Private wells of the residents of a Bucks County residential neighborhood have been contaminated by a leak from an interstate pipeline transporting jet fuel from Delaware County, PA to Newark, NJ. A resident detected a fuel smell in their drinking water over two years ago, and the leak was acknowledged one year prior to the circulation of this cosponsorship memorandum.

Federal and state agencies and local government officials, and the corporate operator of the pipeline have responded to the leak. However, in the absence of statutory timeline, guidance and cleanup requirements, much of the contaminated fuel remains in the ground and the water and soil have not been fully remediated and restored.

 

At present, Pennsylvania has two primary cleanup statutes: the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA), and the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (better known as Act 2).However, neither HSCA nor Act 2 were designed to address active spills, pipeline leaks, or emergency situations where contamination poses an immediate threat to residents.

 

These gaps in cleanup standards undermine public confidence, threaten public health and delay protection for our residents.

 

That’s why I intend to introduce the Pennsylvania Environmental Cleanup and Responsibility Act (ECRA), which would address active discharges and immediate threats to human health and the environment.

 

The bill would require immediate action when hazardous substances are released, including mandatory containment, investigation, and cleanup. Further, the bill would hold polluters accountable through strict and joint-and-several liability, and would ensure that responsible parties - not taxpayers - pay for the cleanup. No Pennsylvanian should have to wonder whether their drinking water is safe long after the cleanup should have been completed.

I respectfully ask you to join me as a co-sponsor of this important legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s ability to respond decisively to environmental emergencies, protect public health, and restore confidence that our laws put residents first.