UPPER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Air and water are being closely monitored in Upper Merion Township as the cleanup continues days after tens of thousands of gallons of jet fuel spilled from an Energy Transfer pipeline last Friday afternoon.
Residents have reported noxious smells in the area. A joint statement from Energy Transfer, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the US EPA said that no unsafe levels had been detected as of Sunday.
"Air quality instruments are monitoring contaminants of concern, including benzene, to protect workers and the nearby community," the trio, calling themselves 'Unified Command,' shared over the weekend. "To date, monitors have not detected contaminants of concern above health-based safety levels.At this time, there remains no threat to public drinking water sources or the Schuylkill River."
Previous coverage: 60,000 Gallons Of Jet Fuel Spill From Sunoco Pipeline In Upper Merion
The spill occurred when the underground pipeline, Energy Transfer's 14 inch Twin Oaks-Newark pipeline, was struck by a utility work crew on East 4th Street (River Road) and Coates Street.
The same pipeline was discovered to be leaking massive amounts of jet fuel in Bucks County in Jan. 2025.
Critics say there are questions that still need to be answered.
"Presumably, that means the shut off valves were shut, but how long did the jet fuel continue to leak out from that section of breached pipe?" Food and Water Watch's Ginny Marcille-Kerslake questioned State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti.
Details on what security precautions were in place against a utility crew accident, and what may have gone wrong on Friday afternoon, have not been addressed by authorities.
The pipeline remains shut down as the cleanup continues.
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