Sunoco Pipeline Leakage Monitored In Lower Makefield

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —Township officials are monitoring the recent pipeline leak reported in nearby Upper Makefield Township involving Energy Transfer infrastructure.

Officials said at this time that it is unknown what impact the leakage from the Sunoco pipeline running through part of Upper Makefield has on Lower Makefield residents.

A meeting was scheduled Tuesday night to address the issue, but has been moved to Thursday night at a location to be determined due to the forecast calling for snow accumulations.

Representatives from Sunoco, Energy Transfer, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration are scheduled to attend the meeting with residents living in and around Mt. Eyre Manor in Upper Makefield.

On Monday, State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Perry Warren joined U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick in calling for the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to shut down the pipeline until a full investigation is complete and a clear cause for all leaks are identified and repaired.

On Jan. 31, a leak was identified in the pipeline and an unknown quantity of product was discharged. The pipeline flow was halted while a section of pipe was replaced. At least six residential wells have been confirmed contaminated with at least 100 more wells being tested in the vicinity of the Mt. Eyre neighborhood.

On Feb. 2, the state lawmakers said without the results of an investigation or a comprehensive analysis of the integrity of the rest of the pipeline sections and without communication to the township, or any of the impacted residents, Sunoco/Energy Transfer resumed the flow of jet fuel through the pipeline.

At a Feb. 6 community meeting, residents said they had been experiencing petroleum smells and tastes in their water since September 2023. "Notwithstanding that fact, Sunoco continued to claim there were no discharges," said the lawmakers.

Lower Makefield Township residents with questions or concerns can obtain further information by contacting Energy Transfer’s pipeline resident hotline at 1-877-397-3383.

Should any new developments arise that affect Lower Makefield Township, township officials will provide timely updates.