Local residents: Our goal is safe, time-efficient pipeline installation
Sunoco Pipeline, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer, is proposing a change to the installation method for a portion of the 16- and 20-inch pipelines in three locations, outlined below.
The requested change to the construction method caters to the local geology, maximizing safety and efficiency for the installation of the Mariner East 2 and 2X pipelines. The end result is the completion of active construction in a fraction of the original time frame, which is generally up to one year or more for horizontal directional drill (HDD). By using the most advanced safety technology and monitoring systems, as well as teams of experienced contractors, construction can be performed safely with less disruption to your community.
In order to proceed with the new construction methods — which will maximize safety and efficiency — the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must approve major modifications to the existing permits.
I support the proposed major modifications and want to sign up for more important information regarding the Mariner East 2 and 2X pipelines:
What Is a Major Modification?
These requests are classified as “major modifications,” which is a change to an existing environmental permit issued for pipeline construction that exceeds a minor revision. It could be a change in the construction method, the specific pipeline route or the workspace within the right-of-way. In the case of Mariner East 2, such environmental permits are issued by the Pennsylvania DEP.
Proposed Major Modifications
Our plans to safely reduce construction time and the inconvenience to local communities would impact the three areas below.
Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County
West Whiteland Township,
Chester County
Middletown Township,
Delaware County
Installation Methods
The requested major modifications will be a change from Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) to a combination of open cut, conventional bore and/or direct pipe installation methods.
Open cut installation is a straightforward and traditional method, where workspace is available. Open cut is commonly used for construction, repair and replacement of various utilities, such as pipelines and sewer and water lines. The pipeline is lowered into a dug trench, followed by backfilling of the subsoil and separated subsoil, where applicable.
Conventional bore installation involves minimal surface disturbance for long-distance installation. A boring machine at the bottom of the bore pit tunnels forward through a bore tube. The pipeline is installed through the bored hole and welded to the adjacent pipeline.
Direct pipe installation is a combination of HDD and tunneling for all soil conditions. A thruster and a steerable microtunneling machine install steel pipes in one continuous pass. The direct pipe bore method uses significantly less bentonite than other trenchless methods, dramatically reducing the possibility of inadvertent fluid returns.
