On September 22, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has completed its review of requests submitted by Sunoco Pipeline, LP (SPLP) to amend to the Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sediment Control) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstructions and Encroachments) permits for portions of the Mariner East 2 pipeline located in Delaware and Chester Counties.

The three permit amendments primarily address changes to pipeline installation methodology at three locations:

HDD 620, Middletown Township, Delaware County

This permit amendment modifies the route and installation method for the 16-inch and 20-inch diameter pipelines.

SPLP requested to change from the Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) installation method for the 20-inch and portions of the 16-inch diameter pipelines to open trench construction through Wetland WL-I1 and Stream S-I2, conventional auger bore under Glen Riddle Road, and a direct pipe bore under Riddlewood Drive and the Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) Railroad.

HDD 280, Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County

This permit amendment modifies the route and installation method for the 16- and 20-inch diameter pipelines.

SPLP requested to convert the installation method of both the 16-inch and 20-inch diameter pipelines from an HDD to an open trench construction and one conventional bore to minimize impacts to Waters of the Commonwealth and avoid potential future expansion of the PA Turnpike I-76.

HDD 400, West Whiteland Township, Chester County

This permit amendment modifies the installation method for the 20-inch diameter pipeline.

SPLP requested to change the installation method for the 20-inch diameter pipeline from an HDD to a direct pipe bore and open trench construction. The direct pipe bore will go under the Exton Bypass (State Route 30), the AMTRAK (American Track National Railroad Passenger Corporation) and Norfolk Southern Railroad rail lines, and Wetland WL-K21.

The remaining 1,269 feet will be installed using open trench construction.

The change in installation method will not result in any increase in permanent impacts to Wetland WL-K21 or any other Waters of the Commonwealth as set forth in the original Chapter 105 permit for Chester County.

“These approvals have undergone substantial and thorough reviews by technical staff, with careful consideration given to comments received from the public,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “DEP remains committed to exercising its regulatory authority to the fullest extent possible under applicable laws, regulations, and permits. We expect and anticipate that by approving these modifications, potential future impacts to the environment will be minimized, if not avoided entirely.”

More detailed information regarding these modifications, including the amended permits and comment response document, can be found at DEP’s Mariner East 2 webpage.   Media questions should be directed to Virginia Cain, DEP Southeast Regional Office, 484-250-5808 or vicain@pa.gov.

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[Posted: Sept. 22, 2020]

9/28/2020