Del-Chesco United slams ET/Sunoco over Mariner East II discharge into Marsh Creek Lake

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa A view of mud plume ejected into Marsh Creek Lake. Courtesy, Del-Chesco United. Environmental groups are asking for a state investigation of a release of mud and potentially other substances into Marsh Creek Lake Monday as part of construction work on the Mariner East II pipeline pipeline — although Energy Transfer/Sunoco, the company building the...

Disease of the week? COVID? Nah. Political stupidity.

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Maybe it is everyone is tired of being shut in, maybe it is just that time of year. But there seems to be a lot of stupid going around right now — not limited to one party (mostly, true, but not entirely). The broadest expression of stupid are those still claiming COVID-19 is some sort of hoax, or just another flu. Since last week’s column, more...

When it comes to the pipeline, what the heck is Wolf thinking?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times So here’s the thing: I can’t get a bottle of tequila, but somehow, Energy Transfer/Sunoco (ET/S) can keep on building Mariner East II and — based on numerous photos circulating on social media — is completely ignoring social distancing rules. I get there is a crisis on — so the margaritas can wait for a better day. But building a pipeline? It’s a priority. Wait,...

Gov. declared pipeline work “non life-sustaining” shuts it down; COVID-19 cases grow in Chesco

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Work on the Mariner East II Pipeline was halted Friday, after Gov. Tom Wolf declared that fell under the category of “non life sustaining” business, meaning it falls under the COVID-19 shutdown order. State Sen. Andy Dinniman — a long-time opponent of the pipeline project — hailed the decision on social media, Friday afternoon. “I thank everyone who joined...

Chesco agrees to provide Health Dept. services for Delco during COVID-19 crisis

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Chester County and Delaware County officials announce an agreement for Chesco to prive health department services for Delco during the COVID-19 crisis. COVID-19 has taken its first life in Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf said Wednesday — in Northampton County. Additionally, the state is reporting 185 cases, while Chester County is now reporting 10 cases within the...

Otten, Muth urge residents to voice opinion on proposed pipeline route changes

State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and state Sen. Katie Muth are taking steps this week to ensure that residents affected by a proposed route modification to the Mariner East Pipeline in Upper Uwchlan Township have every opportunity to make their voices heard. In the Dec. 14, 2019, PA Bulletin, DEP published notice of a 30-day public comment period on Energy Transfer/Sunoco’s proposed...

In wake of pipeline settlement, Dinniman says DEP fails to manage pipeline projects

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has fined a subsidiary of Energy Transfer Partners more than $30 million, but appears to have green-lit resumption of construction on various ETP pipeline projects including Mariner East II — leaving one local state legislator, state Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-19), expressing anger at the state’s inability...

DA files bribery, conspiracy charges against Energy Transfer employees over Pipeline security

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced the filing of criminal charges Tuesday against employees of Energy Transfer and contracted security firms for bribery, conspiracy, and related offenses regarding the Mariner East Pipeline. This is the second set of charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office related to Mariner East. In this case, the charges allege that Energy...

Welcoming FBI investigation, Dinniman says scrutiny of pipeline process long overdue

WEST CHESTER  – While news that the FBI is investigating how permits were issued for the Sunoco/ET Mariner East pipeline spread across Chester County, Pennsylvania, and the nation this week, for state Senator Andy Dinniman questions about the project and its permits are nothing new. In fact, Dinniman has been on the record in raising serious concerns about the safety and permitting of the controversial...

Setting the record straight on blame for the pipeline

Editor’s Note: Corrected the source of the mailers, which is Conservation Voters of PA By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times A popular trope on the Internet is “vote blue, no matter who.” As we’ve seen with the likes of Tulsi Gabbard (not to mention so many GOP examples it is impossible to list them all), blind party loyalty is a massive disservice to our country — and how too many elected...