The safety of our employees, pipeline workers and the communities where we work and operate is always our top priority, but especially during this critical time. We are in the process of reviewing Gov. Wolf’s order to determine the impact on our activities across Pennsylvania, so that we may continue the operation and maintenance of our assets in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
As we get further clarification, we will share updates on our activities. We do know that our pipeline systems and facilities that are in service have been deemed life-sustaining activities and will continue to safely operate. We also know that maintenance activities on these assets will continue. This does include maintenance activities currently underway along the Mariner East system.
Additionally, we are working to safely comply with the governor’s order regarding the temporary suspension of our ongoing construction activities. This includes working in accordance with the exemption process outlined by the administration to give us the necessary time to safely suspend active construction over a reasonable period of time, as some activities have a longer shutdown process. We will continue to work with regulators, such as the PADEP and the PUC, to ensure that our sites are maintained in accordance with our permits during this temporary halt, and we plan to engage with local stakeholders to share available updates.
We have updated our protocols to remain diligent in keeping our employees, contractors and community residents safe and healthy while working on our property and within our pipeline rights-of-way.
All of our employees and contractors have been directed to follow guidelines from the CDC and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect personal and public health and safety while working, including prevention measures such as:
- Implementing social distancing best practices;
- Implementing good hygiene and infection control practices for workers and regular cleaning and disinfecting of work surfaces, equipment and other materials;
- Restricting outside work site visitors and the number of personnel entering isolation areas;
- Requiring workers to stay home if they are sick or they have been in contact with someone who is sick; and
- Using additional engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices and personal protective equipment.
We are committed to continuing the safe and reliable delivery of critical energy products to Pennsylvanians.