Jet Fuel Pipeline Strike Triggers Hazmat Response in Upper Merion
A major hazmat operation unfolded in Upper Merion Township on Thursday afternoon after a third-party contractor struck a 14-inch jet fuel pipeline. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on River Road near the Insurance Auto Auction, forcing local authorities to initiate an emergency response that included a temporary shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area.
According to Upper Merion Police Chief Blaine Leis, the contractor was performing drilling work to install new electric towers when the pipeline was breached. The resulting leak sent jet fuel flowing across the Insurance Auto Auction property and into an adjacent quarry, creating a complex containment challenge for emergency responders.
That jet fuel was escaping out of the hole onto the parking lot, and then down across the property.
Chief Leis explained. He noted that because the fuel migrated into the bottom of the nearby quarry, officials were forced to shut down the facility’s water pumps to prevent the fuel from being moved further, leaving the product pooled at the bottom of the site.
Environmental Containment and Public Safety
The scale of the release is substantial. State Rep. Tim Briggs provided a preliminary estimate that approximately 60,000 gallons of jet fuel and kerosene were discharged during the incident. Given the nature of the spill’s location, the response required a significant mobilization of resources.
Crews from across Montgomery County were dispatched to the scene to assist, including the Lewis Environmental Group from Royersford. The lack of readily available fire hydrants in the immediate vicinity of the spill forced fire companies to lay extensive hose lines to deploy foam on the product, a necessary measure to suppress the volatile vapors and prevent ignition.
While the initial emergency triggered road closures along Route 23 between East 4th Street and B Street, township officials confirmed that the situation was brought under control by early evening. The shelter-in-place order was lifted by 5:19 p.m., with authorities declaring that there was no immediate threat to the community.
Utility Coordination and Ongoing Monitoring
The pipeline is owned by Sunoco, which took immediate action to shut down and isolate the damaged section once notified of the strike. PECO, the utility company for which the contractor was working, stated that no electric or natural gas customers have experienced service interruptions as a result of the incident.
The long-term environmental impact remains the primary focus for regulatory bodies now on-site. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established air monitoring stations to track quality levels in the vicinity.
While the immediate danger has passed, the site remains a restricted zone. Cleanup crews continue to work on the remediation of the fuel spill within the quarry and the auto auction property. Motorists and residents are encouraged to continue avoiding the River Road area while these specialized environmental teams finalize their operations.
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