Norristown, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued an administrative order to Monroe Energy’s MIPC, LLC to begin an interim cleanup plan and thorough investigation at its Chelsea Pipeline Station and Tank Farm in Aston, Bethel, and Upper Chichester townships, Delaware County, as a result of a discovered gasoline leak. In addition, MIPC must provide bottled water to surrounding residents who utilize private drinking water wells until the extent of contamination is determined.
“DEP believes this order is necessary to hold MIPC responsible to clean up the contamination and ensure residents have safe drinking water,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Swift action by the company is necessary to fully investigate the extent of damage and address the community’s needs.”
The administrative order will require MIPC to perform remediation in accordance with the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act (Act 2 of 1995). Beginning stages involve creating an interim remedial response action plan, which entails early cleanup measures to reduce immediate risks to community members or the environment until a long-term remedy is selected and implemented.
In addition to providing bottled water to private well owners, other actions under the administrative order include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Identify residents with private supply wells within 1,000 feet of the western side of the facility in Bethel, Upper Chichester, and Aston Townships.
- Sample private supply wells for PA Short List Gasoline Compounds.
- Submit a vapor intrusion evaluation plan for potential subsurface vapors near homes.
- Submit an enforceable schedule for completing its environmental investigations and a remedial action plan to address the impacts of the leak.
- Submit a Public Involvement Plan (PIP), which is an agreed upon communications plan between the townships, MIPC, community members, and DEP to keep the public informed on significant project activities and next steps.
DEP learned from MIPC on December 17, 2025, that gasoline that leaked from a tank within its property in August 2025 may have released up to 9,000 barrels of fuel, equivalent to 378,000 gallons.
The operation and maintenance of the above ground storage tanks and associated pipeline systems at Chelsea Pipeline Station and Tank Farm are regulated by the federal government through the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA).
The investigation in August included DEP issuing an approval for a temporary water treatment system and discharge permit to aid in the investigation. MCIP reported no offsite impacts.
MIPC’s performed internal investigations from September through November with no reporting of significant product discovered. However, on December 5, 2025, MIPC reported to the National Response Center (NRC) that the amount of gasoline released may be significant and was impacting soil and groundwater. According to PHMSA, MIPC stated that the source of the leak was from a 1/4-inch hole at the bottom of a tank.
MIPC is currently reporting no known offsite impacts and has been inspecting the unnamed tributary to Marcus Hook Creek. No gasoline has been observed in the tributary. Additionally, four water wells have been tested in the vicinity of Chelsea Pipeline Station and Tank Farm and no impacts have been documented.
The administrative order will ensure Monroe Energy’s MIPC is held accountable for this release and enters into Act 2. Cleanup efforts remain in effect until the community’s health and safety is assured.
To report an environmental concern, please call DEP at 1-800-541-2050.
# # #