The November elections just exploded here in Delaware County.
Well, sort of.
Actually, that was the reverberations from a methane gas pipeline explosion in western Pennsylvania rolling across the Commonwealth. It was heard loud and clear.
The explosion occurred in Beaver County, near Aliquippa, Pa. A home, two garages and several vehicles were destroyed by the resultant fireball.
Luckily, no injuries were reported.
The pipeline is operated by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners. They say the blast was a result of "earth movement," stemming from recent heavy rains.
ETP is the parent company of Sunoco Logistics, which is constructing the controversial Mariner East 2 pipeline that will crisscross the state, delivering hundreds of thousands of barrels of volatile gases every day from the state's Marcellus Shale regions to a facility in Marcus Hook.
In the process, it will traverse 11 miles of western Delaware County, and about 23 miles through the heart of Chester County. The route takes it past elementary schools, senior centers and libraries.
It has sparked fierce opposition in the community.
Naturally, opponents took note of the Aliquippa blast, pointing out it took place in a fairly rural area and wondering what might have happened if it had occurred in densely populated neighborhoods, much like the areas where the pipeline will travel here in the eastern part of the state.
It did not take long for the explosion in Aliquippa to be noted here in Delco.
Two Republican legislators quickly announced they were calling for an immediate halt to construction on the nearly completed Mariner East 2 project until Sunoco Logistics can properly investigate the blast in western Pa. and insure the safety of residents here.
State Rep. Chris Quinn, R-168 of Middletown, and Sen. Tom McGarrigle, R-26 of Springfield, both called for an immediate halt to construction.
“I believe that Energy Transfer Corp. should halt construction of the Mariner East 2 pipeline until the cause of the explosion of its pipeline in Beaver County is investigated, and the safety of our residents can be assured,” McGarrigle said.
“In addition to causing great concerns among residents in the early morning hours, the Beaver County blast destroyed one home, prompted the evacuation of up to 30 others, forced the cancellation of class at nearby schools, shut down an interstate highway, and caused power lines to fall on nearby roads,” McGarrigle said. “Although there have been no reported injuries, this was a significant incident.
“While we have highly skilled workers in our area, and this project is creating good jobs for them, everyone agrees that safety must come first. Therefore, I believe a pause in local pipeline work is the most prudent course of action,” McGarrigle said.
Quinn offered much the same words of caution.
“Today’s pipeline explosion in Beaver County was a graphic illustration of my worst fears – and the fears of many local residents – related to the construction of the Mariner East pipeline," the state rep said.
“While I am relieved to know that no injuries occurred, I also realize that this area of Beaver County is far less dense than the pipeline corridor in Delaware County. A similar incident in my district could be even more destructive and have a greater human toll.
“Therefore, I am calling for an immediate halt to all pipeline construction activities. This pipeline should not be built until the real and legitimate safety and environmental concerns raised by myself and local residents have been fully addressed.
“It is the responsibility of Sunoco Logistics and Energy Transfer Partners to prove that the tragedy that happened today in Beaver County – including the evacuation of residents and closure of a school – could never happen in our community. If they are unable to do so, then this pipeline should not be built. Public safety must be the top priority.”
Both Quinn and McGarrigle are running for re-election. Quinn is facing Democrat Kristin Seale. McGarrigle is opposed by the Democratic mayor of Swarthmore, Tim Kearney.
And the Democrats and pipeline foes wasted no time in pointing out that both men were early supporters of the project.
In fact, they blasted Quinn for his time on the Middletown board when the pipeline was initially given the green light. That gives them something in common with me. I have taken my fair share of abuse from pipeline foes who have accused me of being in the pocket of Sunoco. Actually, Quinn had already won the special election to succeed Rep. Tom Killion and had resigned his seat on the board. The measure to approve the ordinance that gave Sunoco the green light actually was approved by the board after Quinn left.
What I have said is that Mariner East 2 undoubtedly has the potential for a positive economic impact on the region. But I also have stressed the down side, the notion of having this thing in your back yard, and the one question no one seems to want to answer.
What if?
Well, a tiny version of 'What If' occurred yesterday in western Pennsylvania.
And it was heard loud and clear here in Delaware County.
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