Delaware Riverkeeper Files Suit Against Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline For Failing To Comply With Local Zoning
Photo

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network Wednesday, joined by directly impacted landowners, filed a lawsuit in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas against Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 Pipeline claiming it has not complied with local zoning.

The lawsuit requests the Court enjoin “Sunoco from maintaining, placing, or operating a “hazardous liquid and/or gas pipeline” or other prohibited use on the property that is not permitted under Zoning Ordinance.”

According to the complaint, Sunoco cannot construct the Mariner East 2 Pipeline, a hazardous, highly volatile liquids pipeline, in a manner that is inconsistent with West Goshen Township ordinances.

Construction of this hazardous liquids pipeline through residential areas violates the township’s zoning code, says the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

Even if allowed, the proposed placement of this pipeline would require a conditional use approval and be subject to minimum setback requirements. The lawsuit asks the court to enjoin the construction and operation of the pipeline.

“Sunoco is flouting the requirements of local zoning and inflicting incredible harm on the community and our environment. This blatant violation of law, and constitutional rights, cannot be allowed to stand. It is unfortunate that West Goshen Township has not sought to defend the rights of its own residents. I am pleased for the opportunity to join with the community to defend their rights, and the rights of all communities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from being run over roughshod by the Sunoco Pipeline company,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and a plaintiff in the case.

If constructed, Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipeline would transport natural gas liquids  (NGLs) resulting from natural gas drilling activities from western Pennsylvania to the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex near Philadelphia.

The project requires construction of one or more pipelines and aboveground facilities in Delaware, Chester, and Berks counties, Pennsylvania. Sunoco has neither sought nor secured zoning approval from West Goshen Township for construction of the project, despite its clear conflict with existing ordinances in the municipality.

West Goshen zoning ordinances prohibit construction of hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines as proposed by Mariner East 2. In addition to being prohibited where proposed, even where such construction is allowed, it must receive conditional use approval (with public participation) and provide for a setback that is equal to or greater than the Pipeline Impact Radius.

This term is specifically defined in West Goshen Township’s ordinance for the purpose of avoiding “significant impact to people or property, including but not limited to noise, environmental, visual and other impacts which may be detrimental to health, safety and welfare of the community.”

Click Here for a copy of the complaint.

NewsClips:

Delco Residents Sue Sunoco To Stop Pipeline Alleging Violation Of Twp Ordinance

Delaware RiverKeeper May 12 RiverWatch Video Report

Legere: Battle To Reverse Laurel Pipeline Could Impact Gasoline Prices In Pittsburgh

Will Reversing Laurel Pipeline Lower Fuel Costs In PA?

Will Gasoline Cost More If Laurel Pipeline Flow Reversed?

Sides Cite Economic Benefits, Ecological Risk Of Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline

North Dakota Officials Warn Lancaster Ahead of Pipeline Protest

Cusick: Sen. Martin Wants Pipeline Protesters To Pay For Police, Cleanup Costs

Editorial: Sen. Martin Should Have Reached Out To Pipeline Protesters

Pipeline Projects Continue Path To Completion Across Shale Gas Region

Scranton Rail Trail Closed While Workers Install Pipeline To Power Plant

U.S. Blocks Rover Pipeline After 18 Leaks, 2 Million Gallon Spill

Dakota Access Pipeline Leaked 84 Gallons Of Oil In April

Williams Turns To Trump For Help In Stalled Constitution Pipeline

Op-Ed: Pipelines Are Step One In Restoring Our Sagging Infrastructure

Op-Ed: Keystone XL Pipeline Will Create Jobs, Lower Carbon Emissions

Trump To Nominate 2 Energy Regulators To FERC, Including PUC’s Powelson

Trump Names Picks For FERC Crippled Without Quorum

Trump Picks 2 For Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Trump Nominates PUC Commissioner Powelson To FERC

Trump Names Chesco Man To Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

AP: Trump Taps PUC Member To Serve On FERC That Will Determine PennEast Pipeline’s Fate

Related Stories:

Sunoco Spills Slurry In Delaware County While Drilling Under Chester Creek For Mariner East 2 Pipeline

Opponents Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline File Lawsuit Against Sunoco To Enforce Delaware County Twp. Ordinance

[Posted: May 10, 2017]


5/15/2017

Go To Preceding Article     Go To Next Article

Return to This PA Environment Digest's Main Page