Quinn Applauds Halt to Construction of Mariner East 2
MEDIA – Rep. Chris Quinn (R-Delaware) applauded the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) administrative order today immediately suspending all work on
Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipeline following findings of unauthorized pipeline installation activities, the absence of permits and other irregularities at several sites in central Pennsylvania.
“The order issued by the DEP clearly shows that Sunoco has violated the terms of its permits, and therefore, this is a decision that should be welcomed by all Pennsylvanians,” Quinn said.
In July, Quinn called for a halt to drilling following the contamination of Delaware County waterways. The DEP suspended drilling, only allowing it to resume after Sunoco met all of the criteria outlined by DEP.
“Our waterways in Delaware County have been impacted by this drilling, so I understand the position that the people of central Pennsylvania now face,” Quinn said. “This temporary suspension is crucial for the health and safety of all residents.”
Quinn said that while halting the drilling and ensuring that Sunoco reforms some of its drilling processes is important, it is only a first step in ensuring public safety during the life of the pipeline.
“Once Sunoco corrects all of its violations, and allows drilling to occur in a safe manner, the company must remain vigilant and continue to responsibly operate and maintain the pipeline to ensure public safety,” Quinn said.
“I am calling on Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration to conduct a full risk assessment to analyze the potentially catastrophic harm that a leak or other malfunction could cause,” he continued. “This pipeline will run directly through densely populated neighborhoods and right past schools, leaving our children highly vulnerable. We must know the risk and we must know it before drilling resumes.”
Representative Chris Quinn
168th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Donna Pinkham
717.260.6452
dpinkham@pahousegop.com