Let Pa. know what you think about pipeline
You now have the chance to tell the state Public Utilities Commission what you think about pipelines.
Private citizens, municipal and county governments, first responders and others will have the opportunity to urge the PUC to impose strict safety regulations on the Mariner East 1 and 2 pipelines as part of a process urged by state Sen. Tom Killion, R-9 of Middletown.
“The safety of my constituents is my top priority,” said Killion. “I wrote to the PUC in May to urge them to start the regulatory process moving now. I thank the PUC for taking this important first step. New regulations which promote protect public safety and require better communication with emergency planners are critical to these communities.”
This Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is an administrative law process providing for a 60-day period in which the public can submit comments to the PUC. This two-month window began Saturday, June 29, with the Advanced Notice’s publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the Commonwealth’s official gazette for information and rulemaking. It will close on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
The publication of this Notice follows Killion’s letter to the commission pressing the PUC to move forward as aggressively as possible in implementing more stringent pipeline safety regulations that better protect public safety, prevent future incidents and provide more transparency.
Citizens groups and emergency management officials thanked Killion.
Bill Wegemann, vice chair of the East Goshen Township Pipeline Task Force, noted, “Given the fact that pipeline companies are responsible for monitoring the integrity of pipelines, updated safety requirements are long overdue. Senator Killion’s continued efforts and leadership to put safety first will pay dividends to communities throughout the commonwealth.”
“This is a much welcomed opportunity for those responsible for ensuring public safety,” said William Turner, Chester County deputy director for emergency management. “Sen. Killion has been a great advocate for promoting the safety of those in communities affected by the pipeline. This office looks forward to recommending rules and regulations as part of this process.”
Upon reviewing public comments, the PUC will develop a set of proposed regulations. Concerned citizens must submit comments to the PUC in writing or online. A link to the PUC’s web site is available on Killion’s homepage, senatorkillion.com.
“We must use every resource at our disposal, whether legislative, legal or procedural to protect the health and safety of the people of Chester and Delaware counties,” said Killion. “I encourage all of those concerned about pipeline safety to make their voices heard to the PUC.”
The Mariner East pipeline runs through West Goshen resident Tom Casey’s property.
“Due to the fact that I have intervened on the PUC BI&E case, it would not be appropriate for me to comment,” Casey said. “However, I feel it is very important for citizen’s voices be heard by their government especially in cases of concerns for their safety.”
Filmmaker Christina P.K. Diguilio agreed.
“It’s essential for the public to be involved in this
process,” she said. “I like to see our state agencies transitioning away from harmful and unsafe technologies.”
Del-Chesco United for Public Safety released the following statement: “DelChesco United for Pipeline Safety welcomes Sen. Killion’s efforts to encourage people to comment on how PUC can improve. But Sunoco is required by existing rules to tell the public what to do in the event of continued accidents on its highly volatile liquids pipelines. And Sunoco’s one-size-fitsall ‘public awareness program’ (‘What should I do if I suspect a leak? Leave the area immediately on foot …’) is implausible and wholly inadequate to protect vulnerable populations in harm’s way, as recently recognized by Tim Boyce, Delaware County’s emergency services director. If PUC is serious about mitigating the risks associated with Mariner East, it should start by enforcing the rules already on the books.”
To file a comment electronically go to www.senatorkillion.com or write the Public Utility Commission, Attn: Secretary, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.