A growing rift has emerged between Upper Makefield Township officials and Energy Transfer over the extent and handling of a jet fuel pipeline leak that contaminated residential wells.
The leak in the Mt. Eyre neighborhood came to light in January and has prompted concerns from residents and demands for more action from officials.
Upper Makefield Township officials released a statement last week criticizing Energy Transfer’s response and demanding an immediate shutdown of the 105-mile-long Twin Oaks pipeline until its safety can be certified. The pipeline is running at 80 percent capacity. (Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correct an error that the pipeline is running at 80 percent capacity, not 20 percent.)
The township also disputes Energy Transfer’s claim that only six wells are significantly impacted, citing resident reports and consultant reviews indicating possible wider contamination.
“The pipeline is not safe to operate and should be shut down immediately,” the township’s statement said.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat; Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican; State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat; and State Rep. Perry Warren, a Democrat, have called for the pipeline to be shut down as the investigation is underway.
“Numerous residents have shared their well water test results with the Township, and the results that the Township’s consultants have reviewed show that a variety of harmful chemicals, likely from the pipeline, are present in many more than six wells,” the township added.
The township further demands that Energy Transfer provide a permanent clean water solution for affected residents, develop a comprehensive remediation plan, and increase transparency regarding property purchases in the area.
Energy Transfer, which operates the pipeline, released an update on Tuesday detailing its ongoing remediation efforts.
The company reports that it has installed eight Point of Entry Treatment (POET) systems, including in all six homes where water test results exceeded state health standards.
The company also said that they have performed 332 water tests, and that the number of wells impacted with hydrocarbons above state wide health standards remains at 6.
Energy Transfer also has stated they are conducting geophysical testing to further define the contaminated area.
Energy Transfer said it is working under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
The Bucks County Herald reported last week that Energy Transfer has purchased a home on Spencer Road as part of the cleanup work.
Residents have expressed fears at public meetings about long-term health effects and the reliability of the pipeline.
The pipeline carries jet fuel from refineries near Philadelphia to Newark, New Jersey.
The first report of a fuel smell in Upper Makefield Township came in September 2023, according to a report issued earlier this month by PHMSA.
PHMSA reports that the leak was from a faulty sleeve installed in 1995 and that other sleeves along the 105 mile pipeline could also be at risk.
Residents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns at a public meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Sol Feinstone Elementary School on Eagle Road.
Energy Transfer is running a community support center with bottled water pickups and information at the pump station on 1798 Dolington Road.
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