Prosecutor: ‘Buy-a-badge’ pipeline security plan was illegal

"This is a pretty simple case," Hogan said in a statement. "State Constables sold their badges and official authority. Energy Transfer bought those badges and authority, then used them as a weapon to intimidate citizens. And the defendants attempted to conceal their activity through a maze of companies and payments."

Chesco DA Announces More Charges in Mariner East Investigation

This time, the charges involve an employee of Energy Transfer, the company that owns the cross-state pipeline project.

Chester County DA files charges against employees, security firms working with Mariner East pipeline

​The Chester County District Attorney's Office announced charges against employees of Energy Transfer and contracted security firms in connection with the Mariner East pipeline project.

Chester County DA files charges against employees, security firms working with Mariner East pipeline

WEST CHESTER, Pennsylvania -- The Chester County District Attorney's Office announced charges against state constables who they say illegally provided security for Sunoco's Mariner East Pipeline.

State Constables sold their badges and official authority. Energy Transfer bought those badges and authority, then used them as a weapon to intimidate citizens," said Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan.

The charged defendants are: Frank Recknagel, Security Manager for Energy Transfer; Nikolas McKinnon, Senior Security Adviser for TigerSwan LLC; Michael Boffo, Site Security Supervisor for TigerSwan LLC; James Murphy, operator of Raven Knights LLC; and Richard Lester, registered owner of Raven Knights LLC. The men face bribery, conspiracy, and related offenses regarding the Mariner East Pipeline.

Chester County DA charges Energy Transfer security manager, others in scheme to use constables for Mariner East pipeline security

“State constables sold their badges and official authority,” Hogan said in the release. “Energy Transfer bought those badges and authority, then used them as a weapon to intimidate citizens. And the defendants attempted to conceal their activity through a maze of companies and payments.”...

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It’s not the only ongoing investigation related to the Mariner East project...

ET CLASS ACTION ALERT: Bernstein Liebhard LLP Announces the Filing of a Securities Class Action Against Energy Transfer LP

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Energy Transfer's permits to conduct the Mariner East pipeline project in Pennsylvania were secured via bribery and/or other improper conduct; (ii) the foregoing misconduct increased the risk that the Company and/or certain of its employees would be subject to government and/or regulatory action; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

Fourth sinkhole at Sleighton Park—it’s in the middle of the road, and it’s vast

..Sunoco brought in a series of cement trucks to fill the hole before it could be examined by officials...

Delaware County Emergency Services makes an urgent plea for help with chemical dumping and leaks

Boyce and his department are trying hard to deal with these problems, and his frustration with the difficulties was palpable. His office is ill-equipped to track down emissions sources. (Its function is primarily responding to emergencies, not investigating leaks or dumping.)

AP Exclusive: FBI eyes how Pennsylvania approved pipeline

The focus of the agents’ questions involves the permitting of the pipeline, whether Wolf and his administration forced environmental protection staff to approve construction permits and whether Wolf or his administration received anything in return, those people say.

FBI reportedly opens corruption investigation into Pennsylvania's approval of Mariner East project permits

The FBI reportedly has opened a corruption investigation into Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's administration and its approval of construction permits for the contentious Mariner East pipeline projects, according to the Associated Press.

AP: FBI eyes how Pennsylvania approved pipeline

The FBI has begun a corruption investigation into how Gov. Tom Wolf's administration came to issue permits for construction on a multibillion-dollar pipeline project to carry highly volatile natural gas liquids across Pennsylvania, The Associated Press has learned.

Strong Gas Odor Continues To Linger In Delaware County After 2 Separate Incidents

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) — It’s the question on the minds of many Delaware County residents — what’s that smell? A gas leak near an apartment complex Monday night led to a strong odor in the air. There was also a strong odor of gas along the I-95 Corridor and Chester Pike. Emergency officials say these are two separate incidents. While always busy, the Delaware County 911 Center wasn’t bombarded on Tuesday, 24 hours after hundreds of calls rolled in for a gas-like odor across the county. “Delaware County’s trying to figure out what this odor — this smell’s been permeating the county the last couple of weeks. It’s definitely concerning but we’re no closer to figuring out what it is,” Emergency Management Director Tim Boyce said. Separate from the widespread gas odor that has now happened twice in three weeks, a valve on Monday night malfunctioned on an eight-inch gasoline transmission line. A handful of first responders were even sickened...

