WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) today executed a Consent Order and Agreement with Sunoco Pipeline, L.P., directing the operator to take or continue specific corrective actions following PHMSA’s investigation into a jet fuel leak on the Twin Oaks Pipeline in January 2025. The Consent 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. PHMSA remains committed to keeping the community informed as the conditions of the agreement are met and our investigation progresses.”
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.
In addition, Sunoco is required to maintain a 20 percent 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 complete and submit to PHMSA 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.
PHMSA’s investigation is ongoing. You may review the Consent Order and Agreement at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/news/phmsa-consent-order-and-agreement-sunoco-pipeline-lp.
SOURCE: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
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