Uwchlan supervisors vote to fight pipeline
UWCHLAN » The township board of supervisors voted unanimously Monday to enforce a township zoning ordinance that would stop Sunoco Pipeline from constructing the Mariner East 2 pipeline in the township.
The current route of the pipeline violates the township’s 2014 zoning ordinance, which forbids pipeline construction in high-density areas and near occupied structures such as houses and schools, supervisors said.
Pipeline construction was halted for more than a month after a Jan. 3 ruling by the state Department of Environmental Protection citing “egregious” violations by Sunoco Pipeline during construction. But last week when Sunoco and the DEP signed off on a $12.6 million civil penalty, and as part of the deal Sunoco was given the green light to resume construction on the controversial, 350-mile project.
Jeff Shields, Sunoco Pipeline communications manager, said the company does not have any comment on any prospective legal action.
Mariner East 2 will carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of Marcellus Shale products such as ethane, butane and propane across the full width of Pennsylvania, to a storage facility at the former Sunoco refinery in Marcus Hook. Much of the liquid gas will then be shipped to markets overseas.
Along with fellow supervisors, Bill Miller said he takes his duty to protect the people of the township seriously.
“The ME2 pipeline runs near our schools and through our neighborhoods,” Miller said. “Almost every other state in the nation restricts companies from transporting these types of materials through residential areas.”
Carrie Gross of the Uwchlan Safety Coalition was pleased.
“Last night was a proud moment,” she said. “I was proud of my community, proud of my neighbors and proud of my new board of supervisors.
“People are working hard to make a difference. This dangerous pipeline carrying colorless, odorless, heavier than air liquids to Europe does not belong in our community, and I am happy to have supervisors that are willing to uphold our ordinances meant to keep us safe.”
“Gov. Wolf has failed to protect our community, so we are taking action to protect ourselves,” said Rebecca Britton, a leader with Uwchlan Safety Coalition and who was recently elected to the Downingtown Area School Board. “The board of supervisors has the community’s support in taking action.
“Residents fully understand that township ordinances are meant to be the tools in which thoughtful and dynamic leaders can protect the health, welfare, and safety of the people that live here. We are thankful our elected officials are doing just that.”