Continuing Coverage: Mariner East 2 Pipeline

 Sunoco’s cross-state Mariner East pipeline project has been beset by problems since it began, and those problems — drilling spills, regulatory violations, safety concerns and public opposition — drove an ongoing saga in 2018.

StateImpact Pennsylvania newscasts kept the public informed, following the project’s path through shutdowns, green lights and eventual completion.

When the line was scheduled to open in September (a deadline it eventually missed), StateImpact Pennsylvania produced three radio features that went deeper to address public concern about what could happen if natural gas liquids were to leak, the science of why people are scared of pipelines, and why pipelines that carry highly volatile NGLs can be built so close to homes and schools.

Stories in this entry are:

Feb. 8 newscast — Sunoco to resume work, pay $12.6 million for Mariner East 2 pipeline violations

March 7 newscast — PUC shuts down Mariner East 1 pipeline, citing public safety concerns raised by sinkholes

April 24 newscast — Following spills, DEP stops Mariner East 2 work at Delaware County site

May 2 newscast — PUC allows restart of Mariner East 1 after inspection

May 24 newscast — Mariner East construction, operation halted again in Chester County

June 14 newscast — PUC rules on Mariner East 1 & 2

Aug. 6 newscast — Pa. fines Sunoco for damaging private wells

Sept. 25-27 — Features:

• First responders near pipeline prep for an unlikely event: ‘One hell of a boom’
• We’re wired to be wary of certain things. Here’s why pipelines are among them
• Yes, they can build a pipeline near your house — no approval needed

Dec. 11 newscast — PUC administrative law judge decides on Mariner East 2

Dec. 19 newscast — Criminal investigation launched into Mariner East 2 construction

Dec. 31 newscast — Mariner East 2 pipeline goes into service