Judge to hear testimony from residents about pipeline safety

The general public will be heard.

Ten residents of Chester and Delaware counties will address public safety risks associated with the Sunoco Mariner East Pipeline project.

Administrative Law Judge Elizabeth Barnes of the Public Utilities Commission will hear testimony during a satellite hearing, on Oct. 23 and 24, at the historic courthouse in West Chester.

The consolidated case will include the “Safety 7,” who will be represented by a single lawyer and three unrepresented women acting as consolidated complainants.

“Is it safe, adequate and reasonable?” Rebecca Britton, a complainant of Uwchlan Township, and Downingtown School District Board member, asked. “Does it belong here?”

Laura Obenski is a complainant from Uwchlan.

“We’re trying to see if our schools, townships and counties can properly prepare for the hazard that this pipeline brings into this community — whether or not this infrastructure belongs in close proximity to our schools,” Obenski said. “It’s the right thing to do for our families.”

In addition to the two counties, four school districts and five municipalities will serve as intervenors.

When interacting with Sunoco/Energy Transfer reps, Britton said she feels like she is arguing with her fourth grader.

“They have an answer for everything,” she said.

Obenski recognizes that it’s a case of David versus Goliath.

“I try not to think about the size of their company and their wallet,” she said.

Obenski and Britton have spent hundreds of hours working on the upcoming PUC hearing. Obenski said that filing a complaint with the PUC is a process open to anybody.

“Ultimately, at the end of the day it’s our responsibility to advocate of our families and our community,” Obenski said.

“Sunoco has failed to meet its regulatory obligations to produce a credible plan to protect the public at risk of harm from its current and proposed pipelines,” said George Alexander, a spokesperson for DelChesco United for Pipeline Safety. “Management of public safety risks through enforcement of federally mandated pipeline safety regulations is a specific part of the PUC’s mission. These hearings will provide testimony regarding the lack of plausible plans or notification systems to protect the public from continued accidents on Sunoco pipelines.”