DOWNINGTOWN, PA − Febrero 23, 2024 − State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), state Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), and state Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten (D-Chester) released the following statement in response to news that what appears to be bentonite clay related to the construction of the Mariner East Pipeline has resurfaced near a drilling site and contaminated the Marsh Creek Lake and its tributaries. 

“Nearly two years after Sunoco/Energy Transfer Partners completed drilling operations near Marsh Creek State Park, the aftermath of pipeline construction continues to impact our streams and waterways in Chester County. It’s unfortunately not surprising that drilling mud appears to be resurfacing and again contaminating the tributaries of Marsh Creek Lake. Given that Sunoco/ETP had so many problems constructing its pipeline in this geologically complex and environmentally sensitive area, it was only a matter of time. Remember, this is the same place where we experienced sinkholes and spills during pipeline construction. It’s the same place where Sunoco/ETP allowed thousands of gallons of drilling fluid to spill into our wetlands and even more to be lost into the ground.

This is an important reminder that the environmental and health impacts of pipeline construction don’t end when a pipeline is done. Long after work crews pack up and leave, we must continue to monitor problematic sites for negative impacts related to construction and operation and hold operators accountable for the ongoing costs of remediation, mitigation, and restoration. 

How many times will we be dealing with lingering impacts like these? How long has this been occurring? Again, there are more questions than answers. Please know that we are working together to obtain more information from DEP and ensure that this cleanup is completed with minimal disruption to the stream, wetlands, and wildlife. As always, we want to thank the vigilant citizens who detected the contamination and reported it.”

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