It’s almost done.
Major work on a fuel pipeline improvement project in Upper Makefield has already finished and now site restoration, including road paving and taking care of residents’ properties impacted by the construction activity, is scheduled to wrap up by the end of July.
That’s according to Joseph Massaro, a representative for Energy Transfer, a midstream energy company that has conducted construction on the Sunoco Pipeline Project.
Massaro provided the Upper Makefield Township Board of Supervisors with the update at a June 6 public meeting.
“We’re at the tail-end of the project,” Massaro said.
One notable outstanding item is the repaving of Oakdale Avenue. Roadside rutting repair will also be part of the effort. All that is in line to conclude by July’s end, Massaro said.
The rest of the site restoration is tracking to finish by the end of June. Rock has already been removed from the site, while topsoil spreading and grading is happening. Other initiatives include laying sod and re-installing an irrigation system at a property affected by the pipeline project, as well as other landscaping.
“They are obligated to stay until the landscaping restoration has reached 70% regrowth,” said Upper Makefield Township Manager Dave Nyman.
The reason for the project was to replace part of an existing pipeline that’s capable of carrying 4,200 gallons of fuel per hour. The line runs through part of Upper Makefield and beneath the Delaware River into New Jersey.
Project officials have said that the pipeline in place before construction dates to the 1950s and was in need of replacing, as temporary repairs that have been made are insufficient for the long-term integrity of the line.
The new pipe is about 14 inches in diameter. Fuel running through it could include gas, jet fuel, diesel, and home heating oil. The testimony at public hearings on the project last year was that the line, which terminates in Newark, N.J., would often carry jet fuel. Newark is home to a large airport.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
