UPPER MAKEFIELD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Residents of Upper Makefield Township are raising alarms over a pipeline leak involving jet fuel, demanding immediate answers and accountability from Sunoco and Energy Transfer. The situation has escalated as community members express frustration over what they describe as negligence impacting their health and rights.
"Every day they don't shut down the pipeline, they're violating the civil rights of the people," stated Priscilla Linden, a resident of Washington Crossing, highlighting the urgency of the issue. While the leak was confirmed at the end of January 2025, Linden and other residents believe they had suspicions about the leak dating back to 2023, with the contamination reportedly originating from the Mt. Eyre community.
On March 11, 2025, Energy Transfer announced it would halt public question-and-answer sessions due to indications of potential legal action from residents. Instead, the company indicated it would engage with the community through more individualized communication efforts, including direct presentations to residents and officials. "While we can't get down to Q&A here, our commitment to communicate will continue. It just will have to change slightly," said Joe McGinn, Energy Transfer's Vice President of Public Affairs.
Following directives from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the company has initiated measures to provide clean water to affected residents, evaluate soil conditions, and install filtration systems within homes. These proactive steps, they claim, were part of their commitment to community safety. Yet, residents remain skeptical. Natalia Miranda, also from Washington Crossing and part of the community task force formed in response to the leak, asserted, "This wasn't done because Sunoco was trying to do the right thing or protect us. It was in response to our constant demands." The question of timing and genuine responsibility looms large among the community.
Residents have voiced concerns about the lack of transparency associated with the leak, particularly over the scale of the situation. "We haven't been told the size of the leak, how much product was lost," expressed Naomi Robinson, another concerned resident. Robinson emphasized the importance of this information for their well-being. "The reason why this is important is because of our health. Sure, financial worries are there, but that's not the big picture. We're worried about our drinking water, our air, our soil. We're not getting information about how much has leaked, where the plume is, or which direction it's going," added Miranda.
On its part, Energy Transfer reported recovering 65 gallons of fuel from the site, but the full extent of the leakage remains unclear, leaving many residents worried about long-term impacts. McGinn mentioned, "There's some answers... we will be here," but the public remains uncertain about the company's commitment.
The situation has drawn attention from governmental authorities, with Bucks County's First Assistant District Attorney Edward Louka confirming on March 11, 2025, the office’s contact with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Unit to investigate the matter. "I would like a promise from the government organizations to hold Sunoco accountable and take action to protect us, not just now but in the future," said Miranda, articulately voicing the sentiments of her fellow community members.
With government representatives now involved, the outcry from residents has become more pronounced as they demand protections against future contamination incidents. Concerns over safety regulations and the adequacy of response from Energy Transfer will likely remain hot topics at local discussions as the community seeks justice and explains its fears.
Upper Makefield Township residents are facing not just safety concerns but the very essence of their autonomy, which they perceive as being compromised by corporate negligence. With legal avenues being explored and state agencies stepping up, the coming weeks will be pivotal for the residents as they seek not only answers but also lasting protections for their families and their environment.