The Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection on Sept. 11 ordered Energy Transfer LP subsidiary Sunoco LP to cover its exposed pipelines at a total of 43 different locations in the state.
Of the total locations, 42 had exposed pipelines that transport refined petroleum products, while the remaining one had an exposed pipeline that carries NGLs, according to a same-day news release. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission had asked Sunoco to identify any other exposed pipelines after the commission found one in June.
Out of the 43 locations, 10 sites do not need a permit from the DEP due to it being situated in upland areas. Another 10 are currently undergoing remediation activities, which are also about to be implemented in four more sites. The partnership has applied for permit to the DEP for another 10 sites and intends to submit applications for the remaining nine.
"These identified pipelines are now exposed to weather, flooding, and vandalism, which can result in a failure of the pipeline and subsequent impacts to our waterways, so it's critical that Sunoco addresses them immediately," DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said.
Since many of the pipelines were built before depth standards were implemented, they became exposed through time due to erosion and their position in the ground, McDonnell said.
Sunoco has 30 days to submit the remaining permit applications. Upon approval, the partnership would have 60 days to cover the exposed pipelines and restore the sites.
