A serious environmental concern is unfolding in Upper Makefield Township, Pennsylvania, where an underground pipeline leak has resulted in the release of jet fuel into the local environment. This incident, which first came to light on January 31st, has prompted significant community concern and a concentrated cleanup effort, with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) actively overseeing the situation.
So far, approximately 260 gallons of jet fuel have been recovered from the leak, which originated from a 100-mile pipeline operated by Energy Transfer, stretching from Delaware County into North Jersey. While this recovery marks a step forward, the full extent of the spill remains a major unanswered question for both residents and officials. As Tom Cino, Upper Makefield Township Supervisor, expressed, “How much fuel spilled and where is it? The answer is unattainable and everyone has had enough.”
The DEP is pushing for more aggressive action from Energy Transfer, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Lisa Strobridge, DEP liaison, acknowledged the community’s frustration, stating, “We agree that it’s not happening fast enough and we’re using some of the tools available to us to encourage that to happen.”
In response to the ongoing situation and community demands, the DEP has mandated several crucial steps from Energy Transfer. By July 31st, three additional monitoring wells are required to be installed in the affected Mt. Eyre neighborhood, with four more to follow by August 15th. These wells are vital for tracking the movement of the fuel and assessing contamination levels in the groundwater, particularly concerning given that many homes in the area rely on residential wells, some of which have already shown signs of water contamination.
Beyond groundwater concerns, the DEP has also requested Energy Transfer conduct additional testing for potential toxic vapor intrusion in area homes. This is a critical measure to ensure the safety of indoor air quality, as petroleum vapors can migrate into buildings from subsurface sources, posing health risks.
Furthermore, Energy Transfer has been ordered to complete a comprehensive full-site characterization report by September 2nd. This report is essential to fully understand the scope and spread of the contamination, laying the groundwork for more effective remediation strategies.
Despite the challenges and frustrations, local officials view the DEP’s increased involvement as a positive development. David Fennimore, Upper Makefield Township Project Coordinator, noted, “There’s still a lot of concern about the groundwater conditions, but there is progress being made.”
This incident highlights the critical importance of environmental health and safety, particularly when it comes to vital resources like groundwater. For further information on health and wellness topics, including environmental impacts, please visit Explore New Jersey Health & Wellness. Continued vigilance and a robust response are paramount to protecting the community and its natural environment from the long-term effects of such incidents.
