objected. Now, Sunoco has completely removed the promised safety valve from its new plans. Sunoco’s broken promises have led to costly litigation and a continued burden on our residents. We will continue to fight for the safety of residents and our Township until Sunoco honors its agreement. In the meantime, we request that Sunoco stop using our Township’s good name to promote its false rhetoric.

West Goshen Supervisors