Several Chester, Delaware county residents urge PUC judge to shut down Mariner East pipelines, citing fears of leak or explosion

Seven residents of Chester and Delaware counties took their long-running fight against the Mariner East pipelines to a West Chester court on Wednesday, saying the Public Utility Commission should shut down the lines on the grounds that they are a danger to public safety.

Activists urge Wolf, again, to shut down the Mariner pipelines

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Shut down Mariner East before it kills us, pipeline foes implore Pennsylvania agency

The contentious Sunoco Mariner East project once again occupied center stage in a courtroom Wednesday as 10 residents and a homeowners' ..

Chesco, Delco residents impacted by Mariner East pipelines get chance to testify before PUC

Residents from Delaware and Chester counties who are directly impacted by the Mariner East pipelines are testifying in a two-day hearing in West Chester, and county officials hope these hearings have some teeth.

Pennsylvania’s gas politics churn as Trump embraces industry

Pennsylvania voters have shown a growing opposition to the drilling and massive pipelines required to move its product across the state. Candidates in state and local races are increasingly hardening their stances on the industry. National polling shows growing skepticism of fracking, the process used in extraction.

Activists urge Wolf, again, to shut down the Mariner pipelines

They’re pointing to sinkholes and contaminated wells they’ve seen throughout the building process, and say they’re worried about explosions.

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“Our community residents aren’t lying when they say this has the potential to be a bomb,” he said, adding that he doesn’t think Sunoco has given them good enough evacuation advice. “I’m not going to be able to forgive myself if I don’t stand up and there’s an accident that happens. We’ve been living on luck for way too long.”

Gas drillers, owner of pipeline that exploded in Beaver County stuck together, even as they spar

“The explosion was not an ‘act of God,’” PennEnergy’s complaint, filed in the Court of Common Please of Allegheny County, asks a judge to declare.

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“The explosion occurred in an area where the pipeline was constructed on a dangerously steep slope, which was a known landslide area, when fill material that [Energy Transfer] had placed on top of its pipeline slid, causing a landslide that ruptured the pipeline — all circumstances within ETC’s reasonable control.”

The Chester County DA vs. the Mariner East pipeline

Over more than two years of construction, Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipeline — which carries natural gas liquids across Pennsylvania to an export terminal in Delaware County — has been plagued with delays and mishaps. The construction has destroyed some private water wells, opened sinkholes, and sparked a criminal investigation by Chester County’s District Attorney. StateImpact Pennsylvania reporter Susan Phillips explains why now, the DA is threatening to sue Sunoco.

Chester County amps up pressure on Sunoco, calls Mariner East pipeline a nuisance

The Chester County prosecutor, amping up pressure on Sunoco’s Mariner East pipeline, said on Tuesday his office plans to sue the $5.1 billion project as a public nuisance.

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Chester County District Attorney Thomas P. Hogan notified the pipeline’s owner, Energy Transfer LP, that his office plans to file a civil nuisance action in 60 days unless the company corrects several problems, including exposed underground pipes and leaks, or “inadvertent returns,” of drilling fluid during the pipeline’s construction.

The Chester County DA vs. the Mariner East pipeline

The Chester County prosecutor, amping up pressure on Sunoco’s Mariner East pipeline, said on Tuesday his office plans to sue the $5.1 billion project as a public nuisance.

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Chester County District Attorney Thomas P. Hogan notified the pipeline’s owner, Energy Transfer LP, that his office plans to file a civil nuisance action in 60 days unless the company corrects several problems, including exposed underground pipes and leaks, or “inadvertent returns,” of drilling fluid during the pipeline’s construction.

Another incident, and more distrust for Mariner East project

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Sunoco’s Pipeline in Delaware County, it is Not Safe for Kids, Residents say

A group of parents in a community of Delaware County is asking for answers about the Sunoco’s Mariner East pipeline, which caused a sinkhole. Parents are worried about a possible...

Sinkhole develops in Middletown

A swimming pool-sized sinkhole developed along the construction route of the Mariner East pipeline in the township Friday, officials said.

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Township officials confirmed that a 15x15-foot subsidence occurred south of Forge Road, along Valley Road, within the utility's right of way in the area of Sleighton Park.

