Jet fuel leak in Pennsylvania contaminates drinking water and prompts investigations
A jet fuel leak from Sunoco Pipeline’s Twin Oaks Pipeline in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, confirmed on January 31, 2025, has contaminated at least 38 private wells, prompting lawsuits and investigations. The leak, undetected for months, was first reported by residents in 2023.
Image credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, The Watchers. Acquired on May 1, 2025
Sunoco Pipeline L.P. confirmed a jet fuel leak in its Twin Oaks Pipeline in Upper Makefield Township’s Mt. Eyre Manor neighborhood, Bucks County, on January 31. Residents had reported unusual tastes and odors in their well water since 2023. The pipeline transports jet fuel from a terminal near Philadelphia to the Newark Terminal in New Jersey. Federal authorities suggested the leak may have persisted for up to 16 months before detection.
Kristine Wojnovich, a resident of Washington Crossing, first contacted Sunoco in 2023 after detecting an oily odor and taste in her water. Initial testing by the company found no fuel and attributed the issue to potential bacterial contamination. However, her well was later found to contain approximately 15 gallons of jet fuel, believed to have accumulated since September 2023. She is now suing Sunoco and plans to relocate.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed contamination in at least 38 private wells. Energy Transfer, Sunoco’s parent company, initially reported seven affected wells on January 31. Residents in the area rely on private wells for drinking and cooking water. Sunoco contractors continue daily skimming operations to remove fuel from the contaminated wells.
Sunoco excavated and repaired the affected pipeline section on February 2, allowing operations to resume shortly afterward. By May 1, Energy Transfer had distributed bottled water and installed 112 water filtration systems in affected homes at no cost. The company stated it remains committed to cleanup and long-term restoration efforts in the neighborhood.
The Pennsylvania DEP issued a Notice of Violation to Sunoco on February 18, followed by an enforcement order on March 6 requiring the company to provide clean water and implement a remediation plan. On May 2, the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a Consent Order mandating pressure reductions and additional testing. These measures are intended to address ongoing safety risks.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. This follows PHMSA data showing that Sunoco Pipeline reported more fuel spills in 2024 than any other U.S. pipeline operator. The investigation is focused on potential environmental violations related to the leak.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health released a fact sheet on February 27, outlining health risks from jet fuel exposure, including potential effects of its chemical components. Affected residents have filed lawsuits against Sunoco. A class-action lawsuit was filed by Daniel and Katherine La Hart on March 27, in addition to Wojnovich’s personal lawsuit.
Robert Hall, a former federal pipeline safety regulator, noted that a more proactive pipeline company might have identified the leak sooner. He described Sunoco as lagging in pipeline management compared to industry leaders. Energy Transfer did not address delays in detecting the leak in its statement.
References:
1 Residents say jet fuel leak in Pennsylvania went undetected for months, poisoned their drinking water- CBS News – May 14, 2025
2 PHMSA Consent Order and Agreement for Sunoco Pipeline, LP – Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration – May 2, 2025
3 PA attorney general investigates potential environmental crimes amid Sunoco pipeline leak – Philly Burbs Digest – March 14, 2025
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Yes, living in SE pa, Chester county, south of Bucks, I am surrounded by 4 pipelines, operated by 4 different companies, I/we have had many a morning of smelly air. You wake up, open the door, and the air smells just really wrong. Not mold, mulch, mildew, or rotten eggs. Its something else, like benzene, or some other chemical. Is it pipeline stink? Coming from the non dissipating airline chemtrails in the sky? Sadly, the chemical industry is in bed with the local politicians and the state, and the county commissioners. When you call the Chester County hazmat, or the pipeline company to complain, its always the same story.. not our pipes, or nobody else has complained, or “Not much we can do about it.” We have some of the worst air in SE pa. Gone are the sweet smell of grass and flowers.. Rather the stink of pipeline chemicals and lawn spray glop. Shameful. Hope Bucks sues for every nickel they can. EVERY NICKEL.
Thank you for your report.