The expansion of the Pennsylvania Pipeline Project (Mariner East 2 & 3) continues to move through the permitting process. Sunoco Logistics, L.P. applied for a Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permit, which is now under technical review by the Department of Environmental Protection for permission to cross 17 counties. To view the full applications click here.
The pipeline, which crosses the Yough in Sutersville, will have a profound impact as it traverses 581 wetlands and 1227 streams across the state, according to the permit application. The impacts do not end there. This expansive project will increase fracking in areas already impoverished from a history of extraction, like Washington and Greene counties. Sunoco is preying on the rights of Pennsylvanians through the use of eminent domain, a tool used to acquire easements when landowners refuse to sign.
It is not just within the courts where Pennsylvanians are losing. Industry still has a hand in our politician’s pockets. Harrisburg, and Governor Wolf, are furthering the façade that there is a demand for natural gas liquids in our state by endorsing politically motivated projects like the Shell Cracker plant in Beaver County. It comes as no surprise, since Sunoco had a seat on Governor Wolf’s Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force, which was created to make pipelines more palatable to the public.
The Pennsylvania Pipeline Project would carry highly explosive Natural Gas Liquids and span more than 300 miles, and will impact Pennsylvanians’ health, safety and natural environment. The public is invited, and encouraged, to comment on the permit applications. If you have concerns about this project, please submit written comments or attend one of the upcoming public hearings near you.
Public comments regarding Washington, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Indiana, and Cambria counties can be submitted in writing until August 24th and should be sent to PA DEP at SW Regional Office, Waterways and Wetlands Program, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or by emailing ra-epww-swro@pa.gov.
Also, Please consider attending one of the public hearings (information below).
For talking points to assist you in preparing your comments please click here.
Please contact Jordan Hoover with questions.
Southwest Region Public Hearing
Contact to sign up to speak: John Poister at 412-442-4203 or jpoister@pa.gov.
Youngwood
When: Thursday, August 18, 2016 6:30-9:30 pm
Where: Founder’s Hall Amphitheatre, Westmoreland County Community College
145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA 15697
South-Central Region Public Hearings
Contact to sign up to speak: John Repetz at 717-705-4904 or jrepetz@pa.gov
Altoona
When: Monday, August 8, 2016 6:30-9:30 pm
Where: Blair County Convention Center, One Convention Center Drive, Altoona, PA 16602
Lebanon
When: Tuesday, August 9, 2016 6:30-9:30 pm
Where: Lebanon Valley Exposition Center, 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
Harrisburg
When: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 6:30-9:30 pm
Where: PA Farm Show Complex, Keystone Conference Center, 2300 N Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110