Pa. seeks $2.4M from Sunoco over gas spill

Pennsylvania is seeking $2.4 million in civil penalties against Sunoco Logistics Partners for alleged Clean Streams Law violations related to a November 2008 spill of 12,000 gallons of gasoline near Pittsburgh.

The spill in Murrysville, Westmoreland County, killed virtually all the aquatic life in a three-mile stretch of Turtle Creek, according to a complaint filed Friday by the Department of Environmental Protection with the Environmental Hearing Board.

The DEP said a valve in the company's eight-inch pipeline ruptured shortly after a maintenance crew worked at the site, near a strip mall on Route 22.

The rupture unleashed a 20- to 30-foot geyser of gasoline.

"Gasoline rained down onto and into nearby businesses, parking lots, and the surrounding soils and surfaces," the legal action stated. A restaurant in the mall was closed for a month because of the odor.

The Philadelphia company made a cleanup effort, but delayed installing a continuous pumping system regulators had recommended, so contaminants continued to leach into Turtle Creek until 2010.

Regulators also found gasoline or its constituent chemicals in groundwater near the site as late as June.

Sunoco spokesman Jeffrey Shields said in a statement that the company disputed the DEP's allegations as well as its characterization of the events.

"Sunoco Logistics acted quickly, aggressively, and responsibly during this event, with human health, safety, and protection of the environment our top priorities at all times," he said.

"We look forward to the opportunity to respond to the complaint before the Environmental Hearing Board at the appropriate time."

The company has already paid $232,900 to the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and $99,000 to the state Fish and Boat Commission to settle violations related to the spill.

Sunoco Logistics is represented by Bala Cynwyd lawyer Marc E. Gold of Manko, Gold & Katcher L.L.P.