It’s time to shut down Mariner East — and Energy Transfer

By now, Energy Transfer has certainly lost its social license to operate in Pennsylvania. Why is government not pulling Energy Transfer’s actual licenses?

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On the evening of Aug. 5, just as families across Chester County were cleaning up their dinner plates, an explosion rocked the quiet neighborhoods around West Chester, sending startled neighbors out of their shaken homes up to a mile and a half away.

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When investigators arrived at the scene, they pinpointed the cause: the Mariner East pipeline pumping station in West Goshen Township. The pipeline company, Sunoco Pipeline (now part of Texas conglomerate Energy Transfer) failed to burn off volatile leaking vapors, generating a sort of fuel bomb at the location by busy Boot Road.

Mariner East pipeline hit with $319,000 in fines for Pennsylvania violations

State environmental regulators have hit Sunoco Pipeline LP with $319,000 in fines for violations related to construction of its Mariner East pipeline system, the latest among $13.5 million in penalties assessed on the contentious project since 2017.

Chesco DA Announces Criminal Charges Against Mariner East Security Workers

​The workers — elected state constables hired by a private Harrisburg-based company to provide security near sinkholes along the pipelines — have been charged with official oppression, among other offenses.

Lessons of the explosion on ME2 at the Boot Road valve station

The PUC needs to shut down the pipeline and review the details of this accident. We need to know why the appropriate emergency response measures were never activated. We need to know what caused the explosion and what failures (of people, procedures, or equipment) led up to it. 

Life With a Pipeline in Your Backyard

Monday night a loud bang rattled homes and frayed a lot of nerves at a valve station on Boot Road in West Goshen.

Both sides agree that something happened.

But that's about all Energy Transfer Partners, which operates the pipeline, and residents agree about.

The company issued a statement downplaying the incident, referring to it as a "backfire" that occurred in a flare as the line was being brought back online. They referenced the resulting bang as something akin to a car backfiring, and apologized for "any inconvenience this may have caused our neighbors."

Of course, they don't live in the neighborhood.

Boom! Pipeline 'backfire' rattles West Goshen

Residents gathered outside after the boom and discussed what many referred to as an explosion.

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Resident Keith Ackers and several others talked about the official response: "The boom was alarming, but not as alarming as the fact that the first responders had no idea how to react and weren't shy about telling us that. A police officer drove down our street asking us what we knew about the noise, but when we asked if he had checked out the Sunoco area he told us he was unwilling to go over there because he wasn't sure if it was safe.

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​“A neighbor told me she had asked if we should evacuate the area, and the police dispatcher's response was ‘I have no idea.’ If they're going to force this stuff through our community, you would think they would at the very least have a cohesive emergency response plan for situations like this."

Company Working On Mariner East Two Pipeline Responds After Loud Boom Rattles Portion Of Chester County

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Killion calls on PUC to adopt tough pipeline standards

Pipeline safety near schools, public notification about new pipeline installation and the utilization of remote shut-off valves were among the topics Senator Tom Killion (R – Chester and Delaware) urged the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to address as part of the rulemaking process for the pipelines including the Mariner East project.

Mountain Valley Pipeline Contractor Has a History of Killing its Own Workers

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PA Pipeline Foe Expected State Information On Mariner East Risk. But Now He’s Facing Court Fight

​An opponent of the Mariner East project says he will ask an appeals court to order the Public Utility Commission to disclose documents containing its calculations on the effects of an accidental release of natural gas liquids from the pipelines.

Local lawmaker introduces legislation to create Pipeline Early Detection and Warning board

State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, today announced the introduction of H.B. 1735, which would establish a Pipeline Early Detection and Warning Board. The proposed bill would empower the board to collect fees from pipeline operators, and distribute those fees in the form of grants for the development of early detection and warning systems to alert communities in the event of a pipeline incident.

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“My legislation would properly place the costs associated with early detection and warning systems on pipeline operators rather than on our communities, taxpayers, or first responders,” Otten said.

Representing himself, Cumberland County resident battles Sunoco attorneys over pipeline concerns

In his own handwritten pre-hearing memo, Baker also said he wants an odor added to the pipelines’ combustible cargo — natural gas liquids, such as ethane, butane, and propane — as well as more outreach between Sunoco and emergency response services near the pipeline.

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The project has led to multiple lawsuits, fines, and government-mandated shutdowns of both construction and use of the pipelines themselves over the last few years.

