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Energy Transfer just finished boring under Lincoln Highway and the Chester Valley Trail to install casing that will house new pipelines. That work caused sinkholes to open up. The sinkholes follow the construction path of the bore and did not expose any nearby pipelines in operation or create hazards in Lincoln Highway. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) have been on site to inspect the sinkholes.
The PUC continues to investigate whether there could be voids underground in that area that have not yet opened up as sinkholes. As part of the investigation, Energy Transfer conducted geophysical tests around the Chester Valley Trail (CVT) and found a void 30 feet underground, which is being filled. Until that work is complete, the CVT is closed near the intersection with Lincoln Highway.
Pipeline construction will continue in that area as Energy Transfer pulls the pipes into the casing. That work could take around 10 days to complete. During that time, Energy Transfer will continue to monitor 24/7 for signs of any more sinkholes.
West Whiteland Township does not own or regulate the impacted infrastructure or regulate the pipeline construction and therefore does not have jurisdiction to impose requirements. However, Township officials have urged the PUC to require further testing around the sinkholes to confirm the integrity of the operating pipelines, Lincoln Highway and the Chester Valley Trail. |
