Western Pa. gas blast heard loud and clear

The explosion in Beaver County offers the stark reality of the potential devastation of a pipeline disaster.

The November elections just exploded. Well, sort of. Actually, that was the reverberations from a methane gas pipeline explosion in western Pennsylvania rolling across the Commonwealth. It was heard loud and clear hundreds of miles away. In Middletown. And Edgmont. And across Chester County.

The explosion occurred in Beaver County, near Aliquippa, Pa. A home, two garages and several vehicles were destroyed by the resultant fireball.

Luckily, no injuries were reported.

The pipeline is operated by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners. They say the blast was a result of “earth movement,” stemming from recent heavy rains.

ETP is the parent company of Sunoco Logistics, which is constructing the controversial Mariner East 2 pipeline that will crisscross the state, delivering hundreds of thousands of barrels of volatile gases every day from the state’s Marcellus Shale regions to a facility in Marcus Hook.

In the process, it will traverse 11 miles of western Delaware County, and about 23 miles through the heart of Chester County. The route takes it past elementary schools, senior centers and libraries.

It has sparked fierce opposition in the community.

Naturally, opponents took note of the Aliquippa blast, pointing out it took place in a fairly rural area and wondering what might have happened if it had occurred in densely populated neighborhoods, much like the areas where the pipeline will travel here in the eastern part of the state.

It did not take long for the explosion in Aliquippa to be noted here.

Two Republican legislators quickly announced they were calling for an immediate halt to construction on the nearly completed Mariner East 2 project until Sunoco Logistics can properly investigate the blast in western Pa. and insure the safety of residents here.

State Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168 of Middletown, and Sen. Tom McGarrigle, R-26 of Springfield, both called for an immediate halt to construction.

“I believe that Energy Transfer Corp. should halt construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline until the cause of the explosion of its pipeline in Beaver County is investigated, and the safety of our residents can be assured,” McGarrigle said.

“Today’s pipeline explosion in Beaver County was a graphic illustration of my worst fears – and the fears of many local residents – related to the construction of the Mariner East pipeline,” added Quinn.

“It is the responsibility of Sunoco Logistics and Energy Transfer Partners to prove that the tragedy that happened today in Beaver County – including the evacuation of residents and closure of a school – could never happen in our community. If they are unable to do so, then this pipeline should not be built. Public safety must be the top priority.”

Both Quinn and McGarrigle are running for re-election. Quinn is facing Democrat Kristin Seale. McGarrigle is opposed by the Democratic mayor of Swarthmore, Tim Kearney.

And the Democrats and pipeline foes wasted no time in pointing out that both men were early supporters of the project.

It has been the paradox of this project since it was first unveiled several years ago. Its proponents note the jobs and economic potential, one they proclaim could elevate Marcus Hook to one of the energy hubs of the entire Northeast U.S.

Its foes doubt the economic boon heralded by Sunoco, say most of the product being shipped is actually destined for overseas markets, and more importantly question the wisdom of the routing of the pipeline.

That route takes it through densely populated residential neighborhoods.

Yesterday’s blast also offers the stark reality of the potential devastation of a pipeline disaster, especially when it runs through your back yard.

It also is a harrowing reminder of the one question no one seems to want to answer. What if? Well, a tiny version of ‘what If’ occurred yesterday in western Pennsylvania.

And it was heard loud and clear.