Man faces off in court with pipeline company, claims it isn't safe

Lower Frankford Township residents showed up to a public meeting to ask about the Mariner East Pipelines, but the public meeting was cancelled by Sunoco

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"At the last minute, the company cancelled, so those folks were kind of left in the dark and there was really no explanation for the cancellation," said Commissioner Jim Hertzler.

Are Mariner East pipelines safe? A Cumberland County resident argues in a hearing that they aren’t

In Wilmer Baker, of Lower Frankford Township, vs. Sunoco Pipeline LP.

Baker filed his complaint in September over his safety concerns with the pipeline, which runs near his home as it traverses the county and state.

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In his complaint, Baker argues the company needs to:

• Install an alarm system for residents who are within 1,000 feet of the “blast zone.”

• Properly train emergency personnel.

• Replace substandard piping in the original Mariner East I.

• Properly inform the public about the pipeline.

Middletown still waiting for sinkhole answers from state

On April 24 a sinkhole occurred on a construction easement adjacent to an operational line of the Mariner East 2 (ME2) pipeline in our township. The area is underpinned by granite, not the karst that has led to the numerous sink holes impacting communities in Chester County. The location of the sinkhole was in the right of way of the most heavily traveled road in Middletown, across the street from a retirement community and a half mile from Glenwood elementary school...

The PUC, in granting Sunoco’s ME2 project public utility status, is immediately the go-to agency for Pennsylvania municipalities like Middletown when our community of 16,000 and the many more working here and traveling through encounter these incidents. We rely on you for safety information regarding potentially hazardous and dangerous material like this. Unfortunately, we can’t rely upon you for so much as a response...

Same gases that fueled refinery fire are moving through ME pipeline, raising alarm

The refinery fire in South Philadelphia is a constant reminder to those living in the path of the Mariner East Pipeline system, of what could happen in the suburbs. KYW Newsradio's Kim Glovas reports local officials are calling for a moratorium on the project.

Let Pa. know what you think about pipelines

You now have the chance to tell the Public Utilities Commission what you think about pipelines.

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Upon reviewing public comments, the PUC will develop a set of proposed regulations. Concerned citizens must submit comments to the PUC in writing or online. A link to the PUC’s web site is available on Senator Killion’s homepage, senatorkillion.com.

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It will close on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019.

Feds to investigate Philly refinery explosion as local health experts remain cautious

Philadelphia Energy Solutions is the largest refinery on the East Coast and the single largest source of air pollution in Philadelphia.

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“A hydrofluoride refinery is about the most dangerous facility anyone could have in the community,”said Millar. “The hydrofluoride tank can produce an enormously dangerously toxic gas cloud. Depending on which way the wind was blowing, unless it was blowing straight up to heaven, the city should have called a precautionary evacuation.”

Massive Philadelphia refinery fire threatens facility's future

As of late afternoon, the fire was “confined and contained,” but could not be put out entirely, because a connection line feeding fuel to the tank where a combination of propane and butane was burning could not yet be shut, Philadelphia Deputy Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy said in a press conference.

The cause and extent of the damage were unclear, Murphy said.

Senate committee advances bills aimed at protecting residents of communities affected by natural gas pipelines

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee approved Wednesday two bills designed to protect the residents of communities affected by natural gas pipelines...

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Senate advances bipartisan pipeline bills

WEST CHESTER — Protecting the residents of communities affected by natural gas pipelines is the focus of two bipartisan pieces of legislation introduced by Senators Tom Killion (R – Chester and Delaware) and Andy Dinniman (D – Chester) and overwhelmingly approved Wednesday by the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

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“Keeping residents safe and protecting their homes and property is not a partisan issue,” said Killion. “Our bills are designed to protect the communities affected by these pipelines, and I’m happy to work with any of my colleagues who share that priority.”

Pennsylvania regulators launch broad effort to rethink pipeline safety

..recent spills, slides and problems on construction projects are an issue...

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COUNTING THE COSTS OF PIPELINE PROJECTS FOR DELAWARE RIVER BASIN

Analysis finds PennEast and Mariner East 2 pipelines will significantly increase pollution, degrade natural habitat and rack up big social costs.

A new study suggests the expansion of the natural gas infrastructure in the Delaware River Basin is resulting in significant disruption and stresses to the environment and communities within the region.

