U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick recently introduced a bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York, to modernize pipelines and improve emergency responses following a Sunoco pipeline leak in Upper Makefield Township, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

The bill was inspired by Washington Crossing’s Wojnovich family, for whom the bill is named, after their well was contaminated with over 12 feet of jet fuel.  

The bill would allocate $500 million in grants to upgrade and replace high-risk pipes “to facilitate the improved safety and modernization of hazardous liquid distribution infrastructure.” 

“Every page of this bill is shaped by what Upper Makefield families lived through,” said Fitzpatrick in the release, citing “the gaps in testing, the delays in information, the uncertainty about their water, and the absence of clear standards for communication and emergency response.” 

Along with requiring that sellers make prospective homeowners aware of pertinent information related to nearby pipelines, the bill also requires in-person tests of soil, air, and water by pipeline operators to monitor for leaks and failures. 

Other changes include updating the current online pipeline viewer, implementing penalties for leaks and failures, making improvements to response plans and alert systems, and providing reimbursements for cleanup costs.  

Read more about the new federal bill inspired by the Wojnovich family and how it will assist homeowners in The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

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