Pennsylvania Judge Halts Pipeline Construction After Multiple Problems

"Two-week delay ordered to review spills, well contamination from Mariner East 2 pipeline project"

"A Pennsylvania judge has put a two-week hold on all drilling for a controversial pipeline construction project that’s had multiple spills and sparked complaints of well contamination.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board ordered Sunoco Pipeline L.P. late Tuesday to stop all horizontal directional drilling underneath waterways on its 350-mile Mariner East 2 pipeline after a series of leaks or spills of drilling fluid and the contamination of private water supplies.

The board, an appeals body for state regulatory decisions, heard arguments last week from several environmental groups seeking a permanent injunction on construction.  They described 61 spills of drilling mud, including one of 160,000 gallons into an exceptional value wetland, and drilling damage to wells that forced 15 families to evacuate their homes."

Donna Morelli reports for the Bay Journal July 27, 2017.