PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection got mixed reactions during a virtual town hall Wednesday about a proposed pipeline expansion involving Bucks, Chester and Delaware counties.
Transcontinental Gas Pipeline, also known as Transco, applied for three permits with the DEP. The company cannot begin its 36-mile expansion of the pipeline without them.
The permits deal with water obstruction and any disturbances to land, specifically dealing with oil or gas. Transco said that part of the project won't disturb anything above the ground in Delaware County.
You can read specifics about the plan below.
"Pipelines are the safest, most reliable, and most efficient manner of transporting energy products,” said American Petroleum Institute Executive Director Stephanie Wissman.
“They transport the energy that people depend on every day to heat homes, generate electricity, cook food and much more."
A majority who attended Wednesday's virtual hearing agreed with her, asking the DEP to go ahead and issue the permits.
Supporters say they believe the expansion will lead to more jobs and lower energy costs.
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"We do not want to end up like Europe, dependent on energy from a dictatorial nation like Russia who at the flip of a switch can cut them off and freeze them out in the window, and have control over those sovereign nations,” said Keith Safford.
Some, like Christine Shelly, disputed some of those points.
"These pipelines do not create jobs for the citizens. A group comes in, they build what they need to build, and they leave,” Shelly said.
She and a handful of others are against giving Transco permits. They worry about how the pipeline may affect wildlife, waterways, and have safety concerns for the environment.
"The industry profits and economic benefits from this project would be short-term. The damage would be permanent,” Robin Mann said, sharing concerns about a pipeline spill.
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In August 2020, during construction of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline, a drilling fluid spill happened in Marsh Creek Lake. The spill contaminated wetlands, tributaries and part of the 535-acre lake in Downingtown.
"The climate is not warming, it's heating up,” Shelly added. “And our children will never forgive us."
The DEP is taking comments until Oct. 12 before they make their decision on the permits.
Click here for much more on the project from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.