Pipeline Company Planning Temporary Repair

The Buckeye Pipe Line Co. issued a statement noting current work to repair the gas leak that occurred in the pipeline is expected to be done sooner than previously expected.

However, that may be due to the company's plans to make a temporary repair—and to come back later for a more permanent replacement.   

"We are optimistic that we will be able to install a temporary repair sleeve and safely return the line to service sooner than previously announced," the company said. "Preparations are also underway for a permanent repair, which will be performed on a later date."

DEP Spokesman Larry Ragonese said the company pinpointed the location of the leak Monday, and the repair plans include removing the damaged section of the pipeline and replacing it.

The company said the pipeline, which carries about 140,000 gallons of refined petroleum from a distribution center in Linden to Macungie, Pa., daily, has been shutdown during the repairs. 

The company is working with the DEP to follow-up on the cleanup of the estimated 2,310 gallons of gasoline believed to have leaked from the pipeline. The DEP requested a "pump and treat" system to clean fluids in the vicinity of the leak be installed, Ragonese said.

He added Buckeye Pipe Line is contacting residents and businesses in the area to check on their water sources and supplies. The company has hired a Licensed Site Remediation Planner who will develop long-term plans for the area.

But one challenge stems from the area's existing problems with leaked gasoline: Ragonese said the DEP is already monitoring groundwater and gasoline in the vicinity that leaked from gas stations in the area in the past.

"Determining what might have come from this as compared to what might have come from the gas stations may be hard to tell," he said.

Regardless, he said the LSRP will develop a response aimed at taking care of any contaminants. 

"The folks over there deserve to have this taken care of," he said.

Ragonese added Buckeye Pipe Line has "shown great willingness to co-operate" with state and local officials on the cleanup.

Drivers have been facing a gauntlet of construction work at the intersection of Route 206 and New Amwell Road to remove soil contaminated. Currently, southbound traffic on Route 206 is detoured between New Amwell and Amwell road, but Ragonese said Buckeye expects to be able to open the road in time to reduce congestion for holiday travelers, then return in January for the complete repair.

This article was edited to update information on the work underway. 

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