The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration executed a Consent Order and Agreement in early May with Sunoco Pipeline, L.P.
The order directed Sunoco to take or continue specific corrective actions following PHMSA’s investigation into a jet fuel leak on the Twin Oaks Pipeline in January in Upper Makefield, Pa. The order’s requirements apply to the entire 105-mile pipeline system to ensure that the conditions leading to the leak do not exist anywhere else, and the line can continue to operate safely.
“Safety is PHMSA’s top priority, and leaks – while rare – should not go unnoticed on a well-maintained pipeline,” said PHMSA Acting Administrator Ben Kochman. “Our investigation is ongoing, and multiple subject matter experts from our accident investigation and inspection teams are working to ensure we understand what went wrong and the necessary corrective actions are in place to ensure that this community will not experience a disruption like this again.”
HazSim Training Drill: Flammable Liquid Leak from a Pipe
Consistent with the results of PHMSA’s preliminary investigation, Sunoco is required to verify the integrity of every Type A sleeve installed on the Twin Oaks Pipeline. The sleeves were used to reinforce prior repairs to the pipeline, including at the location in Upper Makefield Township where the leak occurred.
Sunoco must submit to PHMSA a comprehensive plan for identifying, evaluating, and removing any Type-A sleeves whose integrity cannot be assured, as well as a technical justification for any Type-A sleeves that remain on the line and a plan to implement additional integrity management measures to minimize any risks associated with their continued use.
Also Read: DOT Asks Pipeline Companies to use Safety Systems
In addition, Sunoco is required to maintain a 20% operating pressure reduction on the pipeline that has been in place since the investigation. This reduction may not be lifted without PHMSA’s written approval.
Sunoco must also submit the results of mechanical and metallurgical testing, as well as a root cause failure analysis. Furthermore, Sunoco is required to evaluate and improve the effectiveness and capabilities of its leak detection system to ensure that any future leaks of this nature are identified immediately.
Original post – Copyright © 2025 HazmatNation.com. Externally linked references may hold their own independent copyright not assumed by HazmatNation
