DEP: June 16 Virtual Hearing On Mariner East Pipeline Water Quality Permit Changes In Chester County Related To Marsh Creek Lake Spill

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a June 16 virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to the Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction) and 102 (Erosion and Sedimentation) permits covering Mariner East Pipeline construction in Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County related to Marsh Creek Lake. (PA Bulletin page 2557)

Sunoco Pipeline LP submitted major amendment applications for both its Ch. 102 (Erosion and Sediment Control) and Ch. 105 (Water Obstructions and Encroachments) permits requesting to amend or change the route and installation method of the Mariner East 2 pipeline at the location known as HDD 290 near Marsh Creek State Park. 

This is the same location as SPLP’s August 10, 2020 release of approximately 8,000 gallons of drilling fluid that impacted a wetland, two tributaries, and Marsh Creek Lake, as well as several subsidence events. 

Per its regulatory duty, DEP must conduct a technical review of the amendments, receive comments, and make a determination on the amendments. 

“DEP remains committed to fulfilling its responsibility to provide opportunities for the public to engage in these important permitting decisions, whether through written remarks or delivered orally at a virtual hearing,” said DEP Southeast Regional Director Pat Patterson. “We have taken several steps to ensure the public has access to this process, from making documents available online to having multiple avenues to provide testimony.”

Individuals who wish to present testimony at the virtual hearing must contact John Repetz at 717-705- 4904 or jrepetz@pa.gov  a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the hearing to reserve a time to present testimony; a link will be provided upon registration.

The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m.  All public comments are due on the applications within 45 days of the notice in the PA Bulletin.

For more information, copies of the permit applications and instructions on how to join the public hearing, visit the Marsh Creek Lake  (HDD 290) webpage on the Southeast DEP Regional Office Community Resources page.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.  PA Bulletin page 2557)

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter, sign up for DEP Connects events, sign up for DEP’s eNotice, visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

Related Articles:

-- DEP Orders Sunoco To Reroute 1+ Mile Of Mariner East Pipeline, Investigate Chester County Marsh Creek Lake Spill, Restore Impacted Resources

-- Mariner East Pipeline Drilling Stopped Indefinitely At Site Of Leak Into Marsh Creek State Park Lake, Chester County; Pipeline Company Will Be Held Accountable

-- Bay Journal: PA Natural Gas Industry Embarrassed By 3 Environmental Scandals In 15 Months

[Posted: May 7, 2021]  PA Environment Digest