Pipeline Leaks Oil in Upper Makefield, Contaminating Wells
An oil pipeline has reportedly leaked oil in Upper Makefield, PA, as confirmed in a statement from Energy Transfer, the parent company of Sunoco, which operates the pipeline. The leak appears to have contaminated the private wells of people living in the area, tainting their drinking water. Anyone who lives in the area that believes their water has been tainted should avoid drinking it or using it, and should seek medical attention if they feel ill.
Oil Leak Confirmed in Washington Crossing
An oil leak was supposedly detected in the Sunoco Pipeline on Friday, January 31, which was confirmed by Energy Transfer the following day in a public statement. The leak was found after residents in Washington Crossing, an unincorporated village located in Upper Makefield Township, reported that their water smelled like gas. Testing found multiple private wells had been contaminated with fossil fuel products, with one well reportedly having 15 inches of kerosene inside of it.
The Dangers of the Contamination
The pipeline primarily carried jet fuel, which is a byproduct of crude oil that carries a number of potentially dangerous chemicals, including benzene, kerosene, paraffins, and xylenes. These chemicals can have a variety of negative effects on a person’s health, even in relatively small doses, and can also increase the risk of long-term health problems like cancer and kidney damage. Suffice it to say that these chemicals are extremely hazardous, and their presence in drinking water puts everyone exposed to these chemicals at risk.
Potential Causes of the Leak
While the origin and cause of the leak is under investigation, there are a few possible reasons the leak may have occurred. First, the pipeline was originally constructed in 1956, and it may be simply too old to be safely used at this point. Additionally, there is a question of whether Sunoco was performing the regular maintenance it was supposed to, which may have caused the pipeline to degrade faster than they realized.
What You Should Do
If you or someone you love is one of the residents living in the affected area, you should take any signs of a potential oil leak very seriously. Stop drinking your water if you notice any unusual smells, colors, or tastes, and seek immediate medical attention if you begin to feel ill after consuming potentially tainted water. You should also speak to a lawyer with experience handling environmental law matters, who can assist you with getting compensation for any harm you have suffered.
Williams Cedar is a law firm dedicated to helping clients with personal injury, environmental law, and civil rights cases. We specialize in assisting clients who have been injured due to exposure to environmental toxins, including veterans and their loved ones. If you need legal assistance due to toxic exposure or other related matters, please give us a call at our New Jersey and Pennsylvania offices at (215) 557-0099, or visit our contact page.