Energy Transfer has developed a number of additional resources to help Mt. Eyre residents navigate the process of water testing and carbon filtration systems. We are sending detailed information to eligible residents about the Point of Entry Treatment (POET) systems, also referred to as carbon filtration systems. Energy Transfer is offering to install a POET system for homes in the Mt. Eyre neighborhood that are located within the topographic watershed where the release took place, as well as an additional buffer area, as determined conservatively, regardless of test results, with the guidance of third-party environmental consultants. This area is referred to as the “Investigation Area.” These residents will receive: a summary and plan outlining the POET systems and how they work, along with a diagram of a sample system; Energy Transfer’s offer related to installation and reimbursement; and the process for eligible residents to request a POET system. More information will also be added to our incident website.
We have also developed a guide entitled “Understanding Your Sample Results,” which is now being included with test results when sent to residents. It will also be available on our incident website under Additional Resources.
As of 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, our third-party environmental consultants have performed 245 water tests in the neighborhood, which now includes a number of second-round tests. We have received results for 156 of those. Of the 156, the number with hydrocarbons present above statewide health standards remains at 6. We have 18 first-round and 28 second-round water tests scheduled (or in the process of being scheduled).
We are working on the site investigation and characterization under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). We completed downhole geophysics at two sites and are beginning geophysical surface resistivity testing, as well as soil gas testing, throughout the neighborhood to better understand the geology and groundwater flow. The resistivity testing is done using long cables that use electrically resistive signals to locate the bedrock and its fractures below the surface. The passive soil gas survey will also help delineate the subsurface hydrocarbon-impacted area and groundwater flow. The DEP continues to provide environmental oversight on all of these activities and we are working with the agency on our Act 2 remediation plan. Based on all of our efforts to date, we continue to narrow the potential area of impact. We have now begun the process of performing a second round of tests for properties within the narrowed impact area.
The next public meeting is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. next Thursday, Feb. 27, at Sol Feinstone Elementary School (1090 Eagle Road., Newtown, PA 18940). Please find Energy Transfer’s full presentation from the Feb. 13 meeting on our incident website. We continue to add resources and update the information and FAQs on this site. As a reminder, our local community support center (1798 Dolington Road, Yardley, PA) is now staffed during normal business hours and is available as an additional resource for residents.
As we continue to investigate previously repaired locations along the pipeline, under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA’s) oversight, to date we have found no evidence of other leaks. PHMSA continues to oversee all of our pipeline operations and integrity work.