The integrity of our Mariner East 1 and Mariner East 2 pipelines has been verified in the last few months by the PUC and PHMSA through numerous tests and data collection along the routes. An example of this specific to the 12-inch section of pipeline temporarily being used for ME2 was cited in a November letter from the PUC to three school districts in which it was stated that “Sunoco’s integrity management programs and plans for the affected pipeline facilities have been reviewed and inspected by the PUC Pipeline Safety staff and PHMSA.” Additionally, the 12-inch section of pipeline went through a $30 million upgrade in 2016, as part of our ongoing Integrity Management Program that applies to all our pipelines. Moreover, the safety of ME2 was acknowledged in that same PUC letter which referenced the two hydrostatic integrity tests, multiple inspections, and strategic valve placement.

Specific to our public awareness materials, these were reviewed by the PUC as part of the stipulation for release to work in West Whiteland Township earlier this year. Based on the acceptance of these materials, we were released to work. Energy Transfer has a comprehensive, robust Public Awareness Program (PAP) that engages the community through a variety of communications methods, including targeted brochure delivery, face-to-face liaison meetings and specialized trainings.

All pipeline operators must develop and implement a written continuing public education program that follows the guidance provided in the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1162, which we have done and communicated with emergency response professionals along the line. We use the same wording as PHMSA in our public awareness mailers that go to all parties along the route, explaining how to identify and react to a pipeline emergency.