Delaware and Chester County Residents Must Not Be Denied the Right to Testify at Public Hearings

Sunoco is proposing major modifications to its Mariner East 2 and 2X pipelines at three locations in Southeast Pennsylvania: Lisa Drive, West Whiteland Township, Chester County; Meadow Creek Lane, Upper Uwchlan Township (near Marsh Creek Lake), Chester County; and Riddlewood to Tunbridge Apartments, Middletown Township, Delaware County.The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection had scheduled three separate public hearings in April so that residents could voice their concerns in person. Those hearings have now been canceled due to COVID-19.

This was the right move for health and safety, but the hearings should not be permanently cancelled. Public hearings are a critical part of the public participation process, and residents have a right to be seen and heard. Tell the DEP: No permits or approvals should be granted to Sunoco until DEP can safely host public hearings.

Despite the cancellation of the hearings, residents can still submit written comments, suggestions, or objections regarding the proposed modifications. There are major issues with Sunoco’s proposed changes, including discrepancies, inaccuracies, and missing information in the permit application materials, and failures to include basic protections for stream crossings, water resources, and public safety.

It is extremely important that residents engage in this commenting process to demonstrate public concern for the issues with the new proposal and demand public hearings for each site at a future time when it is safe to do so. Click here to take action.