Gamble Township, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Emergency Response Team today responded to the leak of a Sunoco pipeline carrying gasoline in Lycoming County. An estimated 55,000 gallons of gasoline leaked into a tributary of the Loyalsock Creek, as a result of flash floods and landslides due to heavy rainfall last night. The pipeline has been shut down since early this morning.
DEP personnel are on site working closely with staff from Sunoco and its consultant to remediate the effects of this spill. DEP has been working on emergency plans with the three north-central water systems potentially impacted by this spill.
• Shamokin Dam Borough has closed its intake as a precaution, and Aqua PA is amenable to an emergency interconnect to serve Shamokin Dam Borough if needed.
• The Sunbury Municipal Authority is currently using its Little Shamokin Creek source.
• PA American-Milton has notified its customers to conserve water and has asked commercial users to encourage usage reduction. An alternative source of water is insufficient to meet the full demand. PA American will close its intake as necessary, and is preparing for a potential interconnect, if needed.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be working with DEP’s Emergency Response program staff on a sampling plan in conjunction with the Sunoco contractors and consultant.
DEP is also working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for safe access to the pipeline break. The area is difficult for staff and equipment to reach. As the rain is predicted to continue, it may be later tonight or tomorrow before the water recedes and the break area can be found.
DEP will staff an incident command center at the Eldred Township Fire Hall.
Columbia Spy 