Gas Pipelines Take a Huge Toll on Delaware River Basin, New Report Finds

TRENTON, N.J., June 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Development of natural gas pipelines and associated infrastructure is resulting in significant costs to the environment and communities in the Delaware River Basin (DRB), a new study conducted for the New Jersey Conservation Foundation finds. The costs that can be quantified could be as much as $2.4 billion for two pipelines alone – in addition to costs that can't yet be quantified.

Delco OKs resolution to seek moratorum on Mariner East 2 operation

It read, "The Middletown Coalition for Community Safety recognizes public safety as something to which all Delaware County residents and visitors are ...

Pipeline demonstrators take to the streets

“Shut it down,” said Quinn. “I’ve visited the sinkholes in the Lisa Drive area, but this area is built on granite.

“There shouldn’t be sinkholes here - yet there are. It’s like you’re driving a car when a warning light comes on. You need to stop immediately and get it checked out. I’m calling for an immediate halt to construction and operation of these pipelines.”

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“Gov. (Tom) Wolf needs to shut down these dangerous pipelines now,” said Linda Ciavarelli, a Middletown resident and health care provider whose property lies in the blast zone of Sunoco’s proposed hazardous, highly volatile liquids export project, marketed as Mariner East.

Sunoco buys Chester Co. homes affected by pipeline construction

Neighbor Nicole Craig said, "The one woman, it just breaks my heart. She cried each time she went up and down the street to move. Heartbreaking."

"It's a shame because a lot of them were nice people and friends of ours and we're going to miss them," said neighbor Amy Watters.

Action News witnessed another family on Lisa Drive moving out their belongings on Monday evening.

In January, a sinkhole opened in one home's yard, exposing the pipeline carrying natural gas liquids.

Sinkhole Opens Near Mariner East Pipeline In Delco Wednesday

A 36-squre-foot hole formed near the Troop K State Police Barracks in Middletown Township Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

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Authorities are investigating the collapse.

Suburban Philadelphia state senators seek answers from DEP chief over Mariner East pipeline

A bipartisan group of state senators from Chester and Delaware counties wants to put off the reconfirmation of Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell until multiple criminal probes of Sunoco’s Mariner East pipeline projects are complete.

Residents stand against pipeline plan

In the 2017 and 2018 elections, incumbents who failed to stand up for the most fundamental rights of their constituents in the face of Mariner East’s assault on those rights were removed from office. Public safety, property values, private property rights, access to water – these things are important to Pennsylvanians regardless of political affiliation. Residents of Chester and Delaware Counties are speaking up in the voting booth and being heard. As one of these newly elected officials put it recently, “Anybody who wants to trample on the rights of Pennsylvania citizens – we’re coming for you.”

Energy Transfer is under criminal investigation for Mariner East pipelines, and now a prominent GOP legislator is criticizing the company

“This particular company, in my opinion, rode roughshod over people,” Yaw said in his remarks. “They haven’t explained what’s gone on. They haven’t addressed issues.”

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State Sen. Gene Yaw (Bradford)

Pulling the plug on Mariner East: After new revelations about Big Gas in Pa., the time is now

Internal documents suggest environmental regulators were pressured to keep to that timetable, even if that meant shelving a letter citing Sunoco Logistics for inadequacies in some of its plans for moving earth and drilling under water to install Mariner East 2.

Pennsylvania governor under scrutiny for role in approving pipeline

Internal government records obtained by the Guardian raise questions about the role of Pennsylvania’s governor, Tom Wolf, role in permitting construction of a controversial fossil fuel pipeline that now faces two criminal investigations stemming from widespread environmental and property damage.

Gas liquids pipeline owner agrees to safety study, new fine

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The heavily fined owner of natural gas liquids pipelines across southern Pennsylvania is agreeing to another $200,000 fine and a study on risks to the Mariner East 1 pipeline...

From school districts to county offices, people in Chesco and Delco are concerned about the Mariner East pipelines

"In a worst-case scenario pipeline explosion on the Mariner East, we would have a catastrophe on par with 9/11,” says Eve Miari of the Clean Air Council.

Delco district attorney, Pa. attorney general join Mariner East investigation

The Delaware County Prosecutor and the Pennsylvania Attorney General are joining the growing list of those investigating the Mariner East Pipeline. KYW Newsradio's Kim Glovas has more...