Pipeline Information
Pipelines in Upper Uwchlan Township
As of July 2018, there are 12 pipelines that traverse Upper Uwchlan Township. These are operated by 5 operators and carry a variety of products, including gas and hazardous liquids. The best source for information about pipelines in our community is the Chester County Pipeline Information Center. There, you will find a map of all the pipelines in the county with contact information for each of their operators.
Established by the Board of County Commissioners, the PIC provides residents with a central location where they can find information on all aspects of pipeline issues in Chester County.
Pipeline Regulation
Upper Uwchlan Township does not have enforcement or regulatory authority over the location of underground transmission pipelines, or whether a pipeline is constructed by horizontal directional drilling or open trench construction, or the type of product that will flow through the new pipelines or any of the existing pipelines. To the extent there are regulations for underground transmission pipeline siting, methods of construction or use, they are enforced by federal and state agencies.
The Chester County Pipeline Information Center includes a detailed explanation of the various agencies that regulate pipelines. Review that site for detailed information about these regulators and their responsibilities. Regulators include:
| The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426 (866) 208-3372 | The US DOT Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 (202) 366-4433 |
| The Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) 400 North Street Keystone Bldg. Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 787-1063 | The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) DEP Southeast Regional Office 2 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401 (484) 250-5900 |
Pipeline Safety
Regional emergency responders and Township staff are well prepared for both natural and man-made emergencies. Upper Uwchlan Township has an Emergency Management Planning Commission (EMPC) and maintains a frequently updated all-hazards emergency operations plan. This link outlines the various emergency service organizations and emergency management agencies in the County, and their roles should a hazardous materials incident occur in Chester County.
Every year, first responders from our local fire companies and Chester County’s Hazardous Materials Response Team receive hazmat training to respond to incidents involving natural gas, natural gas liquids and many other types of hazards. They are trained and prepared to respond to a pipeline emergency and will direct people where to go (or stay) to be safe.
Pipeline safety tips for residents from PHMSA are at this link.
Answers to frequently asked questions about pipeline safety are at this link.
Sunoco Logistics Mariner East Pipeline Phase 2
Sunoco began work on this phase of the Mariner East pipeline in early 2017. This Sunoco Logistics fact sheet provides further information about the Mariner East project. To view a comprehensive overview and detailed Q&A sheet about Mariner East 1 and 2, visit the Chester County Pipeline Information website. Residents and interested members of the public can sign up to be notified of updates at www.upperuwchlan-pa.gov/NotifyMe. All pipeline updates related to this project are archived at the Sunoco Mariner East page.
Sunoco has provided the Township with this Operations and Safety Overview sheet.
Additional Resources
Chester County Pipeline Information Center
Penn State Extension - "Negotiating Pipeline Rights-of-Way in Pennsylvania"
PHMSA - Regulatory Fact Sheet: Pennsylvania
PHMSA - Pipelines in Pennsylvania
UUT/Chester County Department of Emergency Services - Community Awareness and Safety Presentation
Chester County Association of Township Officials - Pipelines 101 Presentation
Pipeline Safety Brochure - Info for Excavators, Farmers