District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland announced on March 11, that the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, at the request of the District Attorney, are conducting a joint investigation regarding allegations of criminal misconduct by Energy Transfer LP, Sunoco Logistics Partners, and related corporate entities, involving pipeline construction and related activities for Mariner East 1, 2, and 2X pipelines.
“There is no question that the pipeline poses certain concerns and risks to our residents, and as District Attorney, I am working to do everything possible within my power to ensure the safety of residents. At this time, we are thoroughly reviewing the evidence available to us, working with the Attorney General’s Office, and seeking action within our jurisdictional boundaries. We want residents to know that we have heard their concerns, and we are willing to hear any new concerns that they may have about the pipeline by contacting my Office,” said District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland. “Due to the fact that the pipeline spans over 17 different counties in Pennsylvania, we sought assistance from our partners in law enforcement, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. As this remains an open and active investigation, the details available for disclosure are very limited, as is the case in any of investigation.”
Mariner East 2 is a 350-mile expansion of Sunoco’s current Mariner East pipeline system, designed to carry natural gas liquids from the Marcellus and Utica shale gas fields. Many residents in Delaware County have directly expressed concerns over the operations of the pipeline and made formal complaints and allegations of potential criminal misconduct. Residents have also expressed concerns regarding the potential of catastrophes and property damage.
“I would like to thank the Del-Chesco United for Pipeline Safety, the Middletown Coalition for Community Safety, and other residents for taking the time to meet with us and sharing their concerns and formal complaints,” said District Attorney Copeland.
If you would like to submit a complaint regarding misconduct by the pipeline company, please contact the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 610-891-4700.