State, local officials bring Mariner East II construction under scrutiny

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The Mariner East II pipeline is facing closer scrutiny from state and local officials after sinkholes developed in West Whiteland and noise complaints prompted a cease and desist order in Uwchlan. Times file photo. The Mariner East II pipeline faced government intervention on two fronts this week, as local officials in Uwchlan informed Energy Transfer/Sunoco...

Chesco, Delco ask state for limits on Mariner East II pipeline work waivers

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The county governments of Chester and Delaware counties asked the state Monday to withdraw any waivers that would allow construction on the Mariner East II pipeline to continue during Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that all “non life-sustaining” business shutter during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering concerns that the company is ignoring health protocols and could...

When it comes to the pipeline, what the heck is Wolf thinking?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times So here’s the thing: I can’t get a bottle of tequila, but somehow, Energy Transfer/Sunoco (ET/S) can keep on building Mariner East II and — based on numerous photos circulating on social media — is completely ignoring social distancing rules. I get there is a crisis on — so the margaritas can wait for a better day. But building a pipeline? It’s a priority. Wait,...

Otten, Muth urge residents to voice opinion on proposed pipeline route changes

State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and state Sen. Katie Muth are taking steps this week to ensure that residents affected by a proposed route modification to the Mariner East Pipeline in Upper Uwchlan Township have every opportunity to make their voices heard. In the Dec. 14, 2019, PA Bulletin, DEP published notice of a 30-day public comment period on Energy Transfer/Sunoco’s proposed...

In wake of pipeline settlement, Dinniman says DEP fails to manage pipeline projects

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has fined a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners more than $30 million, but appears to have green-lit resumption of construction on various ETP pipeline projects including Mariner East II — leaving one local state legislator, state Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-19), expressing anger at the state’s inability...

DA files bribery, conspiracy charges against Energy Transfer employees over Pipeline security

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced the filing of criminal charges Tuesday against employees of Energy Transfer and contracted security firms for bribery, conspiracy, and related offenses regarding the Mariner East Pipeline. This is the second set of charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office related to Mariner East. In this case, the charges allege that Energy...

Sunday Punch: Shut down Mariner East II, for good

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Would you allow a five-year-old to run amuck in your neighborhood with a grenade? I’d like to think not, as the odds of it ending well are pretty small. So, allowing Sunoco/Energy Transfer Partners, a corporation who acts nearly as responsibly as a five-year-old, to continue building a pipeline across Chester County, near homes, schools and retirement communities...