DEP Inspections Found Unreported Landslides On Right-Of-Way Of Newly Constructed Revolution Pipeline In Western PA, Compliance Order Issued

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday issued a field order to ETC Northeast Pipeline LLC requiring the operator to immediately stabilize disturbed areas, repair erosion control features, and stop all other earth moving activities associated with the Revolution Pipeline.

DEP inspections discovered violations including unreported landslides, impacts to aquatic resources, construction activities occurring in unpermitted areas, and several sections of the pipeline that required the installation of additional measures to prevent accelerated erosion.  

DEP issued the field order to address these violations.

This action stems from the September 10, 2018, Revolution Pipeline explosion in Center Township. The Revolution Pipeline is not currently in operation.

Shortly after the explosion, ETC Northeast Pipeline LLC said it believed the explosion was caused by a landslide.

DEP has been conducting an ongoing investigation for the past several weeks. DEP has collected and subpoenaed documents, interviewed witnesses, and inspected the explosion site and the entire length of the pipeline which runs through Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Washington counties.  

The field order requires ETC and/or its contractors to temporarily stabilize disturbed areas within four days, flag the boundaries of the permitted area and delineated wetlands, provide an updated Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, and provide an updated Post Construction Stormwater Management Plan supported by appropriate site characterization and assessment of soil and geology including appropriate infiltration and geotechnical studies.

The order prohibits additional construction and field work without DEP approval. DEP may take additional enforcement actions including possible civil penalties.

The Public Utility Commission is the lead agency investigating the cause of the explosion.

DEP’s investigation is focused on environmental impacts and ETC’s compliance with its permits to conduct earth moving activities and cross various water resources in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Washington counties.

DEP and the PUC have shared information and cooperated on aspects of their respective separate investigations.

Click Here for a copy of the field order.

NewsClip:

Litvak: DEP Orders Stop To Work On Revolution Pipeline That Exploded In Beaver County Due To Violations