$497K Sinkhole Prevention Contracts Approved By Chesco Commissioners

WEST CHESTER, PA —Chester County commissioners on Wednesday awarded nearly $500,000 to contractors to prevent sinkholes at the Exton Library and the Chester Valley Trail.

Donald R. Reisinger, Inc., West Chester, was awarded a $123,896 contract for the project, and Compaction Grouting Services, Inc., Media, was awarded a $373,382 contract.

The sinkhole prevention project is the result of an evaluation that the county proactively undertook to identify actions to protect county-owned properties from the pipeline, according to Rebecca Brain, county information officer.

The Sunoco/Energy Transfer Mariner East pipeline transports natural gas liquids from Ohio and Pittsburgh through 17 counties, including Chester County, to Marcus Hook, Delaware County.

Pipeline safety plan is in the works

Following the award of the contracts, Bill Messerschmidt, Chester County Emergency Management director, said the department is working on a plan to respond to pipeline emergencies.

The plan will provide a standardized system to alert residents in Chester County municipalities in the event of a pipeline incident.

He said the project is expected to be completed in August 2024.

Ginny Kerslake, a West Whiteland Township resident, said during the public comment portions of the meeting that another sinkhole was discovered in the township Thursday on Lisa Drive. She said the geology is unstable, urging the commissioners to address the issue.

Carla Mudry of East Whiteland Township said she is uncomfortable not knowing what is being done for the safety of